Cook - Virginia State University

Thompson Hospitality; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia State University seeks a skilled Cook to join its Dining Services team and prepare nutritious meals for the campus community. You will work in a fast-paced environment, following recipes, and maintaining high quality and safety standards.

Join a dynamic kitchen where collaboration with chefs and dining staff is essential to deliver timely meals while minimizing waste and ensuring guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Experience as a line cook or in a similar role.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to stay organized in a high-volume kitchen.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation.
• Comfort communicating in a noisy kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook diverse menu items following recipes.
• Manage a cooking station, ensuring timely ingredient preparation.
• Monitor food quality, adjust as needed, and maintain a clean workspace.
• Assist in inventory control, reporting shortages, and minimizing waste.
• Collaborate with the kitchen team, chefs, and dining staff for smooth operations.

Skills

Line cook experience

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Food safety

Communication in noisy kitchen

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about cooking and creating memorable meals? We’re looking for a skilled and reliable Cook at Virginia State University to become a key member of our vibrant Dining Services team. In this role, you’ll help fuel our college community by preparing and serving delicious, nutritious meals in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook diverse menu items following recipes.
• Manage a cooking station, ensuring timely ingredient preparation.
• Monitor food quality, adjust as needed, and maintain a clean workspace.
• Assist in inventory control, reporting shortages, and minimizing waste.
• Collaborate with the kitchen team, chefs, and dining staff for smooth operations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a line cook or similar role.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational abilities and the capacity to handle a high-volume setting.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation.
• Ability to communicate clearly in a noisy kitchen environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Cooking experience in a high-volume restaurant preferred.
• Able to read documents and written instructions to understand sanitation requirements, safety rules, equipment operation and maintenance, policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Able to work flexible shifts and schedules, inclusive of weekends and holidays.
• Stand for extended periods of time and navigate occasional wet or greasy floor conditions.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs (food product cases, bulk ingredients, kitchen equipment).
• Work in a hot, humid, and fast-paced environment.
• Bend, stoop, and reach frequently.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely.

Who We Are:

Virginia State University, a proud 1890 Land-Grant HBCU, is dedicated to empowering a diverse community of learners through high-impact academics, innovative research, and community-focused outreach. With a mission rooted in lifelong learning and leadership, VSU equips students to become ethical, globally competitive professionals ready to serve and succeed. Guided by a bold vision of sustained excellence, VSU offers a transformative educational experience that nurtures intellect, integrity, and impact. At Virginia State University, education is more than a degree — it’s a launchpad for greatness.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.