Production Cook

Production Cook

The University of Lynchburg, a private, regional university in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia, is seeking applicants for full-time Production Cook position in the Dining Services.

This position reports to, is supervised by, and evaluated by the Manager of Dining Services. The evaluation of work performance will be ongoing and will be carried out by the Production Cook. It will include the specific duties and responsibilities of this position description plus employee attitude and general working behavior.

Job Purpose:

Assists in daily food production and service by the preparation of freshly baked breads, desserts and pastries, following established guidelines for the student dining program and catered events.

Specific Job Duties

• Prepare high-quality entres, vegetables, and other menu items in accordance with standardized recipes, production schedules, and appropriate usage levels, utilizing batch cooking methods when appropriate.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness in compliance with Virginia Department of Health (VDH) regulations and organizational policies.
• Assist the Chef and/or Kitchen Manager in supervising daily food production operations and supporting production staff.
• Provide assistance to food service line staff during meal service as needed to ensure efficient operations.
• Ensure all hot foods are served at appropriate hot-holding temperatures and all cold foods are maintained at proper cold-holding temperatures in accordance with food safety standards.
• Requisition menu items in advance to allow adequate time for proper refrigerated thawing, preparation, and production.
• Maintain organized kitchen storage areas, including refrigerators and freezers, while following proper inventory rotation (FIFO) procedures.
• Accurately document food production records, inventory usage, and meal counts for each service period.
• Identify and promptly report equipment malfunctions, maintenance concerns, safety hazards, and sanitation issues.
• Perform daily setup, operation, cleaning, and breakdown of kitchen workstations and food service equipment.
• Assist with the preparation, production, and service of buffet meals, catered events, and special functions.
• Support team members in maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen environment.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Equipment, Systems, and Resources Used

• Commercial kitchen equipment, including but not limited to ovens, steamers, mixers, grills, slicers, kettles, and other food preparation equipment.
• Menu planning and food production software (e.g., NetMenu).
• Dining Services Operations Manual.
• Equipment operation and safety manuals.
• OSHA regulations and workplace safety standards.
• Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Food Code and Health Regulations.
• ServSafe Food Protection Manager guidelines and standards.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS).
• Industry best practices and food service operating standards.
• Employee Handbook and Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Starting Salary: $14.00-$16.00

Benefits:

• Generous paid vacation, personal days, paid sick time and family leave, comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, vision, etc.) and retirement plans, flexible spending account, tuition remission, life and long-term disability insurance, and more. Learn more about employment benefits at the University of Lynchburg.

Schedule:

• 8 hours/day with some evenings and weekends to meet needs of the department may be required

Qualifications

Experience/Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively and have the ability to understand, comprehend and follow directions
• Must have good teamwork skills
• Strong communication skills with a customer service focus, capable of working well with diverse groups
• Ability to multi-task in a fast paced work environment

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged standing/setting/wrist movement. Tasks involved climbing stairs, bending, kneeling and lifting
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.
• Frequent Exposure to chemicals, smoke, spices, and odors will occur

Required Qualifications:

• Experience 2+ years in a food service or hospitality role
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.
• Frequent Exposure to chemicals, smoke, spices, and odors will occur

Education:

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• ServSafe or equivalent food handling certification preferred

Work Remotely:

• No

We seek candidates who are committed to the University of Lynchburg's efforts to create an environment that fosters a student-centered environment, develops the breadth of knowledge associated with liberal education, respects and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion, values and celebrates diverse faith traditions, and sustains close working relationships among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners.

Candidates must successfully pass a background check that is satisfactory to the University.

Submit a cover letter, rsum, and three professional references to:

Human Resources Jobs Page

The University of Lynchburg is dedicated to inclusive excellence. We celebrate the diversity of our common life, affirming our different histories, realities, and identities. All belong here.

As a testament to our strong commitment to accessibility, diversity, and inclusion, we will attract, celebrate, and retain a community of diverse students, staff, and faculty; foster belonging; and create a campus environment that embraces civil discourse and accountability for our words and actions.

The University of Lynchburg embraces diversity in its broadest sense. We will cultivate an inclusive, equitable, and safe campus climate grounded in mutual respect and understanding, where all members of our diverse learning community - alumni, employees, learners, visitors, and volunteers- can thrive.

The University of Lynchburg is an equal-opportunity employer.