Job Overview

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Employment Type

Part-time
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Work Schedule

Weekend Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Professional development opportunities
flexible scheduling

Job Description

RISD Dining is the culinary division of the Rhode Island School of Design, a renowned art and design institution committed to excellence and diversity in education. The dining program at RISD is dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience that reflects the school's values, including sustainability, community support, and culinary creativity. The dining service actively supports local farms by incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients into its menus, thereby promoting sustainable food practices. This is a 9-month partial year, part-time position offering 24-30 hours per week with a work schedule that includes evenings and one weekend day. The specific schedule will be discussed during the interview process.

The cook position is a vital role within RISD Dining’s in-house dining and catering program. It is a hands-on role where the cook prepares a broad variety of menu items using multiple cooking techniques such as grilling, frying, sautéing, and baking. The cook works with various kitchen equipment to ensure that all meals meet high culinary and visual standards. The individual in this role will collaborate closely with the team to maintain consistency in food preparation, presentation, and customer service. This role demands attention to detail, efficient time management to meet production schedules, and adherence to sanitation and safety standards. The cook will be involved in all phases of food preparation, from gathering ingredients and cleaning produce to setting up food stations such as deli, salad bars, vegan bars, and bakery displays.

Working at RISD Dining means being part of a multidisciplinary team that values communication, cooperation, and continual feedback. The cook contributes not only through the mastery of culinary skills but also by supporting others in meeting customer expectations and operational goals. This position requires a strong work ethic, the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and a commitment to uphold RISD Dining’s reputation for culinary quality.

The role includes tasks such as receiving vendor deliveries, ensuring proper storage and rotation of food products, and assisting with inventory and order control. The cook is expected to maintain clean and safe kitchen environments while following all proper sanitation procedures. The position also offers an opportunity to engage with diverse culinary traditions, with a preference for candidates who have experience in international cuisines such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Middle Eastern, Spanish, and Latino cuisines. The role values growth and mentorship, welcoming individuals with additional culinary education or experience mentoring others.

This role provides an enriching work environment at an institution that values diversity, inclusivity, and excellence. RISD Dining is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where employees from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to contribute to its culinary mission. The successful candidate will join a dynamic foodservice team dedicated to high-quality, innovative, and sustainable food offerings within an institutional setting. This is an excellent opportunity for culinary professionals looking to grow their skills and contribute to a vibrant academic community through exceptional dining experiences.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • at least one year of cooking experience in fast-paced, high volume setting
  • Rhode Island sanitation/ServSafe certification or ability to obtain within orientation
  • strong oral communication skills
  • ability to work independently and in teams
  • basic computer skills or willingness to learn
  • ability to maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards
  • ability to work evenings and weekends
  • physical ability to handle kitchen duties
  • authorization to work in the U.S.

Job Qualifications

  • Strong oral communication skills
  • ability to work effectively independently and in a team setting
  • basic computer skills or willingness to learn
  • Rhode Island sanitation/ServSafe certification or willingness to attain within orientation
  • high school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • at least one year of experience as a cook or related employment in a fast-paced, high volume restaurant or institutional foodservice with high quality standards
  • additional culinary education preferred
  • prior experience in commissary production kitchen or catering environment preferred
  • experience mentoring others preferred
  • experience with seasonal menus preferred
  • experience using menu management systems preferred
  • experience with recipe testing, updating or writing preferred
  • knowledge of international cuisines such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Middle Eastern, Spanish, and Latino preferred
  • prior cash handling experience preferred
  • valid driver’s license and safe driving record preferred

Job Duties

  • Acknowledge customers in a professional and timely manner
  • prepare food items to order using a range of cooking methods including grilling, stir frying, sauté, and baking
  • consult with supervisor and other cooks on seasoning, appearance and presentation of menu items
  • maintain recipe standards and portion controls to ensure consistent product and presentation
  • work within a team setting to take and offer constructive feedback
  • perform pre-preparation tasks such as gathering meats, frozen items, canned goods, and cleaning raw produce
  • anticipate needs and maintain production schedules to assure timely food preparation
  • prepare foods for and set up a variety of served and self-service stations including deli station, salad bar, vegan bar and bakery displays
  • follow proper sanitation procedures and standards, maintaining high safety and appearance standards for all dining and food preparation areas
  • maintain cleanliness of cooking areas, equipment, freezers, and refrigerators
  • receive vendor deliveries, date, rotate and store incoming products properly
  • assist in ordering process and maintaining par levels
  • support inventory and inventory controls for all food and supplies

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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