KU Dining Cook
About The Position
KU Dining is seeking multiple full-time Residential Cooks to support daily culinary operations across various stations including AM Cook, Midday Cook, PM Cook, Grill Cook, Pizza Cook, and Prep Cook. These roles are essential for maintaining high standards of food preparation and safety within our dining facilities at Ekdahl Dining Center (Mrs. E’s), North College Café, and South Dining Commons. Cooks are responsible for preparing both hot and cold menu items according to standardized recipes, ensuring workstations are clean and organized, and adhering to all HACCP and ServSafe food safety standards. Depending on the specific station, duties may involve grilling, prepping ingredients, restocking service lines, baking pizzas, operating commercial kitchen equipment, and providing support during busy meal periods. This position offers a fast-paced, team-oriented environment for individuals who value consistency, collaboration, and quality in their work. KU Dining is committed to providing a strong work-life balance, reliable schedules, and opportunities for skill and career growth within a collaborative atmosphere.
Requirements
- High School diploma or GED.
- At least one year of food service preparation experience.
- At least two years of experience in a high-volume, commercial kitchen.
- Strong culinary knowledge, quality control, teamwork, communication, and sound decision-making.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience in a college or institutional dining environment.
- ServSafe certification.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook hot and cold menu items following standardized recipes.
- Operate grills, ovens, pizza equipment, and other commercial kitchen tools depending on assignment.
- Assemble meals and restock items to support continuous service.
- Follow HACCP, ServSafe, and KU Dining food safety standards.
- Ensure proper storage, labeling, and temperature control of all food items.
- Maintain a clean workstation using a "clean as you go" approach.
- Work closely with coworkers to support smooth service during peak periods.
- Assist in other areas when needed to ensure operational success.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.
- Provide friendly, professional service to students and guests.
- Help maintain a welcoming dining environment.
- Adhere to University and KU Memorial Union policies and procedures.
- Support the KU Memorial Unions’ lines of effort, initiatives, and End State as described by the Executive Director, and work to achieve and uphold the department’s mission and core values: community, dignity, empowerment, excellence, innovation, and safety.
- Follow the 7 Team Principles: competence, creating a cohesive team through mutual trust, creating shared understanding, setting clear leader intent, written/verbal communication, disciplined initiative, and risk management.
- Demonstrate a positive, solution-oriented attitude in performing job responsibilities and collaborating with colleagues to foster a respectful and productive work environment.
- Always exhibit professional decorum while representing the KU Memorial Unions and the University.
Benefits
- Generous paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Highly competitive retirement plan with 7.5% employer match
- Two months of paid parental leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Meal benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
