KU Campus Dining Cook

Ready to be part of a team that fuels campus life? KU Dining is hiring for multiple Residential Dining Hall positions From cooks preparing fresh meals to crew members welcoming students in the dining halls, we have a place for every skillset and personality. Bring your talent, your teamwork, and your Jayhawk pride — and make a meaningful impact on campus.

What We're Looking For

Residential Cook

• This role involves preparing and cooking menu items using standardized recipes while operating commercial kitchen equipment to support continuous service. Team members are responsible for maintaining food safety, sanitation, and clean workspaces in accordance with KU Dining standards. The position also emphasizes teamwork, flexibility, and providing friendly, professional service to create a welcoming dining experience for students and guests.

Global Cook

• This role focuses on preparing and storing food with consistency and quality while following all food safety and sanitation standards. Team members contribute to a clean, organized workspace, collaborate closely with coworkers, and communicate effectively with supervisors. The position also emphasizes excellent customer service, flexibility in supporting multiple work areas, and fostering a welcoming dining environment for guests.

Baker

• This role is responsible for preparing and baking breads, pastries, and desserts while ensuring consistent quality, presentation, and adherence to standardized recipes. Team members maintain clean and organized workspaces, follow all food safety and sanitation standards, and communicate effectively with supervisors and teammates. The position also supports overall kitchen operations through collaboration, inventory support, and assisting with training and production needs.

Dishwasher

• This role serves in the dishroom, supporting smooth daily operations through effective organization, planning, and oversight of warewashing processes. Responsibilities include operating and maintaining dishroom equipment, ensuring proper sanitation and food safety standards, restocking serviceware and supplies, and maintaining a clean work environment. The position also supports team collaboration by communicating needs to supervisors, assisting with training staff, and providing flexible coverage across workstations as needed.

We've Got You Covered

KU Dining offers great benefits for our team members, including:

• Paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plan with a 7.5% employer match
• Two months of paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Meal benefits and additional KU employee perks

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.

Locations and Hours:

• Ekdahl Dining Center (Mrs. E's) at Lewis Hall
• North College Café at Gertrude Sellards Pearson (GSP) Hall
• South Dining Commons at Cora Downs Hall
• All residential dining hall hours:
  • Monday – Friday: 7AM – 7:30PM
  • Saturday – Sunday: 9AM – 7PM

Duties & Responsibilities of All KU Memorial Union Positions

1. Adhere to University and KU Memorial Union policies and procedures.
2. Support the KU Memorial Unions' lines of effort, initiatives, and End State, and uphold the department's mission and core values: community, dignity, empowerment, excellence, innovation, and safety.
3. Follow the 7 Team Principles: competence, creating cohesive teams through mutual trust, creating shared understanding, setting clear leader intent, written/verbal communication, disciplined initiative, and risk management.
4. Demonstrate a positive, solution-oriented attitude and collaborate with colleagues to foster a respectful, productive work environment.
5. Exhibit professional decorum while representing the KU Memorial Unions and the University, both within the workplace and around campus or in the community.

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: This is a full-time, year-round position with multiple scheduling options available. All employees are required to work at least one weekend shift per week. We offer stable scheduling, flexible shifts, and no late nights.
•    Morning Shift: 6:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
•    Midday Shift: 10:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
•    Evening Shift: 4:15 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Physical Requirements: This position requires regular standing, bending, stooping, extensive walking, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work on your feet for extended periods and follow all food safety and sanitation standards.