Cook's Helper

Rhode Island College is a reputable public institution dedicated to providing high-quality education and a supportive campus environment for its students, faculty, and staff. Located in Rhode Island, the college offers a diverse array of academic programs and services, fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. The Administration and Finance Division at Rhode Island College manages a broad range of operational functions essential to the smooth running of the institution, including the Dining Services team. This department plays a vital role in creating a positive dining experience for the entire campus population by delivering quality food service in a hygienic and efficient manner.

The Cook's Helper position at Rhode Island College is an integral role within the College Dining Services team. This classified, part-time staff role operates under the close supervision of food service professionals such as cooks, bakers, or food service supervisors. The primary purpose of this role is to support the preparation of foods and beverages, assist in kitchen sanitation, and ensure efficient meal service within a fast-paced, campus dining environment. You will help with washing, peeling, chopping, and prepping ingredients for cooking or salads, as well as performing simpler food preparation tasks like making toast, coffee, or sandwiches. Additionally, the position involves assembly of diet trays, serving food from steam tables, restocking supplies, dishwashing, cleaning kitchen and dining areas, and operating relevant kitchen equipment.

As a Cook's Helper, you will gain exposure to various kitchen operations including bakery duties such as ingredient measuring, dough rolling, oven handling, and bakery area cleaning. You may also be assigned to work in the Central Food Processing Plant, assisting cooks, bakers, and meat cutters with assembling, portioning, and packaging food items, and maintaining cleanliness of equipment and work areas including operating pan and rack washing machines.

This role offers a dynamic work environment, ideal for candidates who enjoy collaborative teamwork, customer service, and taking pride in maintaining high standards of food quality and cleanliness. The work schedule is designed for 18 hours per week during the academic year, Monday through Thursday from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, providing a great balance for students or part-time workers seeking flexible hours.

Rhode Island College seeks dependable, energetic individuals who can follow detailed instructions, work responsibly with kitchen equipment and supplies, and contribute positively to an efficient dining service operation. No advanced educational requirements are needed beyond the ability to follow simple verbal and written directions and perform basic math operations. Prior experience in a food service or hospitality setting is preferred, but the role also accommodates those who demonstrate the requisite care and capacity to learn.

The position offers an attractive benefits package for eligible employees including medical, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, paid vacation, sick leave, holiday pay, retirement benefits, disability coverage, and education benefits such as tuition waivers at Rhode Island College and affiliated universities. With a salary range between $42,432 and $45,267 annually (pro-rated based on part-time hours), this role represents a stable employment opportunity within a recognized educational institution dedicated to equal opportunity and professional development.

Joining Rhode Island College Dining Services means becoming part of a committed team that values respect, professionalism, and the ongoing support of community members through quality food service and dining satisfaction.