Support Cook/Kellogg Center

MSU Careers Recent Jobs; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University is seeking a Support Cook for the Kellogg Center's Banquet/Event culinary team. You will prep ingredients for line cooks and assist with sauces, dressings, and mise en place for conference and catering operations across the campus.

The role requires knowledge of quantity food preparation, at least one year of cooking experience in a high-volume setting, and the ability to work flexible shifts. Safety and hygiene standards must be maintained in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of quantity food preparation and serving techniques.
• One year satisfactory cooking experience in a large volume food service operation or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
• Willingness to work a flexible shift.
• Standards of personal hygiene consistent with sanitation rules and regulations.
• Occasional lifting of 26 to 75 pounds is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing ingredients for the dishes to be served.
• Chop and peel vegetables, fruits, and meats as necessary.
• Measure and weigh ingredients to ensure accuracy in recipes.
• Prepare sauces, marinades, and dressings.
• Clean and sanitize work areas and equipment, including knives and cutting boards.
• Ensure that all ingredients are properly stored to maintain freshness and quality.
• Assist line cooks and other kitchen staff as needed.
• Follow food safety regulations and procedures to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses.
• Work in a fast-paced environment, often under pressure to meet deadlines.

Skills

Food prep

Large-volume cooking

Hygiene

Flexible shifts

Lifting 26-75 lbs

Job description

Position Summary

POSITION SUMMARY:

Support Cook – Kellogg Center works on the Banquet/Event culinary team, that prepare meals for our conference and catering operations for the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, the MSU Spartan football team at Skandalaris Football Center, and at other offsite catering events across MSU’s campus. Support cooks are primarily responsible for preparing ingredients for the line cooks.

Key Responsibilities:

Assists in preparing ingredients for the dishes to be served:

• Chops and peels vegetables, fruits, and meats as necessary
• Measures and weighs ingredients to ensure accuracy in recipes
• Prepare sauces, marinades, and dressings
• Cleans and sanitizes work areas and equipment, including knives and cutting boards
• Ensure that all ingredients are properly stored to maintain freshness and quality
• Assists line cooks and other kitchen staff as needed
• Follows food safety regulations and procedures to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses
• Works in a fast-paced environment, often under pressure to meet deadlines

All positions in RHS are designated as critical status. In the event of a university closure, modification, or suspension of operations due to snow or other emergency condition, persons in this position are expected to make all reasonable attempts to report to work as scheduled for the duration of the closure/suspension. If a person has an approved remote work agreement to work a portion of their normally scheduled work hours remotely, they may be called upon to work on-site to serve the MSU community. This position is a dual report to Residence Education and Housing Services and Culinary Services. This is an in-person position, physically located in 1855 Place office building.

Minimum Requirements

• Working knowledge of quantity food preparation and serving techniques.
• One year satisfactory cooking experience in a large volume food service operation or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
• Willingness to work a flexible shift.
• Standards of personal hygiene consistent with sanitation rules and regulations.
• Occasional lifting of 26 to 75 pounds is required.

Desired Qualifications

• May require a valid operator, chauffeur, or commercial driver’s license(s) with applicable endorsements and medical certificate in order to comply with State of Michigan requirements.
• This position requires, or will require prior to the completion of the probationary period: knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations, and the ability to use e-mail and the Internet.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Work Hours

Variable schedule to meet business needs for events; few late nights and holidays as compared to industry standard.

Building Location

KELLOGG CTR

Website

CAREERS.MSU.EDU

Summary of Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting of 26 to 75 pounds is required.

Bidding eligibility ends October 13, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.

Advertised: Oct 7, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 20, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time