Cook - Student Center, Kennesaw

Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country, offering more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 50,000 students. With campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia, KSU is known for academic excellence, innovative research, and a vibrant culture that values respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability.

About the Role

Assists with all aspects of food preparation as part of the culinary team. Ensures quality controls, recipe standardization, and compliance with food sanitization and safety standards. May work in front or back of house operations based on business needs.

Responsibilities

• Cleans and preps fresh produce
• Preps and properly cooks raw ingredients following proper food handling and safety guidelines
• Gathers, weighs, measures, and assembles all ingredients for recipes
• Reads and follows recipes
• Ensures food quality through tasting
• Constructs food items per guidelines
• Sets up workstations with all needed ingredients and cooking equipment
• Determines amount and type of food and supplies required for food preparation
• Completes food temperature checks before service and as needed per established guidelines
• Maintains daily production records
• Maintains and operates equipment according to approved safety standards
• Stores food properly and safely, following established guidelines
• At the direction of leadership, acts as a lead in the absence of the lead role

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• ServSafe certified or obtains certification within twelve (12) months of hire
• One (1) year of experience working in food handling at a retail, food service, bakery, warehouse, or grocery establishment or successful completion of a qualified culinary program

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field
• Culinary degree or certificate from a culinary arts program
• Previous experience working in a food service establishment, restaurant, or large-scale production kitchen

Skills

• Must maintain a high degree of personal hygiene, appearance, and cleanliness
• Supports food safety and quality control training
• Able to be courteous and dependable
• Able to work with a diverse population
• Able to work non-traditional shifts (evenings, nights, and/or weekends)
• Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time, meeting assigned deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
• Intermediate knife skills
• Basic skills with computer applications and programs associated with the position (e.g., Microsoft Office suite)
• Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills
• Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

Background check required: All final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation per the University System of Georgia policy.