Culinary Arts Assistant

Eastern New Mexico University; Portales (NM); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM is seeking a Culinary Arts Kitchen Assistant to support the Culinary Arts program, maintain a safe kitchen, assist faculty chefs during laboratories and catering events, and manage inventory and purchasing.

The successful candidate will hold a high school diploma or GED, have a valid driver’s license, and obtain a ServSafe Manager Certification within 30 days of employment.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Attention to detail in maintaining records and inventories.
• Basic computer proficiency and MS Office suite.
• ServSafe Manager Certification within 30 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operation and organization of the culinary teaching kitchen.
• Maintain clean, sanitary, and safe kitchen per food safety regulations.
• Wash dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment as needed.
• Assist with inventory management, including supplies, orders, deliveries, and purchases.
• Organize and store food, equipment, and supplies with proper inventory control.
• Maintain receipts, purchasing records, and budget documentation.
• Track renewal dates for licenses, certifications, and permits.
• Provide general customer service via department calls.
• Support faculty during labs by preparing ingredients and setting up labs.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Customer service

Teamwork

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Adobe Acrobat

ServSafe Manager Certification

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Overview

Position Summary:

The College of Education and Technology seeks a qualified individual as a Culinary Arts Kitchen Assistant in the Department of Agriculture, Food Science, and Kinesiology. The Culinary Arts Kitchen Assistant provides essential operational, administrative, and instructional support for the university's Culinary Arts program. This position is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment; managing inventory and purchasing; assisting faculty chefs during laboratory classes and catering events; and providing administrative support to ensure the program's efficient operation. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to supporting student learning in a hands-on culinary education environment. This is a full-time position starting in August 2026. This position works closely with two chefs and reports directly to the department chair.

Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the daily operation and organization of the culinary teaching kitchen.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe kitchen environment in accordance with food safety regulations.
• Wash dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment as needed.
• Assist with inventory management, including monitoring supplies, placing orders, receiving deliveries, and picking up groceries or other program-related purchases.
• Organize and store food, equipment, and supplies using proper inventory control and food safety procedures.
• Maintain receipts, purchasing records, budget documentation, and other administrative records.
• Track and maintain renewal dates for required licenses, certifications, and permits.
• Answer department telephone calls and provide general customer service.
• Assist culinary faculty during instructional laboratories by preparing ingredients, organizing equipment, setting up and breaking down labs, and supporting classroom operations.
• Assist with the preparation, execution, and cleanup of catering events sponsored by the program.
• Provide support to the College and Department Administrative Assistants with office and program operations as needed.
• Maintain a professional and collaborative working relationship with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
• Regular and predictable attendance required
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle for grocery and supply pickups.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid ServSafe Manager Certification within 30 days of employment.

Preferred:

• Previous experience working in a commercial kitchen, restaurant, institutional food service, or related environment.
• Experience with inventory management, purchasing, or food service operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Acrobat preferred.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service and supporting student success.

Working Conditions

Physical Demand and Working Conditions:

Work is active and requires prolonged standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying throughout the workday. The employee must occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds and frequently move kitchen equipment, food products, and supplies. The position requires working in commercial kitchen environments, with exposure to heat, steam, sharp utensils, cleaning chemicals, and other typical food-service conditions.

Essential Functions: [As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, these include the aforementioned duties and responsibilities, minimum job requirements, knowledge, skills, and abilities, physical demands, and working conditions. This is not necessarily an all-inclusive listing.]

Additional Information

Condition of Employment: Must pass a pre-employment background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity /Title IX/IPRA. Eastern New Mexico University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local laws. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, or to perform essential job functions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone]. New Mexico is an open records state; therefore, ENMU complies with the Inspection of Public Records Act, NMSA 1978, Chapter 14, Article 2, from the Office of the New Mexico Attorney General. Any concerns regarding sex discrimination should be addressed to the Title IX Coordinator at either [e-mail], [phone], or Curry Hall Office 127, 1500 S Avenue K, Portales, NM 88130. Requests for inspection of public records should be sent to [e-mail]. For any other inquiries, please contact Human Resources at [phone] or e-mail [e-mail].