Cook - Virginia State University-Gateway

Overview Are you passionate about cooking and creating memorable meals? We're looking for a skilled and reliable Cook at Virginia State University to become a key member of our vibrant Dining Services team. In this role, you'll help fuel our college community by preparing and serving delicious, nutritious meals in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Responsibilities Prepare and cook diverse menu items following recipes. Manage a cooking station, ensuring timely ingredient preparation. Monitor food quality, adjust as needed, and maintain a clean workspace. Assist in inventory control, reporting shortages, and minimizing waste. Collaborate with the kitchen team, chefs, and dining staff for smooth operations. Qualifications Proven experience as a line cook or similar role. Strong teamwork and communication skills. Excellent organizational abilities and the capacity to handle a high-volume setting. Knowledge of food safety and sanitation. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 10-12 hours per shift), especially during meal prep and service. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds (e.g., bulk food items, equipment, inventory). Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and twisting during food preparation and equipment handling. Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for chopping, slicing, plating, and using kitchen tools and machinery. Ability to work in hot, humid, and fast-paced kitchen environments. Must be able to taste and smell food to ensure quality and consistency. Visual acuity to monitor food presentation, cleanliness, and safety standards. Ability to move freely in large kitchen spaces, storage areas, and multiple dining facilities across campus. Ability to communicate clearly in a noisy kitchen environment. May require climbing ladders or using step stools to access upper storage or equipment. Who We Are: Virginia State University, a proud 1890 Land-Grant HBCU, is dedicated to empowering a diverse community of learners through high-impact academics, innovative research, and community-focused outreach. With a mission rooted in lifelong learning and leadership, VSU equips students to become ethical, globally competitive professionals ready to serve and succeed. Guided by a bold vision of sustained excellence, VSU offers a transformative educational experience that nurtures intellect, integrity, and impact. At Virginia State University, education is more than a degree - it's a launchpad for greatness. Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.