Cooks/Line Cook - DUKE University

Proof of the Pudding; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily meal per shift

On-the-job training

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Proof of the Pudding, an award-winning catering company, is seeking Cook(s)/Line Cook(s) to support game-day prep and execution at Duke University events in Durham, NC. This part-time role covers diverse shifts during athletic events, with emphasis on food prep, station setup, and fast, quality service.

Ideal candidates have kitchen experience, a HS diploma, and ServSafe or willingness to train. Live near Durham and be able to work home games and related events.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience working in a kitchen; catering experience preferred.
• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Live within or near Durham, NC.
• ServSafe certified or available to receive training.

Responsibilities

• Setting up and sanitizing workstations.
• Following prep lists created by the lead culinary staff.
• Measuring ingredients and seasonings.
• Preparing cooking ingredients such as soup stock.
• Preparing simple dishes as directed by the Executive Chef.
• Ensuring all food items are properly stored and easily accessible.
• Assisting chefs in preparing food and attending to any culinary tasks that arise.
• Supervising food and cooling room temperatures.
• Accepting or rejecting ingredients from suppliers.
• Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen.
• Maintaining the highest level of food quality with your culinary team.
• Ensuring proper safety and sanitation of all kitchen/food service areas.
• Running food on game days.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Food safety awareness

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Level: Entry

Job Location: Duke University - Durham, NC 27708

Position Type: Part Time

Education Level: Not Specified

Salary Range: $16.00 - $20.00 Hourly

Travel Percentage: None

Job Shift: Any

Job Category: Restaurant - Food Service

Proof of the Pudding is an award‑winning catering company throughout the Southeast with a commitment to creating quality culinary concepts from scratch. The company has expanded into sports and entertainment hospitality, providing elevated concessions and premium offerings to collegiate stadiums, PGA golf tournaments, international boat shows, professional sports teams, and more.

Proof of the Pudding, operator of Duke University concessions and premium hospitality, is looking for Cook(s)/Line Cook(s) to assist the culinary department for game day prep and execution. This part‑time role will aid in the culinary execution of game day catering for Duke University’s athletic events, training table and related activities.

Duties

• Setting up and sanitizing workstations.
• Following prep lists created by the lead culinary staff.
• Measuring ingredients and seasonings.
• Preparing cooking ingredients such as soup stock.
• Preparing simple dishes as directed by the Executive Chef.
• Ensuring all food items are properly stored and easily accessible.
• Assisting chefs in preparing food and attending to any culinary tasks that arise.
• Supervising food and cooling room temperatures.
• Accepting or rejecting ingredients from suppliers.
• Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen.
• Maintaining the highest level of food quality with your culinary team.
• Ensuring proper safety and sanitation of all kitchen/food service areas.
• Running food on game days.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

General Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience working in a kitchen; experience in catering is preferred.
• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Live within or near Durham, NC.
• ServSafe certified or available to receive training.

Specialized Qualifications

• Capable of producing a consistent product in a timely manner.
• Excellent listening and communication skills.
• Must have an understanding of food safety practices including TCS, temperature logs, and cleaning/sanitizing.
• Planning and multitasking abilities.
• Self‑motivated with a high energy level and strong verbal communication.
• Availability to work all home football games.

Work Environment

The work environment for this position will be event operations, working out of the football stadium or similar venues. This position will often move throughout campus and stadium grounds on different terrains.

Uniform Requirements

Adherence to Company Uniform Requirements outlined in the Associate Handbook and your orientation guidelines. Non‑slip shoes are necessary.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of moving through an event space and traveling throughout the stadium.
• Bending, lifting, scooping, and carrying miscellaneous equipment and food items.
• Manual dexterity required to operate cutting tools and kitchen utensils.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds at times.

Core Value and Competency Requirements

• Business Acumen – Demonstrate comprehension of the job, including policies, practices, and relationships. Possess the expertise and skill levels required of the job and perform with quality.
• Dedication – Dependable, reliable and follows through on projects from inception to completion. Willing to put in as much time as necessary to complete tasks. Demonstrate a win‑win attitude.
• Ethics and Integrity – Acts with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the company’s culture, values and beliefs while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.
• Safety & Security – Observe safety and security standards. Use equipment and materials properly. Comply with safety standards and personal protective equipment requirements. Report potential unsafe conditions or practices to appropriate person immediately. Promote restaurant safety, cleanliness and security compliance at all times.
• Teamwork – Cooperate and be willing to work as a team player to achieve goals and tasks accurately, efficiently and timely.
• Communication – Communicate clearly and effectively with mutual respect, understanding and trust to fellow associates, managers, supervisors and guests. Listen carefully to opinions and views of others; state understanding of what has been heard.
• Initiative – Contribute new ideas and suggestions to enhance productivity and efficiency. Be proactive in troubleshooting problems or issues and take action to mitigate potential problems.
• Adaptability & Planning – Possess the ability to learn new tasks and adjust well to new situations. Perform well under tight time schedules and pressures to change direction quickly.
• Service Orientation – Demonstrates a sense of urgency. Is welcoming, friendly and smiles when visible to guests.

Position Salary & Benefits

• Competitive pay starting at $16‑$20/hour.
• Benefits include a daily meal per shift.
• Opportunity for advancement. Proof of the Pudding consistently seeks to amplify talented team member’s roles.
• On‑the‑job training that can be applied industry wide.
• A flexible work schedule, excluding home football/basketball game days.
• Working at one of the most scenic and iconic facilities in North Carolina.

Proof of the Pudding and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.