Cook - Residential Dining

University of North Texas System; Denton (AR); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Texas System is hiring a Cook for Residential Dining in Denton. The role focuses on preparing, cooking, and serving food, while maintaining a clean kitchen and delivering high-quality customer service to students and staff.

As a Food Service Specialist, you will follow established procedures, operate kitchen equipment safely, and uphold UNT Dining Services' standards. This is a full-time, on-site position with opportunities for growth within a dynamic campus dining operation.

Qualifications

• General work experience in food service
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• Willingness to work flexible food-service hours

Responsibilities

• Produces high-quality items each meal service, including daily prepared items.
• Knowledge of the proper care and use of food service equipment and kitchen utensils, understands health hazards related to food preparation and service, and is aware of necessary precautionary measures, including safety and security protocols relevant to the work performed.
• Follows standardized processes to minimize turnaround time and ensure a consistent supply of cleaned and sanitized dishes. Trains hourly staff on proper washing, sanitizing, and handling techniques to uphold high standards, while ensuring adherence to all safety protocols.

Skills

Food preparation

Cooking

Customer service

Safety procedures

Job description

Title: Cook - Residential Dining

Employee Classification: Food Service Specialist

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Student Affairs

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Dining Service

Department: UNT-Dining-Residential-163720

Job Location: Denton

Salary: salary commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

It’s About the Food!
Why work for UNT Dining? Our employees explain. – YouTube
As the largest self-supported food service department in North Texas, UNT Dining Services is setting the standard for campus dining. With five Dining Halls, more than 20 retail locations, an upscale restaurant, a hydroponic garden, a central scratch bakery, and full-service catering, the department is led by a team of professionally trained chefs and hospitality experts. UNT is recognized as a national leader in university dining, known for its innovative, trendsetting approach and award-winning culinary talent.
UNT Dining Services is home to Mean Greens Café, the nation’s first 100% vegan collegiate dining hall, and Kitchen West, Texas’ first and only university dining hall certified Free From the Big 8 food allergens and gluten. In 2021, UNT introduced Eagle Landing, the university’s first standalone dining hall, inspired by urban food halls and featuring seven distinct restaurant concepts—all available for a single Meal Plan swipe.
Recognized for excellence, UNT was ranked No. 2 nationwide for best college food by Delish.com. The department is also the proud recipient of the prestigious Loyal E. Horton Award and the Vegan Recipe Award from the National Association of College and University Food Services. As a founding member of the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative, UNT plays an active role in pioneering research on plant-forward diets, food waste reduction, and consumer food choices, all while advancing the principles of healthy, sustainable menus

Position Overview

This role involves preparing, cooking, and serving food, maintaining a clean and organized work environment, and ensuring a high standard of customer service. Whether working in a cafeteria, campus cafe, or catering for campus events, the food service worker contributes to creating a positive dining experience for the campus community.

Minimum Qualifications

General work experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to maintain records and complete forms accurately. Knowledge of the care and use of food service equipment and kitchen utensils. Knowledge of health hazards in food preparation and service and necessary precautionary measures. Knowledge of safety and security precautions appropriate to work performed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Food Service Experience
• Great Work Ethic
• Eager to excel and grow with our exciting UNT Dining Services operations

Required License/Registration/Certifications

N/A

Job Duties

• Produces high-quality items each meal service, including daily prepared items.
• Knowledge of the proper care and use of food service equipment and kitchen utensils, understands health hazards related to food preparation and service, and is aware of necessary precautionary measures, including safety and security protocols relevant to the work performed.
• Follows standardized processes to minimize turnaround time and ensure a consistent supply of cleaned and sanitized dishes. Trains hourly staff on proper washing, sanitizing, and handling techniques to uphold high standards, while ensuring adherence to all safety protocols.

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.
Lifting and Moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Hours Vary

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.