Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

Who we are:

Swarthmore Dining is a self-operated dining program which consists of Residential Dining, Catering, and three Retail Locations. We are proud to offer our students, faculty, and staff a diverse menu made from high quality ingredients which are sourced locally whenever possible. We are a team of 110 individuals who come from various backgrounds and ethnicity. If you are passionate about food and have great customer service, this is the place you want to work! We pride ourselves in offering our team a work-life balance not typically found in the restaurant industry. We hope you will join our team and work in our Dining Center’s state of the art, all electric kitchen as well as one of our other many positions across the campus.

The Opportunity:

The Culinary Associate will work in any of the following stations depending on the schedule or need of the department roles: Cook, Pizza Cook, Commissary or Baker.

We have both 9-month and 12-month opportunities. All 9-month positions are expected to work between the months of August and May, but will have benefits for 12 months.

The essential responsibilities for the Culinary Associate include, but are not limited to:

• Ensure the timely meal production for a college dining program under the direction of the Executive Chef or Sous Chef.
• Prep ingredients and cook or bake menu items according to standard recipes.
• Ensure that food production meets the departmental standards of quality, taste, creativity, presentation, and variety.
• Assisting with the execution of menu items, food safety, and the proper sanitation of all kitchen equipment.

What You Bring:

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 2 years of cook experience in a high-volume food establishment or completion of a culinary vocational training program.
• Excellent culinary knife skills.
• Recipe scaling for multiple batch sizes.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to read and follow recipes and communicate clearly.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Ability to carry and lift objects weighing up 25-40 lbs.
• Ability to carry heavy objects in close quarters. Ability to carry objects for a long period of time.
• Ability to perform kneeling, bending, squatting and reaching motions for extended times.
• Standing on a hard surface for extended periods of time.
• Involves repetitive motion.
• Fast paced, high volume environment.
• Seven-day operation, including nights and weekends.
• Must be able to adapt to ever-changing demands of college Swarthmore Dining .
• Must work in inclement and severe weather conditions.
• Could be a noisy environment.
• Floors could be wet, non-slip shoes required.
• Temperature changes: variations in temperature, which are sufficiently marked and abrupt to cause noticeable bodily reactions.
• Interact with heated equipment, steam, and other at risk conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Culinary program certificate.
• 3-5 years of experience in high volume food establishment.
• Serv-safe certification.
• Food Allergen knowledge/certification.
• Valid PA driver's license.

What You Will Get:

As a member of the Swarthmore Dining department, you will be working in an environment that requires outstanding customer service, interacting and effectively communicating with customers who vary between residential students, faculty, staff, co-workers, and supervisors. You will work effectively, both independently and as a team member of the Dining Center. Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, having a passion for food, enjoying being part of an energetic team and the opportunity to make a difference in the student’s dining experience on Swarthmore’s campus.

If you are excited about this role, we want to hear from you!

PA Criminal Required

Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.

Review the Swarthmore Benefits Guidebook. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

Tuition Grant Program

Paid Time Off (Staff) 

Holiday Schedule

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.