Lead Chef – Campus Culinary Services (Temp)

UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of the Virgin Islands is seeking a Lead Chef to support the Head Chef in Campus Culinary Services on a temporary, part-time basis. This hands-on role supervises line staff, ensures meals meet specifications, and maintains consistent quality and safety in the kitchen.

Duties include training staff, enforcing safety procedures, coordinating with suppliers, and assisting with menu planning while ensuring meals are prepared and served on schedule.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of culinary experience in high-volume or institutional kitchens.
• ServSafe Food Handler certification required (Manager level preferred).
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Certificate or degree in Culinary Arts preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily food preparation and cooking operations under the Head Chef.
• Assign tasks to kitchen staff and ensure recipes and quality control.
• Ensure all meals meet health, safety, and dietary requirements.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen work areas and tools.
• Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries, checking quality.
• Fill in for the Head Chef during absences and assist in menu planning.
• Train new cooks and support staff in food prep techniques and safety.
• Report equipment issues or maintenance needs promptly.
• Collaborate with the Administrative Specialist on supply needs and inventory.

Skills

Culinary experience

ServSafe certification

Leadership

Education

Culinary Arts certificate/degree

Job description

Lead Chef - Campus Culinary Services (Temp)

Position Title Lead Chef - Campus Culinary Services (Temp)

Position Number

Position Number 822537

Department

Department Campus Operations-STX

Job Description

The Lead Chef supports the Head Chef in managing daily kitchen operations and food service preparation. This hands-on role focuses on supervising line staff, ensuring food is prepared to specification, and maintaining consistent quality and cleanliness throughout the kitchen. The Lead Chef plays a key role in training staff, enforcing safety procedures, and ensuring meals are prepared and served on schedule.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of culinary experience, preferably in a high-volume or institutional kitchen.
• ServSafe Food Handler certification required (Manager-level certification preferred).
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to lead by example.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certificate or degree in Culinary Arts preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, often up to 8 hours per shift in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Frequent bending, lifting, reaching, stooping, and twisting while preparing and plating food.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move kitchen equipment or food items weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Manual dexterity required to safely operate kitchen tools, knives, and commercial cooking equipment.
• Exposure to heat, steam, refrigeration temperatures, and food allergens in the kitchen setting.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to changing kitchen demands, equipment alerts, or safety issues.
• Visual acuity to monitor food presentation, cleanliness standards, and cooking accuracy.
• Auditory ability to hear instructions, timers, and safety warnings in a noisy environment.

Posting Number

Posting Number S485

Location

Position Type

Position Type Part Time

Number of Vacancies- part time

Advertised Job Duties

• Supervise daily food preparation and cooking operations under the guidance of the Head Chef.
• Assign tasks to kitchen staff and ensure adherence to standardized recipes and quality control.
• Ensure all meals meet health, safety, and dietary requirements.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen work areas and tools.
• Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries, checking for quality and freshness.
• Fill in for the Head Chef during absences and assist in menu planning when required.
• Train new cooks and support staff in food prep techniques, kitchen safety, and station setup.
• Report equipment issues or maintenance needs promptly.
• Collaborate with the Administrative Specialist on supply needs and inventory tracking.

Open Date

Open Date 09/16/2026

Close Date

Close Date 09/30/2026

Special Instructions to Applicant

Email is the preferred method of communicating with applicants at the University of Virgin Islands. You will be required to supply your email address during the application process. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ( ADA ) ACCOMMODATION : In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment should contact the Human Resources Office at [phone]. For information about relocating to the US Virgin Islands, please visit the Virgin Islands Moving Center at: www.vimovingcenter.com

Internal or Externally Advertised?

Internal or Externally Advertised? External

Supplemental Questions

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