Lead Cook

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University is seeking a Lead Cook to prepare a variety of foods in accordance with menu instructions and standardized recipes. The role requires competence across all kitchen stations and strict sanitation standards, with responsibility for opening/closing procedures.

Ideal candidates have strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced commercial kitchen environment. This on-site position is essential to campus operations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; experience may substitute.
• 4+ years of relevant kitchen experience.
• Certified Food Management Permit (Houston) or ServSafe.

Responsibilities

• Prepares a variety of foods per menu and recipes.
• Works all standardized stations and recipe-driven stations.
• Maintains food quality, sanitation and appearance.
• Maintains clean work area and assists with cleaning.
• Provides directions and assistance to visitors as needed.
• Assists in opening and closing the kitchen.
• Serves as Essential Employee during Campus Emergencies.

Skills

Able to read and write in English

Read and understand recipes

Document HACCP logs

Cleanliness and sanitation

Communication skills

Multitasking

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Four or more years of experience

Certified Food Management Permit (Houston) or ServSafe

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Lead Cook prepares a variety of foods in accordance with menuinstructions and standardized recipes. This position ensures that proper food standards are maintained in the areas of quality, sanitation, and appearance, maintains a clean work area, and assists with general kitchen cleaning. The Lead Cook must be competent in all areas of the kitchen, including recipe-driven stations, grill cook duties, standard stations, food prep/sauces, cold prep, and dishwashing. This role also assists in the management of the kitchen, including opening and closing procedures.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate has experience working in a team environment, preferably in a commercial kitchen setting. They should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment managing multiple tasks. The candidate must demonstrate excellent attention to detail with a focus on accuracy, safety, and sanitation habits.

Workplace Requirements

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

This role is classified as an Essential On-Campus Position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions. During emergencies or crises, the employee is required to report to campus as directed to ensure continuity of critical operations and must remain accessible to leadership to fulfill responsibilities necessary for maintaining institutional functions.

Physical Demands

LIGHT – Exert up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally. Requires walking or standing up to 8 hours per day.

Other Requirements

Manual dexterity and the ability to see, hear, reach, climb, and balance. Must be able to detect scents and discern flavors.

Environment

Work environment is a commercial kitchen and includes exposure to temperature extremes. Work hazards include exposure to chemicals, wet floors, dangerous equipment (fryers, dough sheet, tortilla machine, stoves, ovens, knives, slicers, etc.), and hot oil, steam, and water.

Hiring Range

$20.64 - $26.00 hourly.

*Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• Four or more (4+) years of experience.
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• Certified Food Management Permit (Houston) or equivalent (ServSafe)

Skills

• Able to read and write in English.
• Able to read and understand standard recipes and production sheets.
• Ability to document HACCP Log sheets for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Proven record of cleanliness ensuring safety and sanitation habits.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong multitasking ability to address staff issues while working on other elements of an event, meal, or project.

Preferences

• Three years related experience in commercial hospitality or similar field.

Essential Functions

• Prepares a variety of foods in accordance with menu instructions and standardized recipes.
• Works any and all standardized stations as well as recipe-driven stations; must be competent in all areas of the kitchen including Grill Cook, Pizza Maker, Food Prep/Sauces, Lead Dishwasher, Baker, Cashier, Cold Prep, or Dishwasher.
• Ensures that proper food standards are maintained in the areas of quality, sanitation, and appearance.
• Participate in maintaining a high degree of sanitation within the kitchen and serving area, including cleaning standard kitchen equipment.
• Maintains a clean work area and assists with general kitchen cleaning.
• Provides directions and assistance to visitors as needed.
• Assists in the management of the kitchen including opening and closing the kitchen.
• Serves as an Essential Employee during Campus Emergencies, reporting to campus to ensure continuity of operations.
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values

Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [e-mail] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [e-mail]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.