Community Life Chef (HR Title: Lead Food Service Worker)
Job Overview
Employment Type
Part-time
Compensation
Hourly
Range $22.91 - $23.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
wellness programs
retirement plans
Paid Time Off
flexible spending accounts
Job Description
Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, stands as a premier private research university distinguished by its commitment to excellence in education, innovative research, and community engagement. Hosting over 12,000 diverse and high-achieving students from all 50 states and over 80 countries, SMU offers a vibrant academic environment through its eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology, and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. The university places a strong emphasis on small class sizes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study, and a culture of open inquiry and academic freedom. SMU’s integration with the dynamic city of Dallas provides unique social, research, and career opportunities, making it a launching pad for global impact.
The Perkins School of Theology, one of SMU’s prestigious academic divisions, is uniquely positioned within this academic ecosystem as one of the 13 seminaries of The United Methodist Church and one of only five university-related United Methodist theological schools nationwide. Situated in the heart of Dallas, Perkins is known for its commitment to theological education that equips individuals for faithful leadership and ministry in a changing church and society. With a faculty diverse in culture and theological perspectives, Perkins offers graduate degree and certificate programs delivered through in-person, hybrid, and distance learning modalities, targeting students locally, nationally, and globally. The school honors its Wesleyan heritage and embraces inclusivity across Christian expressions, fostering an environment of respect and academic rigor.
This job opening is for a part-time Lead Food Service Worker, also known as the Community Life Chef, at Perkins School of Theology. This vital role primarily focuses on menu planning, food preparation, ingredient procurement, and maintaining a clean and welcoming dining environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests. The position supports a mission-driven approach to community building by offering meal opportunities that facilitate interaction, conversation, and informal learning beyond the classroom. The job requires working approximately 30 hours per week over a 40-week academic calendar from August through May, including additional hours during summer intensive sessions. The Lead Food Service Worker reports directly to the Assistant Dean of Students and collaborates closely with student volunteers, graduate assistants, and other staff members.
Key responsibilities include preparing lunches, brunches, and snacks, managing departmental and student group-sponsored food events, stocking and organizing kitchen areas, and handling all aspects of food procurement and inventory management. Administrative duties such as maintaining food service certifications, health permits, equipment maintenance, and expense reporting also form a core part of this role. The position demands flexibility for occasional early mornings or weekends, local travel for vendor purchasing, and a commitment to high standards of food safety and hospitality. The salary range for this position is approximately $22.91 to $23.00 per hour.
Ideal candidates will possess a minimum of five years of professional cooking and food service experience, with credentials or education in food service management, culinary arts, hospitality, or restaurant management being a plus. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are vital, as is proficiency with Microsoft Office software. The role also requires a Texas Food Service Management or ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification or the willingness to obtain such certification upon hiring. Physical demands include the ability to handle typical kitchen tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, bending, and working in varying temperature conditions. SMU fosters an inclusive and equal opportunity work environment and offers competitive employee benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, and retirement plans. The position encourages applications from individuals who are community-oriented, possess culinary creativity, and value a collaborative team environment.
The Perkins School of Theology, one of SMU’s prestigious academic divisions, is uniquely positioned within this academic ecosystem as one of the 13 seminaries of The United Methodist Church and one of only five university-related United Methodist theological schools nationwide. Situated in the heart of Dallas, Perkins is known for its commitment to theological education that equips individuals for faithful leadership and ministry in a changing church and society. With a faculty diverse in culture and theological perspectives, Perkins offers graduate degree and certificate programs delivered through in-person, hybrid, and distance learning modalities, targeting students locally, nationally, and globally. The school honors its Wesleyan heritage and embraces inclusivity across Christian expressions, fostering an environment of respect and academic rigor.
This job opening is for a part-time Lead Food Service Worker, also known as the Community Life Chef, at Perkins School of Theology. This vital role primarily focuses on menu planning, food preparation, ingredient procurement, and maintaining a clean and welcoming dining environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests. The position supports a mission-driven approach to community building by offering meal opportunities that facilitate interaction, conversation, and informal learning beyond the classroom. The job requires working approximately 30 hours per week over a 40-week academic calendar from August through May, including additional hours during summer intensive sessions. The Lead Food Service Worker reports directly to the Assistant Dean of Students and collaborates closely with student volunteers, graduate assistants, and other staff members.
Key responsibilities include preparing lunches, brunches, and snacks, managing departmental and student group-sponsored food events, stocking and organizing kitchen areas, and handling all aspects of food procurement and inventory management. Administrative duties such as maintaining food service certifications, health permits, equipment maintenance, and expense reporting also form a core part of this role. The position demands flexibility for occasional early mornings or weekends, local travel for vendor purchasing, and a commitment to high standards of food safety and hospitality. The salary range for this position is approximately $22.91 to $23.00 per hour.
Ideal candidates will possess a minimum of five years of professional cooking and food service experience, with credentials or education in food service management, culinary arts, hospitality, or restaurant management being a plus. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are vital, as is proficiency with Microsoft Office software. The role also requires a Texas Food Service Management or ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification or the willingness to obtain such certification upon hiring. Physical demands include the ability to handle typical kitchen tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, bending, and working in varying temperature conditions. SMU fosters an inclusive and equal opportunity work environment and offers competitive employee benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, and retirement plans. The position encourages applications from individuals who are community-oriented, possess culinary creativity, and value a collaborative team environment.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma
- Minimum of 5 years of professional cooking and food service experience
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups including students, faculty, and staff
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to lift and carry 25-50 pounds
- Ability to stand, bend, squat, push, pull, kneel, and reach above shoulders
- Ability to work in confined quarters and varying temperature and humidity
- Ability to obtain Texas Food Service Management or ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification if not currently certified
- Availability to work some early morning and occasional weekend hours
- Ability to travel locally weekly to food vendors
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma
- Associate's degree preferred
- Degree in food service management, hospitality, culinary, or restaurant management preferred
- Minimum of 5 years of professional cooking and food service experience including menu planning, preparation, purchasing, and inventory
- Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
- Strong written communication skills
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills
- Ability to be flexible in work environment
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to work individually and in a team-oriented environment
- Strong customer service experience
- Creativity in healthy menu planning and food preparation including vegetarian and meat entrees, salads, desserts, and accommodations for food allergies
- Texas Food Service Management or ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification required or ability to obtain upon hiring
Job Duties
- Prepare lunches, brunches, and snacks for the SMU/Perkins School of Theology community, and clean dishes, kitchen surfaces, and tables
- Coordinate all department- and student group-sponsored meals and food service events under the direction of the Assistant Dean
- Stock and organize the Selecman Hall break room, Kirby kitchen, and Prothro Refectory with coffee cups, coffee, condiments, paper plates, napkins, and utensils
- Create weekly menus for distribution and procure food and kitchen supplies
- Stock refrigerated and frozen foods, as well as dry goods, and maintain inventories of food and other kitchen supplies, including cups, coffee, tea, and condiments
- Monitor weekly reports on the number of meals served and the amount spent on food and supplies to ensure expenditures remain within the established budget
- Perform administrative duties related to kitchen management and meal service as assigned, including expense reports, invoices, maintaining State of Texas Food Service Management certification, maintaining the University Park health permit, equipment maintenance reporting, and monitoring housekeeping
- Attend and participate in Student Life and all-staff meetings
- Work cooperatively with student volunteers, graduate assistants, and other Perkins staff
- Provide a daily dish return area for soiled cups, plates, and utensils used after hours, or provide disposable items as necessary
- Clean the inside and outside of refrigerators, the freezer, counter cabinets, pantry, ice maker/dispenser, ovens, stove, dishwasher, and hoods as needed
- Order and serve snacks during Welcome Week, finals weeks, staff meetings, and as needed
- May require some early morning and/or occasional weekend hours to cover food prep responsibilities
- Weekly local travel to food vendors
Job Criteria
Experience
No experience required
Job Location
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