Cook

Creative Dining at Calvin University is hiring immediately for full-time Cook – Dining Hall Meal Planning & Service positions.

• Location: 3201 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

• Schedule: Full-time schedule. Open availability is required. Hours and days may vary; more details upon interview.

• Requirement: 1–2 years of cooking or food service experience required.

• Pay Range: $17–$20 per hour, depending on experience

YOU'D MAKE A GREAT ADDITION TO OUR TEAM! At Creative Dining, we believe in the power of hospitality to create connections and build community. If you’re passionate about culinary excellence and making a real impact, you’ll be a perfect fit for our team, where integrity, creativity, and teamwork are at the core of everything we do!

Job Summary

As a Cook in the Calvin University Dining Hall, you will play an important role in the daily planning, preparation, and execution of meals served to students, faculty, staff, and guests. This position is focused on Dining Hall meal production and service, including preparing menu items, following daily production plans, managing batch cooking, and ensuring food is prepared and ready for each meal period.

The Cook will work closely with the Dining Services team to support daily menus, maintain consistent food quality and presentation, and help ensure that meals are served on time and in appropriate quantities. This position requires strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a high-volume dining environment while maintaining food safety and sanitation standards.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Meal Planning & Menu Execution: Follow daily and weekly meal plans and prepare menu items according to established recipes, production guides, and Dining Hall standards.

• Dining Hall Meal Preparation: Prepare high-quality, nutritious, and appealing food for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and other Dining Hall services.

• Production Planning: Review daily menus and production needs to determine appropriate quantities and preparation timelines.

• Batch Cooking: Prepare food in batches based on anticipated customer counts and service needs to maintain freshness and minimize overproduction.

• Meal Service Timing: Coordinate food preparation and cooking to ensure menu items are completed and ready for each scheduled Dining Hall meal period.

• Recipe & Quality Standards: Follow recipes and established preparation procedures to ensure consistency in taste, quality, portioning, and presentation.

• Food Safety: Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures, including proper food handling, storage, labeling, and cleaning practices.

• Temperature Control: Maintain proper food temperatures, with cold foods below 40°F and hot foods above 135°F.

• Production Records: Accurately maintain production records, including food usage, customer counts, temperatures, and other required documentation.

• Inventory & Stocking: Monitor food and supply levels, assist with inventory and ordering, and communicate product needs to management.

• Dining Hall Support: Monitor food levels during meal service and assist with replenishing food and maintaining an appealing presentation throughout service.

• Kitchen Operations: Properly operate and maintain kitchen equipment and follow all opening, closing, and safety procedures.

• Cleanliness & Sanitation: Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area before, during, and after food preparation and service.

• Team Collaboration: Work closely with other cooks, Dining Services team members, and management to ensure successful meal preparation and service.

• Communication: Communicate food production needs, menu concerns, equipment issues, and operational challenges to management.

• Lead Role (if applicable): Provide leadership and direction to other team members as assigned and assist management with daily kitchen and Dining Hall operations.

• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

BENEFITS FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS

Full-time positions offer the following benefits to associates:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Accident, Critical Illness Insurance & HSA Account with employer match

• Employer Paid Life Insurance

• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays

• Quarterly Bonus Opportunities

• Complimentary Meals During Shifts

• Earned Wage Access

• Retirement Plan

Positions located at Calvin University offer access to Calvin’s library and campus gym.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.

Disclaimer: This job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, Creative Dining Services reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.