Culinary Specialist, RTCC Panda Express

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southern California Hospitality is seeking a Culinary Specialist to prepare high-quality meals for students, faculty, staff and visitors using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You will help maintain cleanliness, inventories, and sanitation while supporting the Chef and other kitchen areas.

Strong customer service and English communication are essential. The role emphasizes teamwork, fast-paced environments, and adherence to USC's Unifying Values as part of a large campus dining

Qualifications

• Must successfully complete the culinary skills test administered by the Executive Chef.
• Knowledge of all kitchen equipment, small or large scale.
• Knowledge of both restaurant and banquet style cooking.
• Demonstrated customer service experience.
• Experience working in a fast paced working environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English.
• Strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer services to faculty, staff, students, and guests.
• Prepare food items according to the recipe or instructions provided by the Chef.
• Adhere to proper knife handling procedures.
• Assist the Chef by working in other areas of the kitchen as assigned.
• Maintain inventories.
• Maintain cleanliness of facilities.
• Maintain kitchen sanitation program; comply with standard food handling and sanitation procedures.
• Attend meetings and report to station ready to work as scheduled.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

English communication

Culinary skills

Banquet & restaurant cooking

Education

High school degree not required

Tools

Kitchen equipment knowledge

Job description

From fine dining restaurants to residential dining,USC Hospitality serves thousands of students, athletes, faculty, and staff, as well as our many visitors. Hospitality is one of the six core business units that comprise USC Auxiliary Servicesand one of the largest employers on campus. We are renowned for our fresh take on self-operated food concepts with restaurants between both campuses. The team at USC Hospitality is led by innovative executive chefs and directors who strive every day to craft nourishing and wholesome alternatives for our hungry Trojan Family and our guests. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the Trojan campus count on USC Hospitality to provide a fresh, made-to-order, nourishing meal. Amidst all of the hustle and bustle of student life, our eateries are the ideal social gathering locations to grab a quick bite or enjoy a group meal. We are driven to succeed by our commitment to uphold our unifying values.

We are seeking a Culinary Specialist to join our rapidly growing team.

The Opportunity:

Are you passionate about serving quality food and providing exceptional customer service? Are you eager to construct award-winning meals? Join us! The Culinary Specialist will have the opportunity to prepare food for our guests, utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You will ensure that our high standards of excellence are maintained throughout our kitchens, keeping our inventories and facilities clean, organized and up-to-date. As a member of our team, you will take pride in exceeding the expectations of all of our customers and keeping the Trojan spirit alive!

The Accountabilities:

• Provide customer services to faculty, staff, students, and guests.

• Prepare food items according to the recipe or instructions provided by the Chef. Adhere to proper knife handling procedures.

• Assist the Chef by working in other areas of the kitchen as assigned.

• Maintain inventories.

• Maintain cleanliness of facilities.

• Maintain kitchen sanitation program. Comply with standard food handling and sanitation procedures.

• Adhere to department service standards and to all health, safety and University rules and regulations.

• Attend and participate in meetings as required.

• Report to station, ready to work at the time work assignment is scheduled to begin.

• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The Qualifiers:

• Minimum Education: High School degree not required

• Minimum Experience: 1 year

• Minimum Field of Expertise:

• Must successfully complete the culinary skills test administered by the Executive Chef.

• Knowledge of all kitchen equipment, small or large scale.

• Knowledge of both restaurant and banquet style cooking.

• Demonstrated customer service experience.

• Experience working in a fast paced working environment.

• Ability to effectively communicate in English.

• In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values.

What We Prefer:

• Preferred Education: High School or equivalent. Specialized/technical training.

• Preferred Experience: 2 years.

• Preferred Field of Expertise: Culinary School diploma. Two years in a restaurant/hotel/high volume banquet and catering operation.

The Trojan Family Rewards:

We pride ourselves in creating the BEST USC EXPERIENCE, and that begins with our employees! We offer a wide variety of benefits and programs that support our staff and their families. For more information please visit https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks.

This support advocates work-life balance and employee well-being. As members of the Trojan family, employees are connected by the traditions and history that make us proud to be Trojans!

The work culture thrives on mutual respect, trust, and synergy amongst all of its members.

USC has great minds that transform the world with their talents and research. Will you be one? Join us!

FIGHT ON!

The hourly rate for this position is $27.00. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.