Prep Cook (Hiring One or More)

Christopher Newport University is a public university located in Newport News, Virginia. Known for its strong commitment to providing quality education and fostering a vibrant campus community, Christopher Newport University offers a range of undergraduate programs and maintains a focus on student success and engagement. The university also supports various auxiliary services including dining to improve the student and campus experience. The Dining Services department at Christopher Newport University is responsible for providing nutritious, tasty, and well-prepared meals to students, staff, and visitors across different dining locations on campus, including Regattas, the main dining facility. The dining services team emphasizes food safety, sanitation, and customer service to maintain a welcoming environment for all patrons.

The Prep Cook position within the Dining Services at Christopher Newport University’s main campus in Newport News, Virginia, is an essential role contributing to the smooth operation of campus dining facilities. This role is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act, with a starting pay rate of $15.00 per hour, offering opportunities for wage increases up to $18.53 per hour commensurate with education and experience. The position may be offered on a full-time or part-time basis, providing flexibility to accommodate different schedules.

As a Prep Cook, the incumbent is responsible for assisting in the preparation and production of food items according to established recipes and procedures. This includes reading and interpreting recipes, managing production requirements to ensure timely and sufficient meal preparation, and adhering strictly to safety protocols and sanitation standards. The role requires familiarity and competence in operating commercial kitchen equipment, ensuring that all equipment is used safely and maintained properly. Additionally, the Prep Cook supports the kitchen team by following all sanitation practices, which help to maintain a clean and safe work environment, critical in a food service setting.

This position is ideal for individuals who have prior experience in the food service industry and seek to advance their skills in a dynamic campus dining setting. It requires good organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with others in a fast-paced environment. The Prep Cook contributes significantly to the overall dining experience at Christopher Newport University by ensuring that meals are prepared efficiently, safely, and in compliance with all university and health regulations.