Culinary Worker II - University Housing

Culinary Worker II - University Housing
Dining Services - University Housing

(Anticipated start date is October 2026)

University Housing provides an essential element of the Illinois experience, with hundreds of employees across seven units working together to build and maintain safe, healthy and welcoming homes for our residents. We value the many diverse voices, opinions, experiences and identities of the Illinois community, and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is woven into each of our interactions, programs and decisions.

Dining Services focuses on making sure our residents are well served and eating tasty, sustainable and healthy meals. At the same time, our team provides high-end catering options that can service weddings, events and parties. Staff within our dining team also work on nutrition, operations, training, menu planning and so much more. While University Housing employs over 1,000 student staff each year, hundreds of those student staff members work on the dining staff and are a key part of the team.

Job SummaryPrepares and serves food product(s) for University Housing, Dining Services. All University Housing staff will foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment within University Housing.
Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepares or assists in the preparation of food items, including such tasks as cleaning, dicing, slicing and peeling food items, and weighing, measuring, and mixing ingredients.
• Performs simple cooking, grilling, and food preparation, such as boiling eggs, making jello, making toast, and making coffee; cooking items for cold salad preparation; assisting in mixing, kneading, panning, and baking bread/desserts.
• Prepares and assists in serving of food as required. Portions, serves and wraps the food, or places it directly on plates for service to patrons, such as cutting pies or sandwiches and making beverages.
• Cleans and sanitizes work areas, counters, tables, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.
• Maintains quality, appearance, cleanliness, sanitation, and product levels of serving line during service.
• May oversee and train student employees and/or assigned personnel as required.
• Provides courteous service to guests and promotes good customer relations.
• Wraps and labels products for storage and plans for the re-utilization of leftover foods.
• Serves foods as required.
• Responsible for filling out production worksheets to track food production, product utilization, shortages, including overproduction and/or spoilage/waste.
• Reports equipment failures to the designated supervisor, maintains equipment and supplies needed in service area.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical Demands: Position involves working in a kitchen area which is heated by ovens and stoves. Position involves frequent bending, lifting, remaining in a stationary position and moving throughout the assigned work area as well as moving and operating kitchen equipment.

Working Conditions: The work is performed in an Industrial Kitchen where there is some discomfort in low temperature areas (-10 degrees F) and/or high temperature areas (90 degrees F). There is risk involved when working with dangerous machinery and wet floors. Industry standards related to cleanliness will be maintained at all times.
Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 3867 - Culinary Worker II position, appointed on a 12-month basis. Please note that the anticipated start date for this position is October 2026. Candidates seeking an earlier start date may wish to consider this timeline before applying.

The wage for this position is $19.56. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

Work Schedule
The work schedule
for this position varies. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not
available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on June 22, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.

Candidate Documents
When submitting
your application, please submit a cover letter and resume.

If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact University Housing Human Resources at careers@housing.illlinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Learn about Champaign-Urbana, our campus and the community we hope you choose to live and work in.

For more information regarding employment at University Housing, please visit our recruitment website at University Housing Recruitment.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1036712

Job Category: Service and Food Operations

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu