Culinary Assistant

Title: Culinary Assistant
Division Name: Student Affairs
Department: Event Management, Dining and Hospitality

Job Summary

The Department of Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality is one of 15 departments within the Division of Student Affairs. It provides the campus community and guests with high-quality, efficient, and innovative event services and dining options in a variety of settings dedicated to accentuating and enhancing the campus experience in a diverse community.

This position is an integral part of our dining operations staff. Led by experienced culinary professionals, we offer staff the opportunity to work in newly-renovated facilities and are committed to using quality ingredients and processes. This position plays an integral role in accomplishing this goal by assisting Culinary Associates in the preparation and service of food in residential dining centers. This position also assists in maintaining a friendly and orderly environment in the dining room by greeting customers as they enter, assisting with questions and service needs, and performing other customer service tasks, such as clearing tables and restocking condiments.

Whether it's to find a place to study, gather with friends, enjoy a bite to eat, or plan a large event, the Department of Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality takes great pride in providing welcoming and inclusive spaces, high-quality food services, and experienced and professional staff who care about making every experience individualized and extraordinary. It is our philosophy to recruit, inspire, and retain talented team members and promote wellness and foster their development. It is our goal to promote a more fully diverse and inclusive campus community.

Additional Information

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$17.76 per hour

Required Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Six (6) months of experience in food preparation in a commercial setting.
3. A final candidate must complete a post-offer pre-employment physical exam. Employment is contingent on the successful result of the pre-employment physical.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Full knowledge and acceptance of principles of diversity.
2. Good communications skills; ability to read and write; ability to follow oral and written instructions and work independently; ability to apply common sense to carry out detailed instructions.
3. Ability to work cooperatively with supervisors and co-workers.
4. Must demonstrate exceptional customer services skills.
5. Knowledge of materials and methods used in the preparation of food; knowledge of use and operation of cleaning materials, methods and equipment.

Work Hours

Working hours and days off will be subject to bid

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

This position requires standing, walking, use of fingers and hands, reaching, lifting, kneeling, stooping, crouching, speaking, and seeing. This position also requires the ability to stand for an extended time without a significant rest period and the ability to lift 25 lbs frequently and up to 50 lbs occasionally.

Proposed Starting Date

2026

Required Applicant Documents

Reference List

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Optional Applicant Documents

Certification of Retirement Annuity
American National Standards Institute’s Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification - See Special Instructions to Applicant section for additional options
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