Cook's Helper (Full-Time, 40 hrs., Academic Year)

Academic year position, full-time (40 hrs./week), limited to September 19, 2031.

About the Role

To work as a helper to a cook or baker by performing simple tasks in the preparation of foods and beverages (hot or cold) in a kitchen of a state institution; or to perform food services duties in a dining room or cafeteria served by this kitchen. Responsibilities include working in food preparation areas, operating the pan and rack washing machine in the central food processing plant, or maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and related areas.

Responsibilities

• Under close supervision of a cook:
  • Wash, peel, chop, dice, or grind vegetables, fruits, and other foods for cooking or salads.
  • Prepare simple foods such as toast, coffee, tea, cereal, eggs, sandwiches, and soups.
  • Boil potatoes or other vegetables; assemble diet trays and arrange food for service.
  • Load food onto trucks or steam tables; set up dining tables for service.
  • Serve food in a cafeteria; collect trays, soiled dishes, and dispose of leftover food.
  • Wash dishes, cutlery, and glassware manually or using an automatic dishwasher.
  • Clean food trucks, dishwashing machines, iceboxes, walk-in refrigerators, and other kitchen equipment.
  • Clean and wash down kitchen, cafeteria, and related dining areas.
• Under close supervision of a baker:
  • Assemble materials; weigh, measure, and mix ingredients by hand or machine.
  • Roll dough, fill pans, and place goods in or remove them from ovens.
  • Perform tasks such as greasing pans, lining pans with paper, and moving racks of dough or baked goods.
  • Clean bakery areas, equipment, and utensils.
• In the central food processing plant:
  • Assist cooks, bakers, and meat cutters with portioning, packaging, and transporting materials.
  • Operate pan and rack washing machines; wash pots and pans.
  • Clean work areas and refrigerators.

Requirements

• Familiarity with methods and procedures in cooking, baking, food service, or kitchen/bakery cleaning.
• Ability to understand and follow simple verbal or written directions.
• Care in handling, washing, drying, and storing cooking/baking equipment and glassware.

Qualifications

Education: Sufficient to follow simple verbal directions.

Experience: Gained through employment as a helper in a kitchen or bakery (e.g., hospital, hotel, or restaurant) involving routine food preparation, food service, or related tasks. Any combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to the above is also acceptable.

Schedule

• Sunday, Monday, Friday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
• Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• Work hours and days off vary during August, J-Term, and Spring Break.
• Academic year: August 9, 2026 – May 15, 2027.

Pay

Annual salary range: $33,619 – $35,865 (academic year) plus an additional $3,200 annually for shift differential.

Benefits

• Tuition waiver for CCRI, RIC, and URI for the successful candidate, spouse, and dependents (if applicable).
• Paid time off and paid state holidays.
• Mandatory retirement plan and other benefits.