Dining Services Cook - Panda Express

Job Summary

We are currently seeking skilled and team-oriented applicants for the following position: Dining Services Cook.

About Us: Join our dynamic team at EWU where we are committed to providing exceptional dining experiences for our students, faculty, and staff. Our food service team plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming and nourishing environment on our busy campus. We are seeking a Dining Services Cook within our busy Panda Express. As a Dining Services Cook, you will:

• Be trained in Panda Express signature recipes, cooking techniques, and service standards.
• Take part in preparing delicious meals and providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
• Ensure high-quality food production and efficient service while maintaining a clean, sanitized workspace.
• Manage cash handling, assist in training new staff, and teach students key food service techniques.
• Uphold both Panda Express and EWU Dining Services high standards for excellence.

This position provides the chance to take on responsibility in a leadership role, often working independently but always supported by a supervisor or manager. Additionally, as part of EWU Dining Services, you’ll have the opportunity to work in different campus eateries, expanding your experience and skill set. This is a cyclic position (11 months per year) with opportunities to pick up shifts during time off. If you’re ready to bring your passion for food and service to our campus, we want to hear from you!

EWU is committed to supporting and promoting a workforce that is welcoming to all and encourages applicants of all backgrounds to apply for this position.

The salary for this position is $37,896 (minimum) up to $48,960. Where the hired candidate will begin within this range is dependent on education, experience, and skills.

In addition to salary, the university offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, life and disability insurance and retirement. In addition, EWU offers generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 13 paid holidays per year and fringe benefits, such as tuition waiver for employees and eligible family members, discounted EWU sports tickets, full access to our campus workout facilities at a minimum fee and free transportation through STA buses. For additional information regarding insurance benefits please see our Benefits page: https://inside.ewu.edu/hr/benefits-briefing/benefits/insurance/.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Washington Driver’s License
• Valid Washington Food Handler’s Permit
• High School Diploma or GED
• Must pass Panda Express certification course
• One year of experience in restaurant food service work
• Demonstrated ability to apply a responsive and flexible approach that is supportive to the needs of, including universal access, of our students, faculty, staff and the public.

Preferred Qualifications

We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the preferred experience below:

• Culinary arts degree or related degree in the food service field preferred.
• Two years institutional or high volume food service experience preferred.
• One year kitchen supervisory experience preferred.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of safe work practices
• Demonstrated attention to detail, professionalism, dependability and timeliness
• Excellent customer service skills, professional and courteous demeanor

Job Duties

Direct and participate in food preparation, service of food, dishwashing and sanitation, and cleaning functions. Percent of Time: 40

Lead students and other food service employees in the operation of a food service location. Percent of Time: 20

Direct and participate in cleaning food service equipment and work areas; maintain compliance with sanitation and safety regulations Percent of Time: 15

Maintain records including work schedules, requisitions, prep lists, and production sheets. Percent of Time: 10

Receive cash payments and charge slips from customers; account for receipts and deposits. Percent of Time: 10

Other related duties. Percent of Time: 5

Conditions of Employment

• This position requires a valid food handler’s permit and a Washington State driver’s license.
• Evening and weekend shifts are required (there is a pay premium for evening shifts).
• Employees must be able to meet all EWU franchise restaurant personal hygiene and uniform requirements (uniforms are provided).
• This position, during the course of university employment this position will be involved in the receipt of, or accountability for, university funds or other items of value; as well as the unsupervised access with the developmentally disabled, vulnerable adults or children under the age of 16. The offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion and passing of a background check prior to beginning employment.
• All new employees will comply with EWU Immunization Policy 602-02 and provide proof of immunity or vaccination to MMR before beginning work at EWU. Waivers for the immunization requirements are available for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.
• This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees’ Collective Bargaining Agreement: https://in.ewu.edu/hr/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2023/06/WFSE-EWU-CBA-Barg.-Units-1-and-2-FINAL-2023-2025.pdf
• After starting employment, employees will complete the required training via Canvas.

Note: Interviews might be conducted via Zoom (camera must be enabled). If so, candidates must be able to demonstrate competence using Zoom and other technologies.

Salary Information

The salary for this position is $37,896 (minimum) up to $48,960. Where the hired candidate will begin within this range is dependent on education, experience, and skills.

Posting Date: 05/05/2026
Open Until Further Notice: Yes
Screening to Begin: 5/19/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Submit your application materials through our online applications portal provided below. If you are unable to submit through the applicant portal, please contact Human Resources Services at (509) 359-2381.