Sous Chef

Rochester Institute of Technology; United States; On-site; USD 27,069 - 31,753; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly meal benefits

Campus amenities access

Generous PTO

Job summary

Rochester Institute of Technology Dining is seeking a skilled food preparation professional to work on campus. You will wash, prep, and cook hot and cold foods, ensuring quality, safety, and proper storage while following dietary restrictions and allergen considerations.

The role emphasizes hands-on cooking, sanitation, and collaboration with culinary leadership to meet recipes and standards. On-campus hours provide a stable schedule with benefits through the university dining program.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of culinary environments, techniques, and standards.
• Knowledge of allergens, food sensitivities, and dietetic restrictions.
• Skill in time management, organization, and multi-tasking.
• Ability to follow New York State, Monroe County, and university health codes as they relate to health, sanitation, and safety.
• Ability to deliver exceptional customer service.

Responsibilities

• Washes produce, cuts ingredients, and prepares hot and cold foods.
• Ensures all food is of satisfactory quality and quantity, and is prepared, served, and stored at proper temperatures and times.
• Performs a variety of assigned cooking duties which may include short orders such as hamburgers, chicken, eggs, and other grill items, as well as cold foods such as items for delicatessen/salad bar and compound salads.
• Assists in maintaining sanitation and health and safety standards, including the proper labeling, rotation, and storage of food items.
• Prepares menu items according to product specifications and recipes provided by culinary leadership.
• Cleans and/or sanitizes cooking utensils, grills, ovens, hoods, and other kitchen equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Culinary knowledge

Allergen awareness

Time management

Organization

Customer service

Education

Degree/Certification in Culinary Arts

3 years of related experience

Job description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Washes produce, cuts ingredients, and prepares hot and cold foods
• Ensures all food is of satisfactory quality and quantity, and is prepared, served, and stored at proper temperatures and times
• Performs a variety of assigned cooking duties which may include short orders such as hamburgers, chicken, eggs, and other grill items, as well as cold foods such as items for delicatessen/salad bar and compound salads
• Assists in maintaining sanitation and health and safety standards, including the proper labeling, rotation, and storage of food items
• Prepares menu items according to product specifications and recipes provided by culinary leadership
• Cleans and/or sanitizes cooking utensils, grills, ovens, hoods, and other kitchen equipment
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of culinary environments, techniques, and standards
• Knowledge of allergens, food sensitivities, and dietetic restrictions
• Skill in time management, organization, and multi-tasking
• Ability to follow New York State, Monroe County, and university health codes as they relate to health, sanitation, and safety
• Ability to deliver exceptional customer service

Minimum Education & Experience

• Degree/Certification in Culinary Arts
• 3 years of related experience
• Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Job Level Overview

Operations, Administrative, Service, or Technical Support Level 4 - Advanced or lead role with deep subject matter expertise and/or functions as a formal or informal team lead. Leads challenging and non‑routine tasks, assignments, and projects, often coordinating across teams and developing new methods or techniques. Mentors less experienced staff and reviews or delegates work.

Why Work for RIT Dining

RIT Dining serves thousands of students, faculty, and staff each day, creating meaningful moments across campus. As a university‑owned operation, we’re committed to delivering personalized culinary experiences while providing valuable growth opportunities for both full‑time employees and student workers. You’ll work alongside a diverse team, including students from many backgrounds—to create a welcoming, inclusive environment. Your contributions enhance the student experience as customers and support employees in building the teamwork, confidence, and real‑world skills that drive long‑term success.

Work–Life Balance

You Can Count On Predictable schedules with added flexibility during academic breaks.

Strong Benefits That Support You

Comprehensive health coverage, employer‑paid disability, and wellness resources.

Grow With Us

Tuition assistance for you and your family, plus career development in a collaborative, innovative environment.

Invest in Your Future

Competitive retirement plan with up to 8% employer match.

Time to Recharge

Generous PTO, 12 paid holidays, and a culture that values your well‑being.

Meaningful Perks

Weekly meal benefits and access to campus amenities.

A Community That Welcomes You

Inclusive, supportive teams where your contributions make a real impact.

Current Anticipated Hours/Work Location

Location: Campus Concessions
Work Schedule: Schedule varies based on event needs. Work schedule may need to fluctuate based on University‑wide events, and academic breaks.

Compensation and Eligibility

• FLSA Category: Non‑Exempt
• Work Location: On Campus
• Compensation: $19.65-$23.05

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities.

Accommodations

RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the NewYork Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585‑475‑2424 or email your request to [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.

About RIT

Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology has a long‑standing history of innovation that blends the arts, technology, and experiential learning. In addition to its main campus in Rochester, NewYork, RIT maintains a strong international presence with over 100 active global partnerships and international campuses in Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. As of Fall2024, total student enrollment across all campuses exceeded21,000. Nationally recognized for its co‑op and internship programs, RIT is supported by more than4,000 dedicated faculty and staff members committed to student success. Its1,300‑acre suburban campus features cutting‑edge facilities that reflect RIT’s strengths in applied research, design, and workforce development.