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Cook II

Rice University
Houston, TX Full Time
POSTED ON 4/18/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/29/2026
About Rice

JOB DESCRIPTION

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary

The cook ll prepares a variety of foods in accordance with menu instructions and standardized recipes; ensures that proper food standards are maintained in the areas of quality, sanitation, and appearance; maintains a clean work area, and assists with general kitchen cleaning. The cook II performs one or more of the following specialized roles in addition to the duties mentioned above: grill cook, pizza maker, food prep/sauces, lead dishwasher, lead cashier or baker for the university campus dining operations.

Weekly schedule will vary and will include working on weekends and holidays - Must be available to work any shift required.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate has experience working in a team environment and three years of related experience preferably in a commercial kitchen environment. H/She should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment managing multiple tasks.

Workplace Requirements

LIGHT – Exert up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally. Requires walking or standing up to 8 hours per day. Other physical requirements of the job include manual dexterity and the ability to see, hear, reach, climb, and balance. Must be able to detect scents and discern flavors.

Work environment is a commercial kitchen and includes exposure to temperature extremes. Work hazards include exposure to chemicals, wet floors, dangerous equipment (fryers, dough sheeter, tortilla machine, stoves, ovens, knives, slicers, etc.), and hot oil, steam, and water.

This position is considered essential during a campus emergency. The incumbent in this position is expected to report to campus, provide the essential services designated and work under the overall direction of the Crisis Management Team for the duration of a campus emergency.

Hourly Hiring Range: $18.00 , contingent upon qualifications and experience.

Minimum Requirements

  • No formal education
  • One year related culinary experience
  • Certified Food Handler's Permit (Houston) or equivalent (ServSafe)
    • Able to documents HACCP log sheets
Skills

  • Must be able to speak and understand basic English
  • Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team with others
  • Able to read and understand standard recipes/production sheets
  • Must be able to detect scents and discern flavors
  • Requires walking or standing up to eight hours per day.
  • Other physical requirements of the job include the ability to bend/crouch/or kneel, lift, see, reach, climb, and balance

Essential Functions

  • Prepares and serves food items in accordance with menus and standardized recipes
  • Participates in maintaining a high degree of sanitation within the kitchen and serving area including cleaning standard kitchen equipment
  • Performs one or more specialized roles:
  • Grill Cook: Responsible for preparing all food on the grill; ensures that prepared food is always stocked for consumers
  • Pizza Maker: Responsible for preparing, baking, and serving a variety of pizzas per menu instructions throughout the lunch service
  • Food Prep/Sauces: Responsible for assisting with food preparation and production; prepares various sauces based on daily menus as directed by Cook III / Sous Chef
  • Lead Dishwasher: Provides direction and supervision for dishwashers and assist in daily dishwashing
  • Lead Cashier: Provides direction and supervision for cashiers and assist in daily front of house operations
  • Baker / Pastry: Responsible for assisting Cook IIIs and Pastry Chefs with bakery food production for the university campus dining operations
  • Performs all other duties assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.

Salary : $18

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