Culinary Worker IV-2 Vacancies

University of Illinois Springfield; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition waivers

Job summary

University of Illinois Springfield is seeking a skilled food service professional to oversee high-volume cooking and baking operations. You will train staff, manage inventories, and supervise kitchen and dining areas while ensuring sanitation and safety standards.

The role requires planning menus, coordinating portions, and supporting special-diet preparations. The position emphasizes accuracy, organization, and collaboration with purchasing and dietary staff to deliver quality meals for a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Two years of general work experience in quantity cooking in a commercial setting.
• One year of experience comparable to the lower level of this series.
• Illinois Department of Public Health Food Handler Training Certification as required by the position.

Responsibilities

• Performs and directs complex quantity cooking and baking.
• Trains workers in food preparation, service, sanitation, and safety procedures.
• Prepares and bakes desserts and sauces.
• Supervises kitchen and dining area cleaning activities.
• Assists with inventories of food and reporting shortages.
• Assists with purchases and requisitions for supplies and equipment.
• Observes and evaluates staff and work procedures for quality.
• Plans portions, production timing, and workstation arrangements.
• Prepares food for special diets as dictated by recipes.
• Supervises disposal of leftovers and participates in menu planning.

Skills

Knowledge of large-scale cooking

Meal planning

Supervision

Sanitation and safety

Attention to detail

Quality control

Mathematics (fractions/percentages)

Organizing and prioritizing work

Active listening

Reading comprehension

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu .

Application deadline: 11/2/2026

Minimum Starting Salary: $19.67 per hour/7.5 hour day

Summary: These employees typically are responsible for the food service operation at a complex institution. The primary duties focus on higher level functions such as planning, procurement of food, cleaning supplies and equipment, inventory control, preparing menus, keeping records and preparing reports, and the supervision of staff.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs and/or directs the performance of complex quantity cooking and baking that requires a thorough knowledge of cooking techniques.
• Trains workers in food preparation, service, sanitation, and safety procedures.
• Prepares and bakes cakes, cookies, cobblers, pies, puddings, doughnuts, and other desserts; prepares icings, toppings, fillings, and sauces for baked goods.
• Supervises or oversees and participates in kitchen and dining area cleaning activities.
• Assists with inventories of food, prepares and reports shortages to designated personnel.
• Assists higher level staff with the purchase or requisition supplies and equipment needed to ensure quality and timely delivery of services.
• Observes and evaluates workers and work procedures to ensure quality standards and service, and completes disciplinary write‑ups.
• Assists with determining food portions and courses, production and time sequences, and workstation and equipment arrangements.
• Prepares and cooks food for special diets from recipes formulated by a dietitian or other.
• Supervises the use and disposal of left‑over foodstuff.
• Participates in planning menus.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years (24 months) of general work experience in quantity cooking in a commercial setting.
• One (1) year (12 months) of experience comparable to that described in the lower level of this series.
• As required by the position to be filled, possession of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Food Handler Training Certification (from an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited trainer).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of materials and methods used to prepare food on a large scale, use and care of relevant utensils and equipment and food values and nutrition.

Ability to plan meals on a large scale.

Service Orientation - A strong service orientation, actively looking for ways to help people.

Supervision - Ability to work with and supervise other kitchen employees.

Cleanliness -- Knowledge of sanitary procedures and directives; how to use simple cleaning solutions and equipment.

Standard mathematics such as addition, subtraction, calculation of fractions, percentages.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work

Physical Demands:

• Standing : Frequently
• Walking : Frequently
• Sitting : Occasionally
• Lifting : Frequently
• Carrying : Frequently
• Pushing : Frequently
• Pulling : Frequently
• Climbing : Occasionally
• Balancing : Occasionally
• Stooping : Occasionally
• Kneeling : Occasionally
• Crouching : Occasionally
• Crawling : Rarely
• Reaching : Frequently
• Handling : Frequently
• Grasping : Frequently
• Feeling : Occasionally
• Talking : Frequently
• Hearing : Frequently
• Repetitive Motions : Occasionally
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination : Occasionally
• Taste/Smell : Frequently
• Performing Manual Tasks : Frequently

Working Conditions:

• Extreme cold : Rarely
• Extreme heat : Rarely
• Humid : Rarely
• Wet : Occasionally
• Noise : Occasionally
• Hazards : Rarely
• Temperature Change : Occasionally
• Atmospheric Conditions : Rarely
• Vibration : Rarely

Travel Requirements:

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Union Affiliation:

This position classification is represented by University Professionals of Illinois, Local 4100 Service, Clerical or Technical Union.

Employment Policies and other information:

Failure to accurately describe work experience, or failure to submit college transcripts may result in an applicant not being admitted to the exam.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations.

Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment .

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System.

• You will not pay Social Security taxes and your earning will not be on your Social Security Record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.
• Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:
• Social Security benefit and
• Social Security benefit as a spouse

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at [e-mail] or call 217-206-6652.