Careers at UMass Amherst

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary 

Supervises and participates in the operation of a retail area, including ordering, receiving, pricing, stocking of and selling merchandise; uses a cash register; supervises subordinate employees in the retail area using operational schedules and guidelines.  

Essential Functions 

• Confirms operating fund balance daily.  Makes daily cash report and deposit using established forms and procedures to ensure accurate records and security of monies. 
• Determines inventory and pricing for food cost control and places orders, directly from vendors or via Food Pro. 
• Routinely inventories stock each month. 
• Plans and serves at special events. 
• Performs staffing, training and evaluation of classified personnel; schedules, hires, trains and evaluates student employees and departmental assistants. 
• Ensures cleanliness of the retail area to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers and meet sanitation requirements. Ensures all refrigeration and freezer temperatures are maintained. 
• Maintains security awareness to prevent pilferage, reporting problems or suspicions to unit manager. 
• Develops marketing plans and implements promotions for retail location. 
• Prepares and cooks food items in small or large quantities according to standard operating procedure to fill customer orders in a timely fashion. 

Other Functions 

Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) 

• At least 2 years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in food service workor a diploma or certificate from a recognized trade, technical or vocational school at a high school level or higher with a major in home economics, culinary arts, food service, food trades, or a related field.  
• Incumbents must be certified as food handlers within six months of the appointment start date through a recognized program approved by the University of Massachusetts (i.e. ServSafe). 
• Ability to understand and apply the laws rules policies and procedures governing the food service department. 
• Ability to judge the proper quality, appearance and condition of foods by sensory observation. 
• Ability to follow and give oral and written instructions in a precise and understandable manner. 
• Ability to supervise, including assigning work, providing training and disciplining employees. 
• Ability to deal tactfully with others. 
• Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures followed in food handling and storage. 
• Knowledge of the effects of time, temperature and weather conditions on food. 
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population. 
• Ability to make mathematical and monetary computations accurately and with reasonable speed. 

Physical Demands/Working Conditions 

• Requires the ability to balance, carry, push, pull, stand, bend, reach, twist, lift and perform repetitive movements. 

Additional Details

This position is designated as essential personnel. 

Work Schedule 

• Varies depends on department needs, may include weekends and holidays. 
• 35 weeks minimum; 40 hours per week. 

Salary Information 

•  AFSCME Non-Exempt Grade 12. 

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Please complete online application and provide contact information for three (3) professional references. 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.