Cook - Partial Year

RISD Dining is the dedicated dining and catering service provider at the Rhode Island School of Design, a prestigious institution known for its commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in art and design education. RISD Dining emphasizes the importance of supporting local farms and providing seasonally-inspired culinary options, engaging with both the community and environmental sustainability practices. Their in-house dining and catering program serves students, faculty, staff, and visitors, delivering an exceptional dining experience characterized by fresh ingredients, creative menus, and exceptional customer service. The organization prides itself on utilizing the strengths of its staff to ensure each meal is memorable, nutritious, and thoughtfully prepared.

This particular role is a 9-month partial year position, ideal for individuals who are passionate about culinary arts and interested in working in an environment that values teamwork, attention to detail, and culinary excellence. As a cook at RISD Dining, you will have a hands-on role with responsibilities that include the preparation of a wide variety of menu items using diverse cooking techniques such as grilling, frying, sautéing, and baking. You will work closely within a team to elevate the quality and presentation of prepared dishes, in alignment with RISD Dining's mission to provide high-quality, appealing meals that meet the expectations of a dynamic and diverse campus community.

The role demands versatility and adaptability as team members work in a fast-paced environment with a strong focus on visual and culinary detail to support the mission of providing an outstanding dining experience. Key responsibilities involve acknowledging customers professionally, preparing food items to order, maintaining recipe standards and portion controls, performing mise en place tasks such as cleaning produce and gathering ingredients, and setting up various food stations including deli, salad, vegan, and bakery displays. An emphasis on sanitation standards and maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment is critical, along with inventory management tasks such as receiving deliveries, rotating stock, assisting with ordering, and supporting inventory controls.

Candidates for this position should be adept communicators able to interact with diverse populations effectively, and must demonstrate the ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively within a team. Basic computer skills or the willingness to learn them are also important for success in this role. Certification in Rhode Island sanitation or ServSafe is required or must be obtained shortly after hiring. A high school diploma or equivalent, combined with at least one year of experience working as a cook or in a related role within a high-volume, high-quality foodservice environment is mandatory.

Preference will be given to applicants with additional culinary education, experience in commissary or catering kitchens, recipe development skills, knowledge of international cuisines, as well as prior experience mentoring others or cash handling abilities. The position is scheduled part-time at 24-30 hours per week, typically spanning evenings and at least one weekend day, with flexible scheduling discussed directly with candidates. RISD Dining operates year-round and requires staff to be essential personnel, available to work even when the school is officially closed.

RISD Dining is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to diversity and inclusivity, fostering a work environment where employment decisions are based on qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, or any other protected characteristic. This role offers meaningful work in a creative, supportive setting with opportunities for professional growth, contributing to a vibrant educational community through quality food service.