Lead Cook

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 19,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance for Temporary EMPLOYE

LEAD courses

Free attendance to sports events

Childcare discounts

Wellness & Recreation Membership

Job summary

NC State Dining is seeking a Lead Cook in Raleigh, NC. This hourly position involves following recipes, supervising student cooks, and assisting in service across dining halls, cafes, and venues. Work includes hot food prep, display setups, and event meal support.

Shifts vary from early mornings to late nights, including weekends; a ServSafe credential is preferred or obtainable within 90 days. The role requires standing, lifting up to 60 lbs, and a strong teamwork ethic.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalency.
• Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional guidance and instructions to temporary line station cooks and student cooks.
• Portion and prepare food according to standardized recipes and specifications.
• Support front-of-house operations with backup food to avoid lag time.
• Perform specialty tasks such as display station setup, garnishing, recipe development, and event meal assistance.
• Check temperatures and proper storage of food items; prevent contamination and spoilage.

Skills

Knife skills

High-volume cooking

ServSafe knowledge

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

If Yes, Appointment Length

Posting Details

Position Information

Posting Number: PG196294TM

Position Number: 47LEADCOOK1126

Position Type: Temporary

Essential Job Duties

NC State Dining provides campus wide food services to students, staff, and faculty on the North Carolina State University Campus. NC State Dining operates 10 cafes, 3 food courts and 6 dining halls, 4 markets, 1 restaurant, vending, a nutritional counseling service, and a catering department. The department employs approximately 1000 temporary and student employees and approximately 180 permanent EHRA and SHRA employees.

NC State Dining is seeking individuals to Join our Pack as a Lead Cook. Successful candidates will receive instructions from the chef and other culinary professionals in a dining hall, food court or restaurant setting.

Essential job duties include:

• Provide professional guidance and instructions to temporary line station cooks and student cooks.
• Portion and prepare food according to standardized recipes and specifications, executing small-batch cooking, made-to-order items, and transporting food to hot boxes.
• Provide support to the front-of-house operations with backup food to ensure that there is no lag time between changing out food items.
• Perform specialty tasks such as display station setup and service, enhanced garnishing, recipe development, and event meal assistance.
• Check temperatures and proper storage of food items, and follow proper guidelines in the storage of food to prevent contamination and spoilage.
• Operate all kitchen equipment safely and as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Follow written and/or verbal instructions, and complete all tasks with excellence.
• Communicate effectively with customers, supervisors, and peers, and work cohesively as part of a team.
• Provide outstanding customer service, including the ability to remain professional and respectful under pressure when dealing with difficult situations
• Perform necessary cleaning of utensils, workspace, tables, shelves, and equipment in accordance with maintaining a Grade “A” Sanitation rating.
• Participate in recipe development and event meal assistance.
• Other duties as assigned to ensure NC State Dining business needs are met. The position may be asked to assist in other locations as necessary.

This is an hourly position that includes a State-required 32-day break at the end of 24 months, or earlier based on business needs. Superior work performance may provide an opportunity to renew employment and/or advance into a benefits-eligible permanent position.

This position will routinely handle sharp items such as knives and slicer blades, as well as be around hot food items, food pans, ovens, fryers, steam tables, and grills.

This position requires standing for long periods of time, walking, bending, twisting, pulling and pushing. Because of the nature of a food service operation and working in a kitchen, you must be able to work in extremely hot and cold conditions. Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs regularly, and 60 occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Is Time Limited

No

If Yes, Appointment Length

Wolfpack Perks And Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer

• Health Insurance for Temporary Employees
• Enhance your career with LEAD courses
• Attend non-revenue generating sporting events for free.

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare discounts , Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Department Information

Job City & State: Raleigh, NC

Department: NC State Dining

System Information

Classification Title: Temporary-Skilled Trades

Working Title: Lead Cook

Position Information

Requirements and Preferences

Work Schedule

Shifts are available from early morning to late nights including weekends. Please list your availability in the appropriate section of the application. Full- and part-time positions are available.

Other Work/Responsibilities

• Be an ambassador for NC State Dining and the university as a whole and enrich the quality of life for the campus community and support student success.
• Work as a cohesive team member and play an integral part in creating a positive work environment.

Minimum Experience/Education

• High School Diploma or equivalency;
• Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work will also be considered.

Department Required Skills

N/A

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Previous culinary experience with recipe preparation, short order and high-volume cooking
• Diverse culinary knowledge, such as working knowledge of meat fabrication, a variety of cuisines, measurements, and knife skills
• Demonstrated understanding of proper food safety, cleaning, and sanitation procedures

Required License Or Certification

• ServSafe certificate, or the ability to obtain within 90 days of employment.

Valid NC Driver's License required?

No

Commercial Driver's License Required?

No

Recruitment

Anticipated Hiring Range

$17 per hour

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date: 11/12/2026

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail] .

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.