Villanova University
General Cook - Catering
Posting Details
Posting Number: 20260467S
Position Title: General Cook - Catering
Position Type: Staff
Location: Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week:
Department: 423-Catering
Position Summary:
Founded in 1842 and recognized among the nation's best colleges and universities, we are a mission-driven institution inspired by the values of truth, unity, love, and dedication to serving the common good. At Villanova, we believe our people are our most precious asset. That's why we offer a vibrant and collaborative campus environment and invest in our employees through competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support your professional growth, personal well-being, and long-term success.
Benefits include:
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Tuition assistance for employees and eligible family members
- Professional development opportunities
- Retirement savings plan with University contributions
- Well-being programs and resources
- Flexible work options where appropriate
We invite you to join a community where your contributions are valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a meaningful difference. Learn more about the benefits of working at Villanova on our website.
Culinary professional who is responsible for preparing and cooking dressings, salads, sandwiches, vegetables, cold foods, and any other menu items. Responsible for food safety and sanitation. Assists the culinary leadership team as needed and may be the lead cook during a shift. This person will work with management and co-workers to instill and foster the value of the Villanova Mission Statement and the Dining Services Mission Statement. This person will focus on our Core Values: Safety/Sanitation, Friendly Courteous Service and Excellence. All of our associates should improve our systems and overall operation.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Prepare and cook food according to recipes, menus, and catering requirements.
- Assist with preparation of sandwiches, salads, appetizers, entrées, side dishes, desserts, and other menu items.
- Prepare food in quantities appropriate for catering events and functions.
- Ensure food is properly portioned, stored, labeled, and maintained at safe temperatures.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and food preparation area.
- Follow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace health regulations.
- Monitor food quality, freshness, and presentation.
- Assist with loading, transporting, setting up, and breaking down catering equipment and food when needed.
- Minimize food waste and use ingredients efficiently.
- Work effectively with other kitchen and catering staff to meet event deadlines.
- Perform other kitchen and catering duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Formal Education
- High School diploma required.
Work Experience
- Minimum of three (3) years of culinary experience in a nonfast food restaurant, college/university dining, or institutional food service environment; or
- An equivalent combination of relevant professional culinary experience and completion of a culinary arts program or an associate's degree in a related field.
- Minimum of one (1) year experience in Villanova Dining with demonstrated knowledge of food preparation techniques will also be considered.
Work Skills
- Basic reading and writing skills.
- Ability to follow written recipes.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and maintain a clean and safe working environment.
- Must be a self starter and engaged in the tasks at all time.
- The ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented kitchen.
Specific Job Knowledge
- Knowledge of basic cooking techniques (Grilling, baking, braising, etc.)
- Large from scratch production of salads and sandwiches.
- Knowledge of proper food handling and storing procedures of cooked and raw foods.
- Knowledge of proper kitchen sanitation procedures.
- Attention to detail in food presentation, flavor and consistency.
Equipment Knowledge
- All kitchen equipment including set up, operation, break down.
- Combi ovens, Convection ovens, induction burners, Anliker (Vegetable prep machine) broilers, large batch kettles, and slicers, etc.
- Proper knife skills.
- Knowledge of proper and safe knife handling
- Knowledge of basic knife cuts ( Dice, Julienne, Chiffonade, Mince, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications
Culinary degree or certification, preferred
ServSafe certification, preferred
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours
Tools, machinery, and equipment used
Environmental conditions
- Exposure to chemicals, extreme temperature in walk in refrigerators, freezers, and prep rooms
Physical requirements
- Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 pounds up to 50 pounds (assistance as needed)
- Ability to stand on feet for extended periods of time
- Pulling and pushing of food transport trucks
Special Message to Applicants
Schedule is based on catering event schedule and will include nights and weekends
Posting Date
10/16/2026
Salary Posting Information
$18.98 per hour. Shift differential for qualifying shifts.
Salary Grade
9
Job Classification
non-exempt
References Needed
Minimum Number of References Needed: 3
Maximum Number of References Needed: 3
Supplemental Questions
- * How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?
- Indeed.com
- Higheredjobs.com
- LinkedIn
- Glassdoor
- Chronicle Vitae
- Academic Keys
- PA CareerLink/JobGateway
- Professional Affiliation/Trade Website
- Diversity Association/Publication Website
- Advertisement in Academic or Professional Publication
- Referred by a current employee
- Referred by a friend, family member, or former employee
- Heard about it at a conference or career fair
- Browsing the Villanova website
- Cabrini University employee
- Other
- * If your answer to the above question is "Other", please specify the source below. If this question does not apply to you, enter N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
Documents needed to complete your application
Required Documents
- Resume / Curriculum Vitae
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
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