Cook's Assistant

The Cook's Assistant is a key member of the Campus Dining Team within the Division of Administration at Vanderbilt University. The Cook's Assistant is responsible for supporting the culinary leadership in a variety of functions and executing simple recipes. This position is also responsible for washing and cutting meats and vegetables using simple cuts, preparing a variety of ingredients for cooking and serving food to guests while providing high-quality customer service. This position does not have any delegation responsibilities in the kitchen.

Please note, the schedule for this role is both AM and PM shifts, including weekends. The pay starts at $15.00 per hour and includes perks such as benefits, tuition assistance, career advancement, free shift meals, free MTA bus rides, paid time off (PTO), and holiday and winter break pay.

Vanderbilt Campus Dining takes pride in the culinary creations served from our kitchens. Our Dining program is highly decorated, the winner of many prestigious awards in the foodservice industry, including Best On-Site Food Service Operation in the Nation, Best Food Service Operator, the prestigious Ivy Award, and many more. We have main dining centers, restaurants, and cafes, convenience stores, and we employ over 300 employees.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Cook food using simple recipes
• Cut, trim, and chop meat, poultry and vegetables using simple knife skills
• Prepare and serve food according to production guidelines and recipes
• Responsible for using correct portions when cutting, preparing, and serving items
• Evaluates food quality and preparedness by using proper quality control measures
• Cover, date and correctly store all food items as per safe food-handling procedures
• Complete production sheets, which includes logs for waste, temperature and actual prepared product
• Identify production needs based on recipes and par levels
• Ensure food is stored at the correct temperature for the prescribed length of time while following all food safety standards and complete daily temperature logs
• Set up and break down work stations
• Cleans and sanitizes work areas, equipment, and utensils to ensure a clean and sanitary work station

Qualifications

• Minimum experience of one year in the foodservice industry preferred
• High School Education or equivalent preferred
• Food Handler certification preferred
• Excellent customer service
• Great interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment
• Must be able to understand and follow directions
• Ability to read documents
• Must be able to safely operate all kitchen equipment
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and frequently lift, push, pull, or carry up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to walk or stand for extended time periods, up to 6 hours
• Involves repetitive motion
• Requires frequent lifting/transporting hot food items
• Ability to work in all unit and kitchen areas while interacting with heated equipment, steam, chemicals for cleaning, etc.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.