Cook

About Rice:
Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name -- RICE -- Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Cook prepares a variety of foods in accordance with menu instructions and standardized recipes. This role ensures that proper food standards are maintained in the areas of quality, sanitation, and appearance. The Cook maintains a clean work area and assists with general kitchen cleaning. In addition to core responsibilities, the Cook must be proficient in all standard stations. The position may also involve providing direction and assistance to visitors and occasionally leading other attendants, students, or event staff.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate has experience working in a team environment and related experience preferably in a commercial kitchen environment. He/She should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment managing multiple tasks.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at their assigned location at Rice University Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

This role is classified as an Essential On-Campus Position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions. During emergencies or crises, the employee is required to report to campus as directed to ensure continuity of critical operations and must remain accessible to leadership to fulfill responsibilities necessary for maintaining institutional functions.

Physical Demands: LIGHT WORK: Exert up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally. Requires walking or standing for up to 8 hours per day. Other physical requirements include manual dexterity and the ability to see, hear, reach, climb, and balance.

Other Requirements: Must be able to detect scents and discern flavors.

Environment: The work environment is a commercial kitchen and includes exposure to extreme temperatures. Work hazards include exposure to chemicals, wet floors, dangerous equipment (fryers, stoves, ovens, knives, slicers, etc.), and hot oil, steam, and water.

Hiring Range:

$19.08 - $23.00 hourly
*Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• Three or more (3+) years of related experience.
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted.
• Certified Food Handler's Permit (Houston) or equivalent (e.g., ServSafe).

Skills:

• Able to read/write in English.
• Able to read and understand standard recipes and production sheets.
• Documents HACCP Log sheets for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Proven experience in a professional kitchen environment.
• Strong foundational knowledge of cooking techniques and food safety standards (ServSafe certification preferred).
• Exceptional ability to work independently or as part of a team in a high-pressure environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in knife skills, mise en place, and station management.
• A commitment to cleanliness and high-quality food presentation.

Essential Functions:

• Must be able to work any and all of the standardized stations.
• Prepares a variety of foods in accordance with menu instructions and standardized recipes.
• Maintains food quality, sanitation, and appearance standards.
• Keeps work area clean and assists with general kitchen cleaning.
• Participates in maintaining a high degree of sanitation within the kitchen and serving areas, including cleaning standard kitchen equipment.
• Provides directions and assistance to visitors as needed.
• Serves as an Essential Employee during Campus Emergencies.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.