Prep Cook - Hampton University

Thompson Hospitality Corporation; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Job summary

A leading food service company in Hampton, Virginia, is seeking a dedicated Prep Cook to join their culinary team. In this role, you will be responsible for precisely preparing ingredients, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and assisting in meal production. Candidates should have food safety knowledge and strong teamwork skills. The position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment, ensuring every dish meets high standards of taste and presentation.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a kitchen or food preparation role is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills for effective collaboration.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Precisely prepare ingredients following established recipes.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment.
• Assist in various meal production tasks for efficient operations.
• Contribute to overall kitchen cleanliness and organization.
• Collaborate with team members to support a smooth workflow.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Food safety knowledge

Manual dexterity

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about food and take pride in precision, cleanliness, and teamwork? We’re looking for a dedicated Prep Cook to support our culinary team and contribute to the excellence that defines our dining experience.

In this vital role, you’ll be part of the backbone of kitchen operations, helping prepare ingredients, maintain a clean and organized space, and ensure every dish meets our high standards of taste and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Precisely prepare ingredients following established recipes and guidelines.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment to uphold hygiene standards.
• Assist in various meal production tasks to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
• Contribute to the overall cleanliness and organization of the kitchen.
• Collaborate with team members to support a smooth workflow in the kitchen.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a kitchen or food preparation role is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills for effective collaboration in a dynamic kitchen environment.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 10–12 hours per shift), especially during meal prep and service.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds (e.g., bulk food items, equipment, inventory).
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and twisting during food preparation and equipment handling.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for chopping, slicing, plating, and using kitchen tools and machinery.
• Ability to work in hot, humid, and fast-paced kitchen environments.
• Must be able to taste and smell food to ensure quality and consistency.
• Visual acuity to monitor food presentation, cleanliness, and safety standards.
• Ability to move freely in large kitchen spaces, storage areas, and multiple dining facilities across campus.
• Ability to communicate clearly in a noisy kitchen environment.
• May require climbing ladders or using step stools to access upper storage or equipment.

Who We Are

Hampton University is a historically Black university located in Hampton, Virginia, with a rich history and strong ties to the African American experience. Located on the scenic Virginia Peninsula where history meets innovation, HU offers a vibrant academic community with top-tier programs in liberal arts, technology, and graduate studies. Representing 49 states and 35 countries, our close-knit campus is alive with diversity and drive. Hampton University offers more than an education — it’s an experience that shapes leaders, inspires dreams, and launches futures.

Thompson Hospitality is one of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits; see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.