Multiple Positions Available 
One weekend shift required. Flexible scheduling. No late nights.

ABOUT US
At KU Dining, our mission is to create an unparalleled dining experience for our guests, foster a culture of excellence among our well-trained and empowered staff, and provide inviting spaces that reflect the warmth of our KU Community. We strive to set a standard that goes beyond nourishment, creating an environment where every meal becomes a highlight of the KU experience.  

We employ full-time and part-time employees to serve all the University of Kansas' dining needs. Although this operation is quite large, every job and every employee is important. 

We offer a work-life balance unlike any other in the restaurant industry! Here, you'll take pride in crafting delicious food for KU students living in the dormitories, learn valuable culinary skills, and work with a dedicated team, all while enjoying ample time off. There’s plenty of room to grow professionally, and we cannot wait to talk to you about starting a career with us!

ABOUT THE JOB  

We’re hiring multiple full-time Residential Cooks across a range of kitchen stations, including: 

• AM Cook 

• Midday Cook 

• PM Cook 

• Grill Cook 

• Pizza Cook 

• Prep Cook 

Each position contributes to the daily success of our Residential Dining operations at the following locations: Ekdahl Dining Center (Mrs. E’s), North College Cafe, and South Dining Commons. Cooks are responsible for preparing hot and cold menu items following standardized recipes, maintaining a clean and organized workstation, and practicing food safety in compliance with HACCP and ServSafe guidelines. Depending on the role, responsibilities may also include operating grills and ovens, prepping ingredients, baking pizzas, assembling meals, restocking items, and supporting service during peak periods. 

This is a fast-paced, team-oriented environment ideal for individuals who thrive on consistency, collaboration, and quality. The ideal Cook candidates will have at least one year of experience in a similar or relevant position and at least two years of experience in a high-volume, commercial kitchen environment. 

An exemplary Residential Dining candidate will demonstrate job and industry knowledge, quality control, sound decision-making, problem-solving, clear communication, and a strong sense of teamwork.
 

WORK AVAILABILITY

This is a full-time, year-round position with multiple scheduling options available, featuring no late-night shifts and stable scheduling.  All employees are required to work at least one weekend shift per week. 

Shifts range between 5:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. and vary by position and location: 

• AM Cooks: Typical shift 5:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

• Midday Cooks: Typical shift 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

• PM Cooks: Typical shift 12:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

• Grill, Pizza, and Prep roles may vary depending on service needs.

AS A FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE WITH KU DINING, YOU WILL ENJOY:  

• Generous paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays  

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options  

• Highly competitive Retirement Plan with a 7.5% employer match  

• Two months of paid parental leave  

• Employee Assistance Program  

• Meal benefits... and more! 

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in a commercial kitchen environment.  One must be able to work collaboratively in a noisy, team-oriented environment.

Physical Demands

Ability to perform above average physical requirements of food service work - stooping, bending, extensive walking, standing for long periods and lifting 50 pounds.

Environment

This job is performed in a fast-paced environment with frequent exposure to high temperatures, open flames, steam, sharp instruments, and potentially slippery floors.  It requires the use of personal protective equipment such as cut-resistant gloves or slip-resistant footwear.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.