Culinary Support Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 37,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University seeks a full-time Culinary Support Specialist for the Child Care Center at Hort Woods. The role focuses on safe, nutritious food service, menu planning aligned with CACFP, budget oversight, and strong interaction with families and staff on dietary needs.

The position requires 2+ years of related experience or a GED/HS diploma, plus ServSafe preferred. Hours are daytime, Monday–Friday, with comprehensive benefits and tuition discount considerations.

Qualifications

• GED or HS diploma with 2+ years of relevant experience
• ServSafe certification preferred
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills; clear written and verbal communication

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe and healthy food service operation and ensure compliance with health directives
• Plan menus and meals meeting nutrition guidelines; accommodate dietary needs
• Oversee kitchen budget and control costs
• Manage inventories and ordering; negotiate prices
• Interact with families, children and educators to meet dietary needs
• Participate in training related to CACFP requirements

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Computer skills

Education

GED/HS diploma

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Child Care Center at Hort Woods, a University-managed facility, is seeking a full-time Culinary Support Specialist. This individual will contribute to the wellness, growth, and development of children attending Hort Woods.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Maintain a safe and healthy food service operation; uphold food quality control procedures; follow public health and welfare directives; ensure compliance with governmental mandates and University policies; address and correct discrepancies; keep accurate records
• Plan meal and snack menus meeting proper nutritional requirements and child-care food guidelines; manage food substitutions to meet special dietary needs including allergies
• Oversee kitchen budget; examine expenses; identify cost containment
• Maintain inventories; anticipate requisition needs and place orders; negotiate prices; resolve quality and quantity issues
• Interact with Center families, young children and educators to meet special requests and dietary needs
• Participate in yearly trainings as assigned that include: PSU requirements, Child and Adult Care Food Program Federal Food Program (CACFP); learn and understand CACFP requirements

The successful candidate must possess:

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing
• Organizational skills with an attention to detail
• Ability to function in a fast-paced team environment
• Computer skills to complete ordering and menu preparation

This is an hourly position, and offers daytime hours, Monday through Friday. ServSafe certification preferred.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 2+ years of relevant experience; Relevant education accepted in lieu of experience

Required Certifications: None

A health physical with TB test is required prior to starting the position.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check, and the National Sex Offender Registry Clearance (NSOR). Additional clearances may be necessary if you resided outside of Pennsylvania in the past five years.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $36,888.00 - $53,532.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.