Head Cook 00466

Christopher Newport University; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA seeks a Head Cook / Food Service Technician II to oversee and participate in planning, production, storage, rotation and preparation of food for catering events, ensuring items are prepared in appropriate quantities and to established quality guidelines.

Under the direction of the Director of Catering/Executive Chef and Sous Chef Manager, this role directs kitchen activities, maintains safety and sanitation standards, and collaborates with staff

Qualifications

• Requires reading and writing ability and basic math.
• Knowledge of cooking methods and recipe conversion.
• Experience in a kitchen setting and with kitchen equipment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and participate in planning, production, storage, rotation and preparation of food for catering events.
• Direct kitchen activities to ensure food items are prepared in appropriate quantities and to quality guidelines.

Skills

Reading & Writing

Math skills

Cooking methods

Kitchen equipment

Organization

Multitasking

Communication

Stamina

Wet processes

Protective footwear

Fast-paced work

Independent work

Shift flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some culinary art school courses

ServSafe certificate

Valid driver’s license

Job description

Working Title:

Head Cook 00466

Role Title:

Food Service Technician II

Position Number:

00466

FLSA:

Non Exempt

Appointment Type:

Full Time

Type of Posting:

General Public

Is Sensitive Position?:

No

Designated Personnel:

Yes

Responsible Employee:

This position is designated as a "authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty."

Statement of Economic Interest:

No

Is this a restricted position subject to availability of funding?:

Yes

Departmental Objective:

Our mission is to serve quality products with fast and friendly service in a clean atmosphere.

Purpose of the Position:

Under the direction of Director of Catering/Executive Chef and Sous Chef Manager, this position oversees and participates in the planning and production, storage, rotation, and preparation of food items for Christopher Newport University’s catering events. Additionally, this position will direct all kitchen activities to ensure food items are prepared as needed in appropriate quantities and according to established quality guidelines for customer needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Related to Position:

• Ability to read and write
• Demonstrated basic math skills
• Knowledge of all types of cooking methods and converting recipes
• Knowledge of all kitchen equipment
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to complete multiple tasks concurrently
• Ability to communicate in writing or verbally to both supervisors and subordinates
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to work in congested work areas
• Ability to work in areas where wet processes are used
• Ability to wear protective footwear
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced atmosphere
• Ability to work independently at remote satellite kitchens or catering sites
• Ability to work varying shifts to include early mornings, nights, and weekends

Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification Required :

Education:

• High school graduate or equivalent education/experience that equates to a high school diploma.

Experience:

• Experience working in a kitchen at any of the following establishments: fine dining restaurant, campus dining facility, hotel/resort, country club, or military food service facility.

Additional Consideration(s):

Education:

• Some culinary art school courses.
• ServSafe certificate.
• Valid driver’s license.

Experience:

• Supervisory experience.

Salary Information:

Salary $35,477 to $44,346, Commensurate with Education and Experience

CNU Information:

This position includes Commonwealth of Virginia and Christopher Newport University employee benefits. CNU offers a comprehensive benefits package to include retirement plans, medical, dental, vision, and a variety of other options. Available leave includes vacation, sick time, personal time, and volunteer/service leave. State employees are eligible for discounted travel, banking, legal and retail services, among others. To view more information about our benefits, please visit https://cnu.edu/hr/benefits/.

Role Code:

79212

Conditions of Employment:

• This is a classified position. New and returning classified employees are required to complete a 12-month probationary period.
• Selected candidate must attend a 2-day New Employee Orientation Program.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to work in congested work areas
• Ability to work in areas where wet processes are used
• Ability to wear protective footwear
• Ability to work varying shifts to include early mornings, nights, and weekends

Is this position telework eligible?:

No

Light Lifting (less than 20 lbs.):

Essential

Moderate Lifting (20-50 lbs.):

Essential

Heavy Lifting (more than 50 lbs.):

Essential

Pushing/Pulling:

Essential

Standing:

Essential

Sitting:

Non-Applicable

Bending:

Essential

Walking:

Essential

Climbing:

Essential

Reaching:

Essential

Repetitive Motion:

Essential

Fast Pace:

Essential

Average Pace:

Essential

Multiple Priorities:

Essential

Intense Customer Interaction:

Marginal

Multiple Stimuli:

Essential

Frequency Changes:

Essential

Memory:

Essential

Reasoning:

Essential

Hearing:

Essential

Reading:

Essential

Analyzing:

Essential

Logic:

Essential

Verbal Communication:

Essential

Written Communication:

Essential

Posting Number:

PS1262P

Number of Vacancies:

1

Posting Date:

09/18/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

EEO/Diversity Statement(s):

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.

Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement

Reasonable Accommodation Request:

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling [phone].

Alternative Hiring Process:

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process.

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to upload an approved AHP Letter received from the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or from the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI) to their applications.

Note: Certificates of Disability provided by DARS or DBVI dated April 1, 2022, through February 29, 2024, will still be accepted as applicable for the AHP. The name change to AHP Letter became effective March 1, 2024.

Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their AHP Letter.

Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Background Check:

Applicant finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check. After accepting employment, individuals are required to complete a USCIS Form I-9 (employment eligibility verification) and present documentation from the USCIS List of Acceptable Documents that establishes both their identity and employment authorization to work in the United States. The provided documents will be verified through the Department of Homeland Security E-Verify website.