Departmental Assistant (Pot Washer) - Spring 2026

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

The Pot Washer (Departmental Assistant) performs routine manual and domestic job duties in a food service operation including pot washing, dish washing, and cleaning.

Essential Functions

• Washes pots and pans using either manual or mechanical means.
• Cleans utensils and dishes by scraping and hand and machine washing.
• Cleans food service area equipment, counters, floors, food carts, trays, and furniture.
• Transports food to and from storage areas, loads food carts and transports food to serving areas.
• Prepares coffee.
• Operates kitchen equipment.
• Separates and removes trash and garbage and places them in designated containers.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Basic knowledge of approved sanitary methods and procedures for the care and use of kitchen, dining room and food service equipment.
• Ability and stamina to perform manual tasks including standing for long periods of time, lifting and carrying heavy objects, and working under conditions of seasonal high and low temperatures.
• Ability to follow simple oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish rapport, maintain harmonious working relationships and deal effectively with customers and agency personnel from varied backgrounds.
• Ability to work varied shifts and irregular hours including weekends, holidays and nights.
• Ability to work under exposure to the hazards of wet and slippery floors and sharp surfaces.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

This position requires the ability to balance, carry, pull, push, stand, bend, reach, twist, lift, and perform repetitive movements.

Additional Details

This position will be within any of the Auxiliary Enterprises locations such as Berkshire Dining Hall, Hampshire Dining Hall, Franklin Dining Hall, Worcester Dining Hall, Blue Wall Cafe, and other Auxiliary Enterprises Cafes.

Work Schedule

• Shift will vary based on location and department needs; may include weekends and holidays.
• This is a temporary, non-benefited position.

Salary Information

$15.00 - $19.00 per hour.

Special Instructions to Applicants

In addition to completing the application, applicants should provide three professional references.

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