Dining Assistant

Position Summary:

The Dining Assistant is responsible for preparing a variety of dishes in accordance with established menus and standardized recipes. This role ensures high standards of food quality, sanitation, and presentation are consistently maintained, while also upholding cleanliness in the work area and supporting overall kitchen sanitation and maintenance. In addition to core cooking duties, the Dining Assistant will also perform one or more specialized roles as needed, including:

• Cashier
• Dishwasher
• Cold Prep
• Bakeshop Prep
• Restaurant Server
• Banquet Server
• Barista
• Cohen House Steward

Weekly schedule will vary and will include working on weekends and holidays--must be available to work any shift required.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate has experience working in a team environment and at least one year of related experience, preferably in a commercial kitchen setting. They should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks. They may be expected to perform specialized roles such as Cashier, Dishwasher, Cold Prep, Bakeshop Prep, Restaurant Server, Banquet Server, Barista, or Cohen House Steward as needed.

Workplace Requirements:

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

Essential On Campus: 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:

$18.00 - $21.57 hourly, contingent upon qualifications and experience. *Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma
• 0-1 year related culinary 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 (ServSafe)

Skills

• HACCP Compliance: Able to document HACCP log sheets.
• Communication: Must be able to speak and understand basic English.
• Collaboration: Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team with others.
• Technical Literacy: Able to read and understand standard recipes and production sheets.
• Sensory Awareness: Must be able to detect scents and discern flavors.
• Physical Endurance: Requires walking or standing for up to eight hours per day.
• Mobility: Ability to bend, crouch, kneel, lift, see, reach, climb, and balance.
• Schedule Flexibility: Weekly schedule will vary and will include working on weekends and holidays--must be available to work any shift required.

Essential Functions:

• Prepares and serves food items in accordance with menus and standardized recipes
• Participates in maintaining a high degree of sanitation within the kitchen and serving area including cleaning standard kitchen equipment
• Performs one or more specialized roles: Cashier, Dishwasher, Cold Prep, Bakeshop Prep, Restaurant Server, Banquet Server, Barista, Cohen House Steward (detailed descriptions as in original text)
• Performs all other duties assigned