Culinary Lab Assistant: Kitchen Ops & Student Support

Harper College; Hoffman Estates (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Harper College in Hoffman Estates, IL seeks a Hospitality Lab Assistant to support culinary instructors, prepare labs, and help students with projects in the hospitality program.

You will manage inventory, stock supplies, calibrate equipment, and ensure safety, cleanliness, and proper storage of materials. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel/Word and familiarity with campus systems is preferred; some evenings or weekends may be required.

Qualifications

• Certificate in Hospitality Management or Culinary Arts preferred.
• Associate degree in hospitality, culinary arts, or related field or equivalent work experience preferred.
• ServSafe certified preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides lab support to instructors with lab, lab preparation and student projects.
• Assists faculty in lab setup and guides students in safety procedures in classroom.
• Maintains and adjusts department equipment; schedules maintenance with vendors or Harper facilities.
• Identifies equipment needed for departmental relevance and safety, both consumables and capital items.
• Supports faculty in selecting and ordering supplies, including perishables and shelf-stable items.
• Ensures laboratories and storage areas are maintained via inventorying, unpacking, and storing supplies and equipment.
• Monitors departmental budget and purchase orders in partnership with the Program Coordinator.
• Participates in program workshops and events to promote the Hospitality Program.
• Acts as first point of contact for college community directing inquiries to program faculty.
• Directs student aides to maximize daily task efficiency.
• Monitors credentials and certifications; ensures equipment and supplies are secured when leaving the lab.
• Performs clerical duties such as copies, filing, and preparing reports.

Skills

Food preparation equipment

Commercial kitchen experience

Inventory control

Order planning

Safe food storage

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Teams

Education

Certificate in Hospitality Management

Associate degree or equivalent

ServSafe certified

Tools

Oracle

Banner

Adobe Pro

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Harper College in Hoffman Estates, IL seeks a Hospitality Lab Assistant to support culinary instructors, prepare labs, and help students with projects in the hospitality program.

You will manage inventory, stock supplies, calibrate equipment, and ensure safety, cleanliness, and proper storage of materials. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel/Word and familiarity with campus systems is preferred; some evenings or weekends may be required.