KU Dining Cook

Department: KU Dining – Residential Dining
Reports To: Varies based on location
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Rate: The anticipated pay for this position starts at $15.00. The final rate will be determined based on qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry.
Schedule: Full-time · One weekend shift required · Flexible scheduling · No late nights

Why You’ll Love Working Here 

At KU Dining, our mission is to create an unparalleled dining experience for our guests, foster a culture of excellence among our well-trained and empowered staff, and provide inviting spaces that reflect the warmth of the KU community. We strive to set a standard that goes beyond nourishment—creating an environment where every meal becomes a highlight of the KU experience.

We employ both full-time and part-time team members to serve the University of Kansas’ diverse dining needs. While our operations are large and fast-paced, every role and every employee makes a meaningful impact.

At KU Dining, we strive to provide a strong work-life balance and usually do - though certain busy periods may call for additional hours or longer days. Even so, our team members enjoy reliable schedules, meaningful time off, and a collaborative atmosphere. You’ll take pride in creating great food for KU students and have opportunities to grow your skills and career.

What We’re Looking For

We’re hiring multiple full-time Residential Cooks across a variety of stations—including AM Cook, Midday Cook, PM Cook, Grill Cook, Pizza Cook, and Prep Cook.

These roles support daily culinary operations at Ekdahl Dining Center (Mrs. E’s), North College Café, and South Dining Commons. Cooks prepare hot and cold menu items using standardized recipes, maintain clean and organized workstations, and uphold all HACCP and ServSafe food safety standards.

Depending on position, duties may include grilling, prepping ingredients, restocking service lines, baking pizzas, operating commercial kitchen equipment, and assisting during peak meal periods.

This fast-paced, team-oriented environment is ideal for individuals who thrive on consistency, collaboration, and quality. The ideal candidates will have:

• At least one year of experience in a similar food service role
• At least two years of experience in a high-volume, commercial kitchen

Successful candidates demonstrate strong culinary knowledge, quality control, teamwork, communication, and sound decision-making.

Duties & Responsibilities of All KU Memorial Union Positions

• Adhere to University and KU Memorial Union policies and procedures.
• Support the KU Memorial Unions’ lines of effort, initiatives, and End State as described by the Executive Director, and work to achieve and uphold the department’s mission and core values: community, dignity, empowerment, excellence, innovation, and safety.
• Follow the 7 Team Principles: competence, creating a cohesive team through mutual trust, creating shared understanding, setting clear leader intent, written/verbal communication, disciplined initiative, and risk management.
• Demonstrate a positive, solution-oriented attitude in performing job responsibilities and collaborating with colleagues to foster a respectful and productive work environment.
• Always exhibit professional decorum while representing the KU Memorial Unions and the University.

What You’ll Do

Food Preparation & Production

• Prepare and cook hot and cold menu items following standardized recipes.
• Operate grills, ovens, pizza equipment, and other commercial kitchen tools depending on assignment.
• Assemble meals and restock items to support continuous service.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Follow HACCP, ServSafe, and KU Dining food safety standards.
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, and temperature control of all food items.
• Maintain a clean workstation using a “clean as you go” approach.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Work closely with coworkers to support smooth service during peak periods.
• Assist in other areas when needed to ensure operational success.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.

Customer Service

• Provide friendly, professional service to students and guests.
• Help maintain a welcoming dining environment.

What’s Required to Be Considered 

• High School diploma or GED.
• At least one year of food service preparation experience.
• At least two years of experience in a high-volume, commercial kitchen.

The Ideal Candidate 

• Previous experience in a college or institutional dining environment.
• ServSafe certification.

Physical Requirements

This position requires above-average physical activity, including stooping, bending, extensive walking, standing for long periods, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work in a commercial kitchen and follow all safety and sanitation guidelines.

We’ve Got You Covered 

KU Dining offers excellent benefits for full-time team members, including:

• Generous paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Highly competitive retirement plan with 7.5% employer match
• Two months of paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Meal benefits… and more!

Ready to Apply?

Apply online at www.union.ku.edu/jobs and include your resume.
Questions? Reach out to unionhr@ku.edu for assistance.

Salary : $15 - $18