Cook

Rice University is a prestigious institution located on a sprawling 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas. Renowned for its excellence in education, Rice consistently ranks among the nation’s top 20 universities according to U.S. News & World Report. The university prides itself on maintaining a low undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 6-to-1, fostering an intimate and engaging educational environment. Rice’s distinctive residential college system supports students not just academically but also emotionally and culturally, nurturing a close-knit community through a wide array of activities including social events, intramural sports, student theater productions, lecture series, diverse courses, and student governance. This vibrant campus tradition contributes to Rice's reputation for offering the best quality of life and outstanding value among private universities. Beyond education, Rice is an exceptional place for employment, where faculty, staff, and students embody core values such as Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. These values play a critical role in shaping a supportive and respectful campus culture, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all members and visitors of the Rice community.

The Cook position at Rice University is an essential on-campus role that demands dedication and skill in preparing various dishes in alignment with specific menu instructions and standardized recipes. The role emphasizes maintaining high food quality, sanitation, and appealing presentation standards. Cooks at Rice are also responsible for keeping their work stations clean and assisting with overall kitchen maintenance. Proficiency across multiple kitchen stations is crucial, as is the ability to occasionally guide visitors, students, event staff, or other attendants. This position requires working on-site full-time at the Rice campus under an essential employee classification, especially important during emergencies when maintaining continuous operations is critical. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of experience in a commercial kitchen setting and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multitasking environment. A Certified Food Handler’s Permit or equivalent certification like ServSafe is mandatory. The physical demands include standing or walking up to eight hours and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds, with work conditions encompassing exposure to extreme temperatures and the inherent hazards of kitchen equipment and chemicals. Rice offers this opportunity with a competitive hourly wage range of $19.08 to $23.00, with eligibility for overtime pay as per FLSA guidelines. This role is integral to the overall dining experience at Rice, ensuring that students, faculty, and visitors consistently receive nutritious, safely prepared meals accompanied by excellent service and cleanliness standards. The Cook at Rice University is not just a culinary position but a vital part of a large academic community committed to health, safety, inclusivity, and exceptional quality.