Cook - Univ. of Virginia-Catering

Job Description

UVA Dine is seeking a skilled and dedicated Cook to join our culinary team, primarily supporting catering operations at John Paul Jones Arena and athletic dining services. This role is essential for preparing high-quality food items for a diverse range of events, from large-scale catered functions to daily meals for athletic programs. The ideal candidate will have strong culinary skills, a commitment to food safety, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-volume kitchen environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a variety of food items according to standardized recipes, production sheets, and catering/athletic dining specifications, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Execute all steps of food preparation, including washing, chopping, slicing, mixing, and cooking for events and daily service.
• Ensure all food is prepared to the highest standards of taste, quality, and presentation for both catering clients and student-athletes.
• Operate and maintain all kitchen equipment safely and efficiently (e.g., ovens, stoves, grills, fryers, slicers, mixers).
• Adhere strictly to all food safety and sanitation guidelines, including HACCP principles, proper temperature control, and cross-contamination prevention.
• Monitor food production to minimize waste and control costs without compromising quality.
• Assist with inventory management, including receiving, storing, and rotating food supplies for both catering and athletic dining needs.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation, kitchen area, and storage facilities within John Paul Jones Arena.
• Collaborate effectively with other culinary team members, catering staff, and management to ensure smooth production and successful event/service execution.
• Participate in daily production meetings to review menus, timelines, and special instructions for events and athletic meal periods.
• Ensure timely completion of all assigned tasks to meet event and service deadlines.
• Adapt cooking methods and preparations to accommodate various dietary needs and restrictions common in athletic dining.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. Culinary degree or certification preferred.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience as a Cook in a high-volume kitchen, catering, banquet, or institutional dining setting.
• Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, cooking methods, and various cuisines.
• Proficiency in knife skills and general kitchen equipment operation.
• Solid understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations (HACCP).
• Ability to read and follow standardized recipes accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• ServSafe certification required or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

• Experience with large-scale event catering or athletic team dining is a strong plus.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as dictated by event and athletic schedules.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (8+ hours).
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Ability to work in a kitchen environment, which may include exposure to hot, cold, and wet conditions.
• Manual dexterity for precise food preparation tasks.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and reach as needed.

Education

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The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.