Assistant Chef & Kitchen Lead — Special Functions

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR); Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Leave plans

Tuition assistance

Employee assistance programs

PSLF eligible employer

Job summary

UCAR in Boulder, CO, is seeking an Assistant Chef for the Mesa Lab Cafe. This role supports the Chef, manages kitchen operations in the Chef's absence, oversees food preparation, and ensures timely service during lunch and special events.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 3 years in food service, strong culinary skills, safety and sanitation knowledge, cash handling, and the ability to lead the kitchen team when the supervisor is busy.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent; at least 3 years' experience in food service.
• Familiarity with daily kitchen operations and ability to perform any kitchen task.
• Excellent culinary skills and knowledge of cafeteria cooking styles.
• Ability to follow Chef/Supervisor orders and lead the team in the absence of the supervisor.
• Skilled in hot and cold food preparation and lunch grill cooking.
• Ability to balance cash receipts and work with cash.
• Experience with a computerized POS system and spreadsheet software.
• Willingness to work evenings or weekends for special functions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all food items for soup or lunch selections and assist in other items.
• Assist in salad preparation or front-line production; ensure variety and quality.
• Handle perishables safely and maintain sanitation standards.
• Cover supervisor in absence and lead cafe operations during busy times.
• Casher during grill cooking and manage high-volume lunch service.
• Maintain daily cash deposits and monthly spreadsheet reconciliation.
• Prepare items for special functions and set up refreshment breaks.
• Receive deliveries, interact with vendors, manage inventory, and store items safely.

Skills

Culinary skills

Team leadership

Cash handling

Food safety knowledge

POS system

Math for servings

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Cash register / POS system

Spreadsheet software

Slicer/steamers/ovens

Job description

UCAR in Boulder, CO, is seeking an Assistant Chef for the Mesa Lab Cafe. This role supports the Chef, manages kitchen operations in the Chef's absence, oversees food preparation, and ensures timely service during lunch and special events.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 3 years in food service, strong culinary skills, safety and sanitation knowledge, cash handling, and the ability to lead the kitchen team when the supervisor is busy.