Culinary Worker II-Cooks Helper (1407)

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 the daily preparation of food items for Dining Services and assisting with the assignment of work activities of kitchen helpers and student employees in the food production. Individual in this position works under the supervision of Food Service Manager and Assistant Food Service Managers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Food Production

• Organize daily production of menued 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. Food items being those items served on salad bars including condiments, fruits, desserts, puddings, jello, breads/rolls of all types, etc.
• Responsible for food presentation-garnishing and quality of food items being served.

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 team, utilize unused food items into upcoming meals/menus.
• Responsible for clean-up of production area and equipment used.
• Instruct kitchen helpers, student employees, and other personnel assigned to area on food preparation and clean-up of production area and equipment.

Sanitation

• Maintain sanitation standards of production area, equipment, and food preparation according to State and Departmental rules and regulations.
• Responsible for weekly clean-up of assigned areas to insure sanitary conditions of production areas.

• Maintain open lines of communication with administrators, reporting production problems, equipment in need of repairs, etc.

• Perform other job-related duties as requested by administrators.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

CREDENTIALS TO BE VERIFIED BY PLACEMENT OFFICER

1. Six (6) months of experience in food preparation in a commercial setting.

Candidates must obtain a Food Handlers Certificate or Food Service Manager Certification within 30 day of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
1. Knowledge of food terms, materials, equipment and methods used to prepare food.
2. 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.
3. Service Orientation – A strong service orientation, actively looking for ways to help people.
4. Cleanliness — Knowledge of sanitary procedures and directives; how to use simple cleaning solutions and equipment.
5. Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
6. Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
7. Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

Additional Requirements (SPS)

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

Physical demands/requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 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 work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet/or humid conditions.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

11/1/2022

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year

0.75

Standard Hours Per Week

37.50

Salary

$25,389/annual

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range

$13.02 per hour

Earn Type

Hourly

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Additional Position Details:

• Click on Culinary Worker II for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements.
• Please click on Human Resource Services – Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University’s benefits package.
• Applicants must be a current citizen or resident of the State of Illinois to move forward in the hiring process.
• Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Application Review Details:

• 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.
• If you have education and/or training in excess of what is required, we encourage you to upload your unofficial transcripts.
• 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 jobs@niu.edu and CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu. Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication.
• We STRONGLY recommend that contact information used in your online profile be personal use, not professional/work information: personal email address, home address and phone numbers. The information that you provide is used to make contact on search updates, department referrals and interviews, etc. We must be able to relay sensitive and important information in a way that protects your privacy concerning job search activity, now and in the future.

Exam Details:

• The Civil Service examination for this classification 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.). In order to determine an appropriate rating for each examination, a review of a résumé, cover letter, university/agency official employment application, college transcript, copies of license/certification and any other relevant material may be required.
• Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver’s license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
• 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 assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.

Special Instructions

Quick Link to Applicant

https://employment.niu.edu/postings/66633

Is Background Check Required?

Yes

EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu .

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety. Read the Annual Safety and Security Report. Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-1649 for a hard copy.
Read the Fire Safety Report. Contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 815-753-0404 for a hard copy.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

1. Certifications/Licensure #1
2. Certifications/Licensure #2
3. Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Are you currently a citizen or resident of the State of Illinois?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you currently possess a current Food Handlers Certificate or Food Service Manager Certification?
   • Yes
   • No
   • No, I do not but will by the time of hire.
3. * How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
   • 0-1
   • 1-3
   • 3-5
   • 5-7
   • 7+
4. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response.)
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
5. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience performing routine and repetitive kitchen tasks (such as compiling and preparing simple ingredients prior to process cooking; serving food; filling beverage and/or ice dispensers; setting the table and trays, placing food trays over food warmers; storing food in designated containers in refrigerated storage cabinets).
   • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed under guidance.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed independently.
6. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response.)
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
7. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience following safety regulations performing simple cooking, grilling, and food preparation (such as boiling eggs, making toast, and making coffee); preparing /cooking short order items (such as hot cereals, eggs, sausage, bacon, etc.); grilling hamburgers, hot dogs, or chicken; assisting with mixing, kneading, panning, and baking bread/pastries.
   • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed under guidance.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed independently.
8. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
9. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience following safety regulations in preparing and assisting in portions, serving, and wrapping of food, placing it directly on plates for service to patrons (such as cutting pieces or sandwiches, preparing salads and cold plate combinations); making sodas.
   • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed under guidance.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed independently.
10. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)
    
    (Open Ended Question)
    
    
11. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience cleaning and sanitary activities (such as cleaning work areas, counters, tables, fixtures, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware).
    • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
    • My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed under guidance.
    • My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed independently.
12. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)
    
    (Open Ended Question)
    
    
13. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience exhibiting effective communication skills, i.e., greeting and assisting customers; answering customer questions; communicating with customers regarding their comments, complaints, etc.; notifying staff of problems, shortages, equipment failures, etc.; dealing with angry unpleasant or angry people; training staff and/or students on simple operations.
    • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
    • My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed under guidance.
    • My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed independently.
14. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)
    
    (Open Ended Question)
    
    
15. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience accurately processing payments, i.e., accepting payments for purchases, computing bills using equipment such as cash register or terminal, multi-counting or adding machines, optical price scanners, or Point of Sale (POS) equipment; making change; issuing receipts, refunds, credits, and/or exchanges; processing credit or debit card transactions; completing and maintaining basic recordkeeping checking ID cards.
    • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
    • My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed under guidance.
    • My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed independently.
16. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)
    
    (Open Ended Question)
    
    
17. * Have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veteran's Preference Points? The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered.
    • Yes
    • No
    • Not Applicable