Culinary Worker III Cook (0544) [EXTENDED] [ MULTIPLE POSITIONS]

Culinary Worker III Cook (0544) [EXTENDED] [MULTIPLE POSITIONS]

Position Information

Working Position Title - Culinary Worker III Cook (0544) [EXTENDED] [MULTIPLE POSITIONS]

Classification - Culinary Worker III

Position Number - 00000544

Open Date - 08/06/2026

Close Date - 09/10/2026

Employee Class - Staff

Full-Time/Part Time - Full-Time

FTE - 1.00

Position Status - Regular

FLSA - Non-Exempt

Job code - 3868

Union Representation - Union

Union Code - AFS - AFSCME, Local #963

Unit/Department - Residential Dining Service

College/Unit - Campus Dining Service

Division - Student Affairs

Location - RW DIN

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page -

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview - The department of Campus Dining handles all things dining on campus. From residential meal plans to event catering, we provide nutritional food for students, faculty, staff and guests. We manage over a dozen eating establishments at NIU including residence hall dining, restaurants and coffee shops at the student center, and the cafe in Barsema Hall. We employ the students and professionals who work in our restaurants and cafes.

Position Summary - 9-month position (Aug 16-May 15); actual start and end dates may vary based on academic calendar. This position is responsible for assisting with the assignment of work activities of kitchen helpers and student employees working in the food production area and is responsible for daily preparation of food items for Dining Services. Individual in this position works under the supervision of Food Service Manager and Assistant Food Service Managers. Condition of employment: Illinois Department of Public Health, Food Handler Training Certification (from an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited trainer) must be obtained prior to start date.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Food Production Organize daily production of menu items. Review Service Summary Reports and Production Recipes printouts. Pre-prep and prepare designated food items practicing established methods of preparation, food batching, food safety, and time utilization. Responsible for food presentation, garnishing, and quality of food items being served. Instruct kitchen helpers, student employees, and other personnel assigned to the area on clean-up of production area, service area, and equipment. Operational Tally portion counts, after each meal, on Service Summary Reports of food items prepared and not served. Responsible for recording and storage of unused items, practicing correct cooling down procedures as needed. Working in conjunction with management, utilize unused food items into upcoming meals/menus. Monitor the service areas, during service periods, to ensure product remains full and area remains clean and sanitary. Refill product and change service utensils as needed. Sanitation Maintain sanitation standards of production area, equipment, and food preparation according to State and Departmental rules and regulations. Responsible for daily clean-up of production area, service area, and equipment used. Responsible for weekly clean-up of assigned areas to ensure sanitary conditions of production areas. Instruct kitchen helpers, student employees, and other personnel assigned to area on clean-up of production area, service area, and equipment. Other Related Duties Maintain open lines of communication with management. Reporting production problems, equipment in need of repairs, etc. Perform other job-related duties as requested by management.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service) - High school diploma or equivalent. One (1) year (12 months) of work experience that is comparable to that described in the lower level of this series (Culinary Worker II). As required by the position to be filled, possession of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Food Handler Training Certification (from an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited trainer).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service) - Knowledge of materials and methods used to prepare food on a large scale, use and care of relevant utensils and equipment and food values and nutrition. Knowledge of sanitary procedures and directives; how to use simple cleaning solutions and equipment. Knowledge of basic arithmetic operations and their applications. Knowledge of quality control analysis, such as conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. Skill in giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made. Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail. Skill in developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. Ability to read and interpret relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. Ability to plan meals on a large scale. Ability to work with and supervise other kitchen employees.

Specialty Factors (Civil Service) - None

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service) - One (1) year (12 months) of experience in food service cooking in a commercial setting.

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS) - N/A

Additional Requirements (SPS) - N/A

Preferred Qualifications (SPS) - N/A

Physical demands/requirements - While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and depth perception. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date - 09/16/2026

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year - 1.00

Standard Hours Per Week - 37.50

Working Hours - Varies based on department needs, may include nights and weekends.

Salary - $27,056.25/annually (based on 9-month appointment); NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range - $18.50/hourly

Earn Type - Hourly

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure - Application Procedures: Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Important: Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received. If eligible for Veteran's Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination. After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register. Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from View email address on click.appcast.io and View email address on click.appcast.io. Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication. Applicants must be a current citizen or resident of the State of Illinois to move forward in the hiring process. Credentials Assessment Examination: The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant's/employee's education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met. Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver's license, licensures