General Cook II

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY; Lower Merion Township (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holistic benefits

Paid time off

Flexible hours

Gym membership

Professional development

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Villanova University is seeking a General Cook II to join the Inn kitchen team in Villanova, PA. You will perform food prep, grill cooking, and sanitation under the Inn's standards, with supervision from chefs and managers.

The role supports overall kitchen operations and contributes to a high-quality dining program. The position emphasizes food safety, teamwork, and a commitment to the university's mission and values.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Serve Safe Certification preferred.
• Minimum three years of basic food service experience.
• Ability to read and follow recipes; maintain hygiene.
• Strong organizational and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food items according to recipes with supervision.
• Maintain proper food temperatures and sanitation.
• Assist chefs and managers; support kitchen operations.
• Support events and other duties as needed.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Reading recipes

Hygiene compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Serve Safe Certification

Job description

Villanova University

General Cook II

Posting Details

Position Title: General Cook II

Position Type: Staff

Location: Villanova, PA

Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants

Work Schedule: full-time/12-months

Department: 507-Inn at Villanova University

Position Summary

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University's founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation's best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova's most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

The General Cook II performs a variety of task including, but not limited to food prep, grill cooking, cleaning and sanitation of kitchen area with minimal supervision. This person has in-depth knowledge of food safety and sanitation under guidelines set by The Inn at VU. This person works with chefs, managers and other staff to ensure the success of the Inn. All team members 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.

Benefits

• holistic benefits package
• generous paid time off
• a competitive retirement savings plan
• flexible work options
• wellness programs including gym membership
• professional development
• tuition assistance
• more

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work assigned areas such as main kitchen, buffets, action stations, etc. Ability to identify needs for various stations, with minimal supervision. This includes small ware needs, equipment needs and settings, portion controls, and overall quality of ingredients.
• Follow recipes and produce food items as assigned by Chefs. Maintain proper food temperatures and appearance of food. Record and maintain food production records. Be responsible for gathering ingredients, utensils, pots, pans and food from walk-ins and freezers for preparation of product.
• Clean and sanitize equipment including but not limited to hoods, ovens, grills, floors, walls, hot trucks, kettles, prep tables, broilers, char broilers and other cleaning task as assigned by chefs/ managers.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Work special functions if requested.
• Ability to lead the kitchen team without Manager presence. Additional duties as assigned by chefs/managers that may include utility and pantry duties.

Minimum Qualifications

Position Specifications

Formal Education: (e.g., degree)

• High School Graduate or Formal GED
• Current Serve Safe Certification (a plus)

Specific Job Knowledge: (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)

• In-depth knowledge of food service safety and sanitation procedures.

Minimum Work Experience: (type and number of years)

• Must have at least three years of basic food service experience.

Work Skills: (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)

• Ability to read and interpret recipes and adjust scale to yield requirement
• Practices excellent personal hygiene habits; follows and adheres to uniform standards daily.
• Basic communication skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to interact with people on a constant basis.

Equipment Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of operating commercial kitchen equipment and their functions.
• Ability to set-up, operate, break down and clean.
• Ability to properly use knives, slicer, ovens and other equipment as directed by chef/managers.

Working Conditions/Environment: (conditions, if known, which may impact the incumbent working in this position)

• Tools, machinery and equipment used: Knives, oven, grill, fryer, slicer, broiler, rational oven, dish machine, floor cleaning machines such as wrangler.
• Environmental conditions: (any unusual/adverse conditions such as exposure to chemicals, noise, illumination, air quality, weather exposure etc.) Ability to use chemicals daily as required. Will use proper protective equipment as called for by the specific chemical and task.
• Physical requirements: (items such as lifting, pushing, pulling, standing or sitting for extended periods of time, manual dexterity, walking etc.) Ability to lift up to 40 pounds independently, sit stand for extended periods, push/pull up to 40 pounds independently, use various chemicals

Special Message to Applicants

The schedule for this role varies. This is based on events of the Inn.

Posting Date

09/10/2026

Salary Posting Information

$18.98 per hour/ shift differential added 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

1. 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
2. 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)

3. Do you have a High School Diploma or equivilent?

   (Open Ended Question)

4. Do you have at least three years of basic food service experience?

   (Open Ended Question)

5. Do you have 3 years experience in catering?

   (Open Ended Question)

6. Are you able to work nights and weekends

   (Open Ended Question)

Documents needed to complete your application:

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
2. Resume / Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

1. Letters of Reference (uploaded by applicant)

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI287023136