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Dining Assistant Jobs in Amherst, MA (NOW HIRING)

Amherst College

Casual Dining Assistant

Amherst, MA · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

The Casual Dining Assistant supports the efforts of Amherst College Dining Services by providing the campus community with an excellent service experience in our dining facility. This position ...

Oriol Health Care

Dining Services Associates FT

Holden, MA · On-site

$16 - $19.12/hr

Assemble and deliver floor supplies. * Assist in tray assembly and deliver carts to nursing or dining areas. * General cleaning as scheduled. * Properly put away all deliveries of food and supplies

HallKeen Management

Dining Room Wait Staff

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

... Assist new Residents by familiarizing them with the menus, seating, dining options and hours. • Be understanding with and compassionate to the challenges of aging that residents, families and/or ...

Sage Dining

Catering Assistant On-Call

Easthampton, MA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

Provide a professional and respectful tone to catered functions. * Assist in efficiently and ... Restock and replenish serving lines and stations to ensure our guest enjoy an exquisite dining ...

Amherst College

Dining Hall Supervisor

Amherst, MA · On-site

$25.85 - $28/hr

Maintain the accuracy of schedules * Assist the Manager of Dining Services with staff training and hiring Operations * Provide operational supervision, both directly and in conjunction with the ...

Senior Living Residences

Dishwasher [dining]

Westfield, MA · On-site

$15.25 - $15.75/hr

Maintain a clean dining environment by cleaning kitchen counters and storeroom, mopping floors, and ... Punctuality & reliability - Our residents rely on us to assist them with their daily living ...

Senior Living Residences

Cook [dining]

Westfield, MA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Cook Westfield, Massachusetts Armbrook Village's caring and compassionate Dining team members ... Punctuality & reliability - Our residents rely on us to assist them with their daily living ...

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Dining Assistant information

See Amherst, MA salary details

$7

$18

$40

How much do dining assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for dining assistant in Amherst, MA is $18.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dining assistant?

Dining assistants are professionals who support the serving of food and beverages in settings like care homes, hospitals, schools, and restaurants. Their role typically includes setting up dining areas, helping with meal service, assisting individuals who need help eating, and maintaining cleanliness. They play a key part in ensuring meal times are enjoyable and efficient, especially for people who may require additional support. Dining assistants also follow hygiene and safety regulations to ensure a safe dining environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dining assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dining Assistant, you need basic food service knowledge, attention to hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety protocols, and sometimes a food handler certification is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and a friendly demeanor help create a positive dining experience for guests. These skills ensure efficient service, safety compliance, and customer satisfaction in busy dining environments.

What are some common challenges faced by dining assistants, and how can they be effectively managed?

Dining Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and effective communication are essential. Common challenges include managing multiple tables during busy meal times, handling special dietary needs, and ensuring customer satisfaction under time constraints. To manage these challenges effectively, it's important to stay organized, prioritize tasks, and maintain a positive attitude even during high-pressure periods. Collaborating closely with kitchen staff and fellow servers also helps ensure smooth service and a supportive team environment.

What is the difference between Dining Assistant vs Food Service Worker?

AspectDining AssistantFood Service Worker
CredentialsMay require food safety certification or trainingOften requires food handler's permit or certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, senior living facilities, cafeteriasRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Job DutiesAssisting diners, setting tables, serving food, cleaningPreparing, serving, and cleaning up food in various settings

Both roles involve food service and may require similar certifications, but Dining Assistants typically focus on supporting dining experiences in institutional settings, while Food Service Workers often work in restaurants or catering. The roles overlap in customer service and food handling, but their work environments and specific duties differ.

What cities near Amherst, MA are hiring for Dining Assistant jobs?

Cities near Amherst, MA with the most Dining Assistant job openings:

Dining Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dining Assistant job openings in Amherst, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,980 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Casual Dining Assistant

Amherst College

Amherst, MA • On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago

Amherst College rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.
Job Description:
Amherst College invites applications for the Casual Dining Assistant position. The position is casual with periods of reduced or no hours during college breaks and summer, non-benefitted, part-time.
The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $16.50-17.00.
The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations.
The Casual Dining Assistant supports the efforts of Amherst College Dining Services by providing the campus community with an excellent service experience in our dining facility. This position supports the execution of food and beverage services in the Valentine Dining Hall to include serving, refilling, stocking, cleaning and sanitizing, washing, and always ensuring a safe work environment for employees and guests. This position involves direct customer service and constant interaction with the campus community, requiring oneself to always present in a kind, welcoming, professional, approachable, and supportive manner.
The work schedule varies and corresponds to the College's operational needs. At times, this position may be asked to assist with evening production in student dining or assist with catering and campus-wide events at any time. As our work is central to student life, their needs occur at a variety of times throughout the day, week, and year and in such, a flexible schedule with extended shift times is sometimes required. In addition, the position is designated as providing essential services and should report to work or remain on duty even though the College is closed.
Pay Rate: $16.50-$17.00 | Hours: Vary | Essential Reporting Personnel
Summary of Responsibilities:
  • Move, serve, stock, finish, and refill food, beverages, and related items
  • Ensure that plating and portion size standards are followed
  • Clean, sanitize, organize, and maintain dining hall surfaces, fixtures, and equipment
  • Maintain College operational standards and Health Department regulations
  • Ensure all areas are maintained in an orderly, clean, and sanitary manner
  • Set up food items prior to and during meals, meeting established standards, and manage the rotation of goods to ensure the highest quality
  • Perform work in a safe and efficient manner; ensure operational organization before, during, and after service
  • Ensure that equipment used is in sound, working order; tools used are properly cared for and stored
  • Communicate operational needs and concerns effectively and proactively
  • Maintain a commitment to the quality of our resources and work to prevent loss and eliminate waste
  • Promote our standards of quality and service and the safety of our work environment
  • Sort, wash, and restock service wares, dishware, glassware, and silverware used in dining service according to college standards
  • Other responsibilities performed as requested or assigned

Qualifications:
Required
  • Positive attitude and passion for delivering excellent customer service
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
  • Ability to see, taste, feel, smell, and describe foods and beverages
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment
  • Stamina and physical ability to stand and walk for long periods of time
  • Ability to frequently stoop, bend, reach, twist, and lift items up to 50 pounds independently and over 50 pounds with assistance
  • Ability to maneuver a cart through pushing and pulling
  • Ability to perform repetitive motion
  • Work in a food service environment with variable environmental conditions and near or with cooking equipment that produces heat and cold as well as steam, vapor, and odors related to foods
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including reporting to work or remain on duty even when the College is closed
  • Attention to detail and quality standards
  • Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test
  • Successful completion of required reference and background checks

Preferred
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Previous food service experience
  • Allergen Awareness as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification or Greater

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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