Hospitality Assistant

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a résumé in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:
Boasting a 300-acre, tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system that supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They are reflected in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary:
The Hospitality Assistant is responsible for preparing a variety of dishes in accordance with established menus and standardized recipes. This role ensures that high standards of food quality, sanitation, and presentation are consistently maintained, while also upholding cleanliness in the work area and supporting overall kitchen sanitation and maintenance. In addition to core cooking duties, the Hospitality Assistant will also perform one or more specialized roles as needed, including:

• Cashier
• Dishwasher
• Cold Prep
• Bakeshop Prep
• Restaurant Server
• Banquet Server
• Barista
• Cohen House Steward

The weekly schedule will vary and will include working on weekends and holidays—candidates must be available to work any required shift.

Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate has experience working in a team environment and at least one year of related experience, preferably in a commercial kitchen setting. They should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks. They may be expected to perform specialized roles such as Cashier, Dishwasher, Cold Prep, Bakeshop Prep, Restaurant Server, Banquet Server, Barista, or Cohen House Steward as needed.

Workplace Requirements:
On-campus position: This position is exclusively on-site, requiring all duties to be performed in person at the designated work location at Rice University. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Essential On-Campus: This role is classified as an Essential On-Campus Position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions. During emergencies or crises, the employee is required to report to campus as directed to ensure continuity of critical operations and must remain accessible to leadership to fulfill responsibilities necessary for maintaining institutional functions.

Physical Demands: LIGHT WORK: Exert up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally. Requires walking or standing for up to 8 hours per day. Other physical requirements include manual dexterity and the ability to see, hear, reach, climb, and balance.

Other Requirements: Must be able to detect scents and discern flavors.

Environment: The work environment is a commercial kitchen and includes exposure to extreme temperatures. Work hazards include exposure to chemicals, wet floors, dangerous equipment (fryers, stoves, ovens, knives, slicers, etc.), and hot oil, steam, and water.

Hiring Range: $18.00 - $21.57 hourly, contingent upon qualifications and experience.

*Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma