Position Information
Posting Detail Information
Working Position Title Culinary Worker II (1674) Classification Culinary Worker II Position Number 00001674 Open Date 10/22/2026 Close Date 11/19/2026 Priority Review Date Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Regular FLSA Non-Exempt Job code 3867 Union Representation Union Union Code AFS - AFSCME, Local #963 Unit/Department Residential Dining Service College/Unit Campus Dining Service Division Student Affairs Location NH DINE Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://www.niu.edu/dining/
Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications
Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications
Overview
The department of Campus Dining handles all things dining on campus. From residential meal plans to event catering, we provide nutritional food for students, faculty, staff and guests. We manage over a dozen eating establishments at NIU including residence hall dining, restaurants and coffee shops at the student center, and the cafe in Barsema Hall. We employ the students and professionals who work in our restaurants and cafes.
Position Summary
9-month position (Aug 16-May 15); actual start and end dates may vary based on academic calendar
This position is responsible assisting with the assignment of work activities of kitchen helpers and student employees working in the food production area and is responsible for daily preparation of food items in Dining Services. Individual in this position works under the supervision of Food Service Managers, Assistant Food Service Managers, Food Administrators III and II.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Food Prep & Organization
- 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, and etc.
- Responsible for food presentation-garnishing and quality of food items being served.
Food Production & Storage
- 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 administrators, utilize unused food items into upcoming meals/menus.
- Responsible for clean-up of production area and equipment used.
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 ensure sanitary conditions of production areas.
Supervisory
- Supervise and instruct kitchen helpers, student employees, and other personnel assigned to area on food preparation and clean-up of production area and equipment.
Other Related Duties
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Six (6) months of work experience in food preparation in a commercial setting.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)
- Knowledge of food terms, materials, equipment and methods used to prepare food.
- 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.
- Knowledge of sanitary procedures and directives; how to use simple cleaning solutions and equipment.
- Skill in giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made.
- Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
- Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Specialty Factors (Civil Service)
None
Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)
- Food Handlers Certificate or Food Service Manager Certification.
- Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
- Ability to write simple correspondence.
- Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
- Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide in all units of measure.
- Ability to compute, rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
- Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)
N/A
Additional Requirements (SPS)
N/A
Preferred Qualifications (SPS)
N/A
Physical demands/requirements
- 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 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 12/1/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 0.75 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours Varies based on operational needs Salary $24,862.50/annually (based on a 9-month appointment); NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $17.00/hourly Earn Type Hourly
Application Procedure
Application Procedure
Application Procedure
Application Procedure:
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. Important: Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received.
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 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.
Applicants must be a current citizen or resident of the State of Illinois to move forward in the hiring process.
Credentials Assessment Examination:
- The examination for this position 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.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met.
- Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver's license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
- 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.
Additional 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.
- 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.
Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/98080 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, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and 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:
Director of Civil Rights Office, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 2nd floor
CivilRights@niu.edu
815-753-0455
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 Security and Fire Safety Report.
Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- List of at least 3 Professional References
Optional Documents
- Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
- Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
- Other
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Are you currently a citizen or resident of the State of Illinois?
Yes
No
- What is the highest level of education attained?
GED
High School Diploma
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Masters Degree
PHD
- Have you attached transcripts to support the degree(s) you are submitting for consideration with this posting?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
- How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
0-1
1-3
3-5
5-7
7+
- 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)
- If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points? The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered.
Yes
No
Not Applicable
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
- 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)