CHEF ASST

University Of Michigan

Ann Arbor (MI)

On-site

USD 54,000 - 58,000

Full time

3 hours ago
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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance
Dental benefits
Vision benefits
Retirement contributions matched

Job summary

University of Michigan is hiring for a Chef Assistant to support the MI Dining - Catering operation onsite. You will read recipes, prepare meals to consistent standards, and assist in menu development while coordinating with culinary and management staff.

The role requires strong organizational skills, customer service, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Serv-Safe certification is expected and benefits are highlighted. This is a full-time, on-site position with a competitive wage range.

Qualifications

  • Excellent customer service skills and guest interaction.
  • Ability to follow standardized recipes and portioning; manage resources responsibly and minimize waste.
  • Move and transport objects weighing 30-50 lbs; be able to stand for extended periods in a fast-paced kitchen and dining hall.
  • Experience estimating consumption levels and generating prep lists.
  • Experience developing and enhancing kitchen staff culinary skills.
  • Proven organizational abilities to prioritize work and ensure timely meal service.

Responsibilities

  • Read and adhere to standardized recipes for meals in back-of-house or front-of-house stations.
  • Prepare food items ensuring consistent quality and nutritional standards; check ingredients, taste and presentation.
  • Assist Chef/Manager in implementing quality, production and presentation standards with line checks and pre-service reviews.
  • Prioritize tasks, prepare multiple orders, and coordinate across work areas to ensure food items are ready for service.
  • Coordinate and inspect staff performance to meet waste control, appearance, quality, taste and quantity standards.
  • Communicate with culinary and management staff about food products, supplies, equipment, and staffing needs.

Skills

Customer service
Standardized recipes
Food handling
Move 30-50 lbs
Estimating consumption
Staff training
Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Summary

Characteristic Duties

Accurately read and adhere to standardized recipes for all meals either in a back-of-house production kitchen or a front-of-house station.

Prepare food items providing consistent food quality and maintain accurate nutritional standards; consistently checking ingredients and tasting products for accuracy, quality, quantity and visual presentation.

Assist the Chef / Manager in the implementation, follow-through and verification of quality, production and presentation standards. To include line checks and pre service reviews.

Use organizational skills to prioritize tasks, including preparation of multiple food orders; simultaneously execute tasks in various work areas to assure all food items are available for service. Maintain daily prep list to organize daily activities based on the needs of the operation.

Coordinate, assign and inspect the work of staff to ensure that timely production is accomplished and standards are met in the areas of waste control, food appearance, quality, taste, texture and quantity.

Communicate daily with culinary and management staff regarding food products, supplies, equipment and staffing needs in order to meet production requirements.

Document and communicate critical issues to appropriate staff members: i.e. production problems, sanitation, quality issues, health and safety issues and maintenance issues.

Operate and ensures all service equipment is operational and handled safely, reporting mechanical issues to appropriate member of management.

Assist the Chef and Management in menu and recipe development, including related portioning and service standards. Remain current on industry trends and new concepts and assist in the development of new concepts.

Participates in training programs and meetings as necessary or requested.

Assist in the training and development of employees.

Communicate with guests and respond to inquiries about the food; provide information about ingredients and allergens.

Understand and follow Health Code Regulations at all times while maintaining proper food handling procedures. This include receiving, time and temperature controls, proper storage procedures, sanitation standards, product inspection, and recording food temperatures according to Michigan Dining HACCP Plans and Departmental Policies.

Examines food and supplies received to assure quality, freshness and appearance.

Must be Serv-Safe certified and able to function as Person In Charge, in the absence of other supervision. Serv-Safe must be obtained within 30 days of appointment.

Maintain a clean work environment. Conducts routine inspection of preparation, storage, and service areas ensuring proper sanitation is maintained as well as the health and safety of dining guests and employees.

Participate in and coordinate the presentation or display of foods and equipment for service, to include, banquet, plated and retail items.

Assist in product ordering and receiving.

Work sustainably by assisting in the reduction of waste in the preparation, service and reservice of food items, monitoring efficient use of resources.

Required Qualifications*
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Ability to demonstrate excellent customer service skills including the ability to interact with guests.
  • Ability to follow standardized recipes and portioning; ability to utilize resources responsibly, and to recognize and minimize food waste.
  • Move and transport objects weighing 30 - 50 lbs. Maintain a static position for extended periods of time while preparing food. Able to move quickly throughout the kitchen and dining hall as needed.
  • Experience in estimating consumption levels and generating prep lists.
  • Experience in developing and enhancing the culinary skills of kitchen staff.
  • Proven organizational abilities as they apply to food production work areas, and including ability to prioritize work to provide timely meal service.
Desired Qualifications*

Knowledge of University policies and procedures.

Why Work at Michigan?

Earn a Living Wage - M|Dining positions range from $19 - $26per hour, with annual increases.
Work-Life Balance - consistent schedules and paid holidays.
Culinary Excellence - M|Dining has received national recognition for culinary achievements.
Unbeatable Benefits - health, dental, vision, and matched retirement contributions.
Growth opportunities - continuing education and tuition assistance, culinary certifications.
Locations near AAATA bus routes, with free bus fare for employees.

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care; that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

Work Schedule

*Special Schedule: Schedule details and additional information will be provided during the interview process.

Per the CBA, schedules will consist of five consecutive 8 hour shifts, with 2 consecutive days off.

Additional Information

Department:M|Dining - Michigan Union Catering

Hourly Pay Rate: $25.08 - $26.35

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the AFSCME union, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Job Opening ID

282995

Job Title

CHEF ASST

Modes of Work

Onsite

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Nonexempt

Organizational Group

Dsa University Union

Department

MI Dining - Catering

Posting Begin/End Date

9/14/2026 - 9/19/2026

$53,726.40 - $57,824.00

Hospitality
Service/Maintenance (AFSCME Union)

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