Assistant Chef

The Ohio State University is a renowned public research university located in Columbus, Ohio, widely recognized for its dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and student development. The institution is not only committed to fostering a vibrant learning community but also provides extensive support services to enhance the student experience. Among these services is the Student Life Dining Services, a critical part of campus life that ensures quality dining options are delivered to students, staff, faculty, and guests across various campuses including Columbus, Mansfield, Marion, Newark, and Wooster. This department administers meal plans serving approximately 15,000 residential students, playing a significant role in the overall residential experience at the university.

Student Life Dining Services operates a variety of dining locations, offering diverse menu options ranging from quick service to more elaborate culinary selections. The dining services emphasize food quality, safety, and nutritional balance while maintaining operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. With a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, the department fosters an engaging environment for both its employees and its customers.

The Assistant Chef position at The Ohio State University, located at the Ohio Union's Union Market, is a pivotal role within this dynamic dining environment. This full-time, regular position is part of the culinary management team dedicated to the preparation of cooked foods that support a large-scale dining service operation. The role involves working primarily on the second shift, which encompasses afternoon and evening hours as well as weekends, ensuring continuous service availability.

As an Assistant Chef, the individual is responsible for expertly operating all stations within the dining venue which includes diverse offerings such as paninis, wraps, burgers, quesadillas, tacos, build-your-own pasta bowls and hot bars, sushi stations, grain bowls, salad and fruit bars, and parfait bars. Mastery in food preparation, presentation, and timing is essential to ensure freshly cooked products are consistently available. The Assistant Chef supports and fills in for various stations throughout the service period to guarantee seamless, timely service and acts as the primary culinary manager in the absence of the Unit Chef.

The position requires a thorough understanding of kitchen equipment, food safety programs such as ServSafe, and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures. An ability to train and collaborate with student workers and regular employees is vital, reflecting the educational mission and operational needs of the university's dining services. The Assistant Chef also participates in special culinary functions and events, expanding their role beyond day-to-day kitchen management.

Candidates for the Assistant Chef role are expected to hold a bachelor's degree in culinary arts or an equivalent combination of education and experience, along with a minimum of two years of culinary experience. Additional desired qualities include prior supervisory experience, familiarity with Jamix software, certification in ServSafe, and experience working in high-volume, fast casual, catering, or cafeteria-style food service operations.

The university offers a competitive hourly pay range of $18.37 to $23.99 for this role, along with premium pay opportunities for shifts occurring after 3:00 pm. Staff receive comprehensive benefits starting from the first day of employment, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, holiday pay, OPERS retirement plans, tuition assistance for both employees and their dependents, and eligibility for public service loan forgiveness programs.

Working at The Ohio State University means joining a diverse, inclusive, and equal opportunity employer committed to valuing all employees including veterans and individuals with disabilities. The Assistant Chef role not only provides a pathway for career development within food service and production but also offers meaningful engagement in a mission-driven academic environment dedicated to student growth and community service.