Student: Culinary Support

University of Kentucky; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky is seeking a current UK student for an off-campus food service role in Lexington. The position involves setting tables, bussing, washing dishes, and assisting cooks, with duties extending to cleaning and dining room support.

Applicants should be able to work full-time with some weekends, meet health requirements, and obtain a Food Handlers Permit as necessary. The role emphasizes customer service and safe, sanitary operations.

Qualifications

• Must relate positively to residents and families and work cooperatively with staff.
• Effective communication with residents, families, staff and the public.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Must meet state health requirements and obtain Food Handlers Permit as needed.
• Able to perform tasks with light to medium physical effort.

Responsibilities

• Set up and bussing tables, washing dishes and assisting cooks.
• Prepare, wash and store dishes following procedures.
• Assist in serving and maintain clean dining areas and equipment.
• Help keep the kitchen and dining spaces safe and sanitary.
• Ensure good customer service in regard to food service.

Skills

Relate to residents

Effective communication

Regular attendance

Health requirement compliance

Food Handlers Permit (as required)

Physical stamina (medium work)

Team player

Job description

Job Summary

You must be a current UK student to apply for this position. This position is located off-campus with a local Lexington employer and is not affiliated with UK.

20-40

Able to work full-time, with some weekend work

Responsible for setting tables, bussing tables, washing dishes, assisting the cook as needed and completing cleaning duties.

Essential Job Functions:

Kitchen

• Prepare, wash and store dishes following Community procedures.
• Clean dishwashing area.
• Assist in serving, if needed.
• Assist cooks in cleaning food serving areas and equipment.
• Assists cook in food prep as requested

Dining Room

• Set up serving carts for each meal as required.
• Help serve meals to residents' tables following Community procedures.
• Bus tables and prepare dishes for washing.
• Clean dining room tables and chairs as needed.
• Sweep and clean dining room area.
• Set tables for the next meal.
• Focus on good customer service in regard to food service.
• Works as part of the Food Services team to ensure smooth, efficient and safe operation of the kitchen.
• Adheres to prescribed safety and sanitation practices and procedures.

The job description provides a framework for the job; other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Must be able to relate positively to residents and families, and to work cooperatively with other employees.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with Residents, families, staff, community officials, referral sources and the general public.
• Must be capable of maintaining regular and reliable attendance.
• Must meet all state health requirements.
• Obtain Food Handlers Permit (as required by state regulations).
• Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities (Essential Job Functions) with or without reasonable accommodation.
• - Medium Work - Ability to exert 20-50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10-25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• - Bending, twisting, squatting and/or reaching is frequently and consistently necessary while serving, cleaning, or performing other tasks.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 10/08/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status. Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Anticipated Start Date

Anticipated Start Date 09/14/2026

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * You must be a UK student to hold this position. Are you a UK student?
  • Yes
  • No
• * This position is located off campus and is not associated with the University of Kentucky. Are you eligible to work an off campus job?
  • Yes
  • No
• * This position requires additional steps after submitting your application. You will receive an email with instructions to apply directly with a third-party non-UK employer. Do you understand that you must follow the instructions in that email to complete your application?
  • Yes
  • No