Prep Chef (Catering)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking a Culinarian to serve as Prep Chef in its catering operation. This position is hands-on in the kitchen and heavily involved in production, with attention to detail and a focus on delivering a positive guest experience.

Responsibilities include assisting with menu additions, station setup/closure, cooking, inventory, cost and waste control, food presentation, quality monitoring, and training staff while delivering excellent dining service.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or two years of professional culinary experience in a restaurant (not Quick Service), catering, or university dining.
• Ability to read, write, weigh, and measure ingredients.
• Strong communication skills and ability to train others.
• Food handler’s permit or ability to obtain via safety testing.

Responsibilities

• Aiding in the creation of menu additions.
• Setting up and closing down stations; cooking; restocking; recipe/ingredient preparation; inventory; dish machine operation; cleaning.
• Cost and waste control.
• Food presentation and quality monitoring.
• Training and guidance to staff on technique.
• Providing outstanding customer service to dining guests.

Skills

Reading & measurement

Effective communication

Staff training

Cost & waste control

Education

Culinary degree or 2+ years culinary experience

Tools

CBOARD

Lean Path

Transact

Microsoft Office

Job description

Working Title

Prep Chef (Catering)

Department

Housing: Catering-12429

Description Of Work

The University of Nebraska is seeking a highly skilled Culinarian, to serve as a Prep Chef. This position will be hands on in the kitchen and heavily involved in the kitchen’s production. This position requires attention to detail, a passion for food, and the ability to create a positive guest experience.

The Prep Chef is responsible for:

• Aiding in the creation of menu additions
• Performing tasks in multiple areas/functions, such as setting up and closing down stations, cooking, re-stocking, recipe/ingredient preparation, inventory, dish machine operation, and cleaning
• Cost and waste control
• Food presentation
• Monitoring food quality
• Training and providing guidance to staff on technique
• Providing outstanding customer service to the guests of dining services

About Us

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace certification. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full‑time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options, including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
• Retirement plans with university matchA workplace culture that values your time outside of work
• Learn more about working at UNL : https://go.unl.edu/aboutus

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Culinary art degree/certificate or two (2) years of professional culinary experience such as working for a restaurant (not Quick Service), country club, catering service, or University dining preparing food from scratch for traditional banquet, buffet, or table service.
• Ability to read, write, weigh, and measure.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to train and lead others.
• Food Handler’s permit or ability to obtain by passing the Safety and Sanitation test.

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory experience.
• Chef with a high attention to detail, a passion for excellent food, and ability to ensure a positive guest experience.
• Food Protection Management Permit certification.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office CBOARD (or similar menu management programs), Lean Path, Transact software.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills with duties and personnel.

Posted Salary

$19.00/hr minimum