Culinary Support Specialist

About the role

WSU Tech is seeking a Culinary Support Specialist to support the day-to-day culinary and hospitality operations at the NICHE Campus. This position will play an active role across the Bistro, events, and Food Hall operations, including the coffee shop, as needed. The Culinary Support Specialist will assist with food preparation and service, baking, event and catering support, Bistro operations, and Food Hall activities while helping create a welcoming and high-quality experience for students, employees, guests, and customers. This position will work closely with NICHE staff and culinary instructional teams to support both daily operations and special events. This is a hands-on position suited for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced culinary environment, interacting with people, and contributing to a variety of food service and hospitality operations. Location: NICHE Campus. Department: NICHE - Bistro and Events. Reports To: Director of NICHE.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations of the NICHE Bistro, including food preparation, cooking, plating, service, and kitchen production
• Assist with planning, preparation, setup, service, and cleanup for events, catering, and special functions
• Support Food Hall operations, including the coffee shop, as needed
• Assist with baking and other culinary production activities
• Provide food service and operational support during culinary classes, events, and other instructional activities
• Assist with inventory, stocking, food rotation, receiving, and proper storage of food and kitchen supplies
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, Bistro, Food Hall, and event areas
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, health department, and organizational requirements
• Safely operate kitchen, food service, and coffee shop equipment
• Provide professional and courteous service to students, employees, guests, and members of the public
• Work collaboratively with NICHE staff and culinary instructional personnel to support daily operations and special events
• Assist with serving, food preparation, and other hospitality functions as needed
• Help maintain a professional, welcoming, and team-oriented environment
• Participate in professional development activities
• Perform other duties as assigned or deemed necessary

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate's degree in Culinary Arts preferred
• Previous kitchen, food service, culinary, Bistro, or hospitality experience preferred
• ServSafe Manager certification required
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and safe food handling practices
• Ability to safely operate kitchen and food service equipment
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team
• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while managing multiple priorities
• Ability to communicate professionally and courteously with students, employees, guests, and the public
• Preferred experience: serving or front-of-house, baking, barista or coffee shop, catering or event food service, bistro or restaurant
• Core physical demands: ability to stand and walk for extended periods; regular lifting of heavy items; frequent use of hands and wrists for chopping, slicing, dicing, whisking, stirring, cooking, baking, plating; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, crouching; ability to move safely throughout busy kitchen, Bistro, Food Hall, coffee shop, and event environments
• Environmental conditions: regular exposure to heat from ovens, grills, fryers and cold temperatures from refrigerated/freezer areas; moderate-to-high noise levels; potential safety hazards including hot surfaces, sharp equipment, spills, wet/greasy floors; expected to follow safety procedures and wear slip-resistant footwear

Pay

$17.00 per hour

Schedule

Early morning, late evening, and weekend work is required. The schedule may vary based on Bistro and Food Hall operations, classes, events, catering needs, and other NICHE activities. Flexibility is essential, as this position may be scheduled outside of traditional business hours to support events and operational needs.

Benefits

See benefits information: WSU Tech Benefits