Vegan Cook

University of North Texas - Denton; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Texas - Denton is seeking a Vegan Cook for UNT's Mean Greens vegan dining hall. You will prepare and serve plant-based meals, maintain a stocked serving line, and ensure food quality and temperature control per food safety policies.

The role emphasizes variety in globally inspired vegan dishes and a positive dining experience for students and guests. Join a premier plant-based dining operation with strong standards.

Qualifications

• 6 Months General Working Experience.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to maintain records and complete forms accurately.
• Food Service Cooking Experience.

Responsibilities

• Has a perfect attendance record; arrives prepared to begin work at scheduled starting time daily.
• When absent or tardy, calls manager or supervisor prior to shift beginning as outlined in Food Department policy.
• Exceeds grooming standards as defined in Food Department policy on a daily basis.
• Maintains the proper temperature of foods using a thermometer per policy.
• Portions food items according to recipe instructions or unit manager.
• Produces high quality work with exceptional efficiency at each meal daily.

Skills

General Working Experience

Instruction following

Record keeping

Food safety

Food service equipment

Team player

Job description

Title: Vegan Cook

Employee Classification: Food Service Specialist

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Student Affairs

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Dining Service

Department: UNT-Dining-Residential-163720

Job Location: Denton

Salary: salary commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people‑first values‑based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

It's About the Food!
Why work for UNT Dining? Our employees explain. - YouTube

As the largest self‑supported food service department in North Texas, UNT Dining Services is setting the standard for campus dining. With five Dining Halls, more than 20 retail locations, an upscale restaurant, a hydroponic garden, a central scratch bakery, and full‑service catering, the department is led by a team of professionally trained chefs and hospitality experts. UNT is recognized as a national leader in university dining, known for its innovative, trendsetting approach and award‑winning culinary talent.

UNT Dining Services is home to Mean Greens Cafe, the nation's first 100% vegan collegiate dining hall, and Kitchen West, Texas' first and only university dining hall certified Free From the Big 8 food allergens and gluten. In 2021, UNT introduced Eagle Landing, the university's first standalone dining hall, inspired by urban food halls and featuring seven distinct restaurant concepts‑all available for a single Meal Plan swipe.

Recognized for excellence, UNT was ranked No. 2 nationwide for best college food by Delish.com. The department is also the proud recipient of the prestigious Loyal E. Horton Award and the Vegan Recipe Award from the National Association of College and University Food Services. As a founding member of the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative, UNT plays an active role in pioneering research on plant‑forward diets, food waste reduction, and consumer food choices, all while advancing the principles of healthy, sustainable menus

Position Overview

Prepare and serve high‑quality plant‑based meals for Mean Greens, UNT's nationally acclaimed Vegan certified dining hall and the nation's first and only 100% plant‑based collegiate dining hall. Responsible for preparing daily menu items, maintaining an attractive and fully stocked serving line throughout meal service, and ensuring food quality, consistency, and presentation standards are met. Monitor and maintain proper food temperatures using thermometers in accordance with Food Department policies and food safety regulations. Support a varied menu featuring globally inspired vegan cuisine, including stations such as fried rice, Vietnamese pho, Mediterranean grill, and fresh guacamole, while contributing to a positive dining experience for students and guests.

Minimum Qualifications

6 Months General Working Experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to maintain records and complete forms accurately. Ability to apply mathematical concepts to complete tasks (example: collecting cash and making change). Knowledge of the care and use of food service equipment and kitchen utensils. Knowledge of health hazards in food preparation and service and necessary precautionary measures. Knowledge of safety and security precautions appropriate to work performed.

Preferred Qualifications

The preferred candidate will possess the following additional qualifications: Food Service Cooking Experience.

Job Duties

• Has a perfect attendance record; arrives prepared to begin work at scheduled starting time daily.
• When absent or tardy, calls manager or supervisor prior to shift beginning as outlined in Food Department policy.
• Do not have excessive absenteeism in accordance with Food Department policy.
• Employee always wears a clean and neat uniform which includes name tag and skid resistant shoes. (Daily; ZERO EXCEPTIONS)
• Exceeds grooming standards as defined in Food Department policy on a daily basis.
• Tastes products to verify the quality of each item served for each meal period daily.
• Monitors and assures the quality of items on the serving line throughout the meal service. This includes each item prepared daily. (ZERO EXCEPTIONS)
• Maintains the proper temperature of foods. Uses a thermometer to check temp for each item served per Food Department policy. (ZERO EXCEPTIONS)
• Contributes to the success of the department by using positive statements about the Food Department and coworkers.
• Portions food items according to recipe instructions or unit manager.
• Proactively seeks additional work and responsibilities.
• Follows all HACCP guidelines as they relate to specific job responsibilities (ZERO EXCEPTIONS)
• Performs additional work without being instructed to do so.
• Produces high quality work with exceptional efficiency at each meal daily.
• Often completes tasks ahead of schedule.
• Is effective and friendly in communication with team members and customers; is positive and enthusiastic all the time.
• Anticipates takes ownership and satisfies customers, fellow team members, and management needs and concerns.

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.
Lifting and Moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Hours Vary

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -and takes actions to prevent - discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.