Cook I - Courtside Cafe

POSITION SUMMARY The Cook I supports KU Dining Services in either residential or retail dining locations across the University of Kansas campus by preparing and serving quality meals in a high-volume, team-oriented environment. This is an entry-level cooking position responsible for preparing food items according to standardized recipes, maintaining a clean and organized work area, and following food safety and sanitation standards. The Cook I position rotates among multiple stations such as grill, pizza, cold prep, allergen, “world” cook, and back-of-house (BOH) under the direction of supervisory staff. Work is performed under close supervision with a focus on developing foundational cooking skills, consistency, and efficiency while providing friendly service to KU students, faculty, staff, and the campus community. DUTIES & REPONSIBILITIES OF ALL KU MEMORIAL UNION POSITIONS 1. Adhere to University and KU Memorial Union policies and procedures. 2. Demonstrate the organization’s core values and apply the seven Team Principles in your role by aligning your work with our Lines of Effort: Our People, Engaging Programs, Outstanding Service, Collaborative Partnerships, Inviting Spaces, and Budget Management. 3. Support the KU Memorial Unions 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. 4. 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. 5. Demonstrate a positive, solution-oriented attitude in performing job responsibilities and collaborating with colleagues to foster a respectful and productive work environment. 6. Always exhibit professional decorum while representing the KU Memorial Unions and the University, including routine events and meetings that occur outside of the office, around campus, and out in the community. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Follow supervisor directions to prepare and cook assigned menu items according to standardized recipes, portioning, and presentation standards while ensuring consistency and quality. • Set up, stock, maintain, and break down assigned cooking stations in a safe and efficient manner. This includes properly storing food items by labeling, dating, covering, and maintaining appropriate storage conditions. • Monitor food quality, freshness, and temperature to ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards by using the logs required by unit. • Assist with basic food preparation tasks such as chopping, portioning, measuring, and assembling ingredients. This includes the proper usage of and cleaning of kitchen utensils and equipment. • Maintain a clean and organized workspace by practicing “clean as you go”, including following proper cleaning and sanitization guidelines. • Develop proficiency in at least two (2) cooking stations (e.g., grill, pizza, cold prep, or back-of-house production across shifts) in order to support operational needs by assisting other workstations or areas as assigned and following appropriate training and guidance. • Communicate clearly and timely with supervisors and team members regarding product levels, preparation timing, and operational needs to support efficient kitchen operations. • Work collaboratively as part of a team, assisting with kitchen operations and supporting a positive and respectful work environment. • Participate in required meetings and complete assigned trainings within established timeframes to support job performance, growth and development, and compliance adherence. • Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor or their designee. MIMUMUM REQUIREMENTS • High School graduation or GED equivalent; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • Previous experience in commercial food service preparation and handlin…