Food Service Worker /Cook/Grill/ Bakery - August Start Dates - Back to School (hotel & cafe job)

Kirkwood Community College, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a distinguished institution committed to excellence in education and community service. The College is recognized for its diverse programs and strong focus on student success, innovation, and continuous improvement. Serving thousands of students annually, Kirkwood Community College provides a broad range of educational opportunities through various campuses and a main campus that includes vibrant culinary operations. The College is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces diversity, equity, and mutual respect among all members of its community. This ethos permeates throughout its operations, including its culinary services, which are an integral part of the student and employee experience within the campus environment.

The Café at Kirkwood, located in Iowa Hall on the main campus, is a key component of the College's culinary operations. It operates alongside The Class Act Restaurant and supports catering and banquet services for The Hotel at Kirkwood. This connected culinary team is renowned for offering fresh, high-quality ingredients and delivering menus that feature a gourmet twist with variety and flavor. The Café specifically caters to students, employees, and guests, emphasizing innovative yet accessible menu offerings that meet a diverse range of tastes and nutritional preferences.

This part-time Cook position at The Café is essential for advancing Kirkwood Community College’s mission, vision, and strategic initiatives through hands-on food preparation and kitchen operations. The role requires morning and/or lunch availability and involves supporting multiple functions within the Café's dynamic and fast-paced environment. Individuals in this position will have the opportunity to engage directly with the campus community while honing their culinary skills within a supportive team that values continual improvement, collaboration, service, perseverance, and leadership.

The Cook will prepare food items both to order and for anticipated demand, ensuring that all food handling and sanitation standards are strictly followed to maintain a safe and appealing food service environment. The position demands versatility, as candidates will deliver support to other culinary positions, including barista, cashier, and dish roles, depending on business needs. This flexibility requires a positive attitude and effective communication skills, nurturing a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere aligned with Kirkwood's core values.

Responsibilities also include maintaining cleanliness of kitchen and café areas, providing direction to prep cooks, and assisting in transportation of supplies and food items between various campus locations. Physical requirements of this job include standing for extended periods and routine movements such as squatting, bending, reaching, and lifting, vital for performing daily culinary tasks efficiently.

The role at The Café is a unique opportunity for those seeking to contribute to an educational institution’s community through culinary expertise, offering both professional growth and the chance to be part of a team dedicated to quality and service excellence. The College values employees who champion service, demonstrate perseverance, and lead positively regardless of their job title, embodying the spirit of continuous improvement and teamwork. Candidates with prior commercial kitchen experience who are passionate about food service and customer engagement will find this role both rewarding and aligned with their career aspirations.