General Cook - Catering

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY; Rosemont (PA); On-site; USD 21,571 - 30,722; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Villanova University is seeking a General Cook - Catering to support dining services on campus. The role operates on a part-time/9-month schedule with a base schedule from 6:30am to 12pm, and a $18.98/hour rate with shift differential.

The cook will prepare sauces, soups, entrees, and vegetables while upholding food safety standards and collaborating with the culinary leadership team. The position may involve lead responsibilities during shifts and requires aligning with Villanova's mission and

Qualifications

• Basic reading and writing skills required.
• Ability to follow written recipes accurately.
• Excellent communication skills with team members and supervisors.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and maintain a clean, safe kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Follows recipes and produces food items as assigned by the chef, maintaining temperatures and appearance.
• Verifies portion sizes, quality standards, and proper storage of leftovers.
• Responsible for opening and closing kitchen procedures and sanitation.

Skills

Basic reading and writing

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Follow recipes

Education

High School diploma

Culinary program/associate degree

Tools

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Job description

General Cook - Catering

Position Title: General Cook - Catering. Position Type: Staff. Location: Villanova, PA. Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants. Work Schedule: part-time/9-months Avg Hours Week 25. Department: 412-Dining Services Operations.

Base Schedule: 6:30am – 12pm. *Base schedule subject to change depending on business needs.

Sign‑on bonus: $500 for full‑time employees; $250 for part‑time employees. To be eligible, the individual must be a new employee to the University, hired into a General Cook position with a start date between 6/1/2026 – 8/24/2026, and must be an active employee in good standing at the 90th day of employment. Bonus will be paid out after 90 days of employment and is subject to all applicable tax withholdings.

Culinary professional who is responsible for preparing and cooking sauces, soups, entrees, 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, 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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Follows recipes and produces food items as assigned by the chef. Maintains proper food temperatures and appearance of food. Records and maintains food production records. Responsible for gathering ingredients needed for food production.
• Verifies all portion sizes, quality standards, department policies and procedures, and core values are adhered to with the rest of the culinary team. Responsible for proper storage of leftovers.
• Responsible for opening and closing procedures in the kitchen for the unit.
• Responsible for cleaning and sanitizing equipment.

NONESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Works special functions and catering events as needed by the department.
• Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Formal Education

• High School diploma required.

Work Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of culinary experience in a non–fast 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.
• 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 soups.
• 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
• ServSafe certification preferred

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours

• Tools, machinery and equipment used:
  • All kitchen equipment
• Environmental conditions:
  • Exposure to chemicals
  • Exposure to 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.

Posting Information: Salary $18.98 per hour. Shift differential for qualifying shifts. Salary Grade: 9. Job Classification: non-exempt.