Culinary Assistant

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 24,796 - 29,714; Full time

Job summary

Rice University on-campus Dining Services is seeking a Dining Assistant to prepare and serve food in a fast-paced kitchen within the Faculty Club setting. You will follow established menus, maintain sanitation, and support kitchen operations while performing multiple roles as needed.

The ideal candidate has 0–1 year of related culinary experience, an ability to work weekends/holidays, and flexibility for shifts in a busy, on-site environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma
• 0-1 year related culinary experience
• In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• Certified Food Handler's Permit (Houston) or equivalent (ServSafe)

Responsibilities

• Prepares and serves food items in accordance with menus and standardized recipes.
• Maintains sanitation in kitchen and serving areas including cleaning equipment.
• Performs specialized roles (Cashier, Dishwasher, Cold Prep, Bakeshop Prep, Restaurant Server, Banquet Server, Barista, Cohen House Steward).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

HACCP

Communication

Collaboration

Technical Literacy

Sensory Awareness

Physical Endurance

Mobility

Schedule Flexibility

Education

High School Diploma

ServSafe Certification

Job description

Position Summary

The Dining Assistant is responsible for preparing a variety of dishes in accordance with established menus and standardized recipes. This role ensures high standards of food quality, sanitation, and presentation are consistently maintained, while also upholding cleanliness in the work area and supporting overall kitchen sanitation and maintenance. In addition to core cooking duties, the Dining Assistant will also perform one or more specialized roles as needed, including:

• Cashier
• Dishwasher
• Cold Prep
• Bakeshop Prep
• Restaurant Server
• Banquet Server
• Barista
• Cohen House Steward

Weekly schedule will vary and will include working on weekends and holidays—must be available to work any shift required.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate has experience working in a team environment and at least one year of related experience, preferably in a commercial kitchen setting. They should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks. They may be expected to perform specialized roles such as Cashier, Dishwasher, Cold Prep, Bakeshop Prep, Restaurant Server, Banquet Server, Barista, or Cohen House Steward as needed.

Workplace Requirements

On campus position: This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at their designated work location at Rice University. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Essential On-Campus: This role is classified as an Essential On-Campus Position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions. During emergencies or crises, the employee is required to report to campus as directed to ensure continuity of critical operations and must remain accessible to leadership to fulfill responsibilities necessary for maintaining institutional functions.

Physical Demands

LIGHT WORK: Exert up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally. Requires walking or standing for up to 8 hours per day. Other physical requirements include manual dexterity and the ability to see, hear, reach, climb, and balance.

Other Requirements

Must be able to detect scents and discern flavors.

Environment

The work environment is a commercial kitchen and includes exposure to extreme temperatures. Work hazards include exposure to chemicals, wet floors, dangerous equipment (fryers, stoves, ovens, knives, slicers, etc.), and hot oil, steam, and water.

Hiring Range

$18.00 - $21.57 hourly, contingent upon qualifications and experience. Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under the FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma
• 0-1 year related culinary experience
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• Certified Food Handler's Permit (Houston) or equivalent (ServSafe)

Skills

• HACCP Compliance: Able to document HACCP logsheets.
• Communication: Must be able to speak and understand basic English.
• Collaboration: Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team with others.
• Technical Literacy: Able to read and understand standard recipes and production sheets.
• Sensory Awareness: Must be able to detect scents and discern flavors.
• Physical Endurance: Requires walking or standing for up to eight hours per day.
• Mobility: Ability to bend, crouch, kneel, lift, see, reach, climb, and balance.
• Schedule Flexibility: Weekly schedule will vary and will include working on weekends and holidays—must be available to work any shift required.

Essential Functions

• Prepares and serves food items in accordance with menus and standardized recipes.
• Participates in maintaining a high degree of sanitation within the kitchen and serving area including cleaning standard kitchen equipment.
• Performs one or more specialized roles:
  • Cashier: Responsible for providing customer service to individuals entering the unit, answering questions, and maintaining door security. Shared responsibility for cleanliness and set-up at the front of the house.
  • Dishwasher: Responsible for maintaining servery and kitchen cleanliness. Assists in daily dishwashing, including pots and pans, and is responsible for sweeping and mopping.
  • Cold Prep: Responsible for assisting with food production and preparation of cold food items such as salads, fruit trays, and deli items. Responsible for cleanliness and stocking of assigned work station before, during, and after service.
  • Bakeshop Prep: Assist with the preparation and production of baked goods, including pastries, cookies, and bread items. Maintain cleanliness and organization of the workstation and ensure supplies are properly stocked.
  • Restaurant Server: Responsible for providing professional table service, including taking orders, serving food and beverages, and ensuring a high‑quality dining experience for Faculty Club guests.
  • Banquet Server: Responsible for the set‑up, service, and breakdown of special events and banquets; involves moving furniture, setting tables, and serving large groups efficiently.
  • Barista: Responsible for preparing and serving specialty coffee beverages and maintaining the cleanliness and stock of the coffee station.
  • Cohen House Steward: Responsible for maintaining the unique ambiance and cleanliness of the Faculty Club’s dining and meeting spaces, ensuring all areas are guest‑ready.
• Performs all other duties assigned.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [e-mail] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [e-mail]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.