Food Service Chef - Dining Services, University Housing

Laseagrant; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition waivers for employees and/ or?

Job summary

University Housing at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a Food Service Chef to oversee dining unit food service, production, and supervision of culinary staff, with emphasis on inclusion and climate initiatives.

This full-time role involves menu planning, recipe standardization, staff training, food safety, and coordinating catering events. It emphasizes quality control, cost awareness, and adherence to university standards.

Qualifications

• Two years of progressively broader work in food production with diverse cuisines and cost controls.
• One year of supervisory experience in a culinary setting.
• ANSI CFPM or Illinois FSSMC certification, or eligibility, as required.
• College coursework in culinary arts or equivalent vocational training.

Responsibilities

• Oversee ordering and production of all food service in the dining unit.
• Supervise culinary staff and coordinate training programs.
• Develop menus, standardize recipes, and test new menu items.
• Coordinate catering and special events; assist with quality control and presentation.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and safety, plan staffing and equipment needs.

Job description

Food Service Chef - Dining Services, University Housing

Job Summary

Responsible for the ordering and production of all food service, in addition to supervision of the culinary staff in dining unit. Supervisors engage in and implement University Housing's inclusion, culture, and climate initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Menu Management
  Helps maintain computerized food production recipe files.
  Prepares reports as requested.
  Assists in the planning of menus, such as the standard menu cycle.
• Supervision Plans and conducts training programs for food production and service staff in order to maintain quality standards and ensure conformity to prescribed menus.
  Helps coordinate and participates in the preparation and presentation of special events or catering meal services as requested by the Unit Manager or Assistant Director.
  Participates in meal services for the purpose of evaluating quality and quantity control, correct presentation, and overall menu appeal.
  Serves as principal sanitarian for the food service.
  Plans, coordinates, and demonstrates the procedures of food displays and garnishing.
  Monitors the care and condition of kitchen equipment and reports malfunctions to the Unit Manager or Assistant Director.
  Recommends staffing levels and equipment needs, including recommendations regarding layout and design.
• Recipe & Menu Development
  Tests and evaluates food products and equipment for use in University Housing Dining Services and makes recommendations.
  Tests and reviews recipes for food cost, palatability, and appearance.
  Responsible for standardizing recipes used in the preparation of menu items; investigates and develops new recipes; revises standardized recipes to incorporate new products or new procedures; prepares detailed preparation instructions, portion-size recommendations, and yield determinations.
• Other
  Interviews cook applicants, offering recommendations for hiring.
  Helps coordinate activities involving students in training.
  Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The work is performed in an Industrial Kitchen where there is some discomfort in low temperature areas (-10 degrees F) and/or high temperature areas (90 degrees F). There is risk involved when working with dangerous machinery, wet floors, and exposure to open flames.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) fromthe categories below:
A. College coursework inthe culinary arts field, as measured by the following conversion table or itsproportional equivalent:
-30 semester hours equals one(1) year (12 months)
-Associate’s Degree (60semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
-90 semester hours equals two(2) years (24 months)
-Bachelor’s Degree (120semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
B. Vocational training inthe culinary arts field, such as an apprenticeship.
C. Skilled work experience(such as an Assistant Chef or Culinary Worker IV) in large-scale cooking in avariety of food areas (meats, baking, desserts, salads, sauces, etc.) and in a variety of internationalcuisines (European, American, Asian, etc.) that provided a knowledge of food science, food servicemanagement, food sanitation, and the culinary arts and their practice.

2. Two (2) years (24 months) of progressively broader andmore responsible work experience in food production. The experience must haveincluded work in a variety of cuisines, quality standards, cost controls,recipe development, catering, and food styling.
3. One (1) year (12 months) of supervisory experience in a culinary setting.
4. Two (2) years (24 months) as a chef in a commercial or institutionaloperation.
Note: As required by the position to be filled, possessionof the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited Certified FoodProtection Manager (CFPM) or per PA 100-0194 and/or PA 100- 0954, a validIllinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification (FSSMC).

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 0730 - Food Service Chef position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 10/4/2026. The budgeted salary range for the position is $58,168.50.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available forthis position.

This position will be expected to work at the University ofIllinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’sWorkplace Flexibility policy.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 17th, 2026.

Champaign-Urbana

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.

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.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .

Requisition ID 1038045
Job Category Professional and Administrative