Food Service Cook (Culinary Worker III)

Food Service Cook (Culinary Worker III)

Closes : May 25, 2026 DiningFood Service

Position Summary:
Panther Dining is a division within Student Affairs that operates two residential dining centers, a food court, Panther Catering, a C-Store (Thomas Marketplace) and a coffee shop (Java B&B). We serve the EIU campus community and its guests with high-quality, efficient, and innovative dining options in a variety of settings. We add value to our customers' on-campus experience by providing welcoming and inclusive dining facilities, high-quality food, and experienced professional staff who care about those they serve and enjoy the relationships they build. This position is part of the AFSCME Local 981 bargaining unit, the second largest labor union on campus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• General responsibility of preparing food for various university customers in a pleasing, safe and sanitary manner.
• Responsible for the timely preparation, set-up, clean-up and service of all food in the University Dining Services.
• Keep accurate records for the efficiency of the kitchen and ensure that safety and sanitation regulations are met.
• Assist in the supervision of student workers in the Food Service Unit.
• Responsible for supplies and materials needed for food preparation, which includes setting up the work area, providing order list to unit office, tempering the product and preparing for next day's meal.

Minimum Qualifications:
CREDENTIALS TO BE VERIFIED BY PLACEMENT OFFICER

• 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.
• As required by the position to be filled, possession of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Food Handler Training Certification (from an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited trainer).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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.
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic operations and their applications.
• Knowledge of quality control analysis, such as conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• 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.
• Skill in developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Ability to read and interpret relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Ability to plan meals on a large scale.
• Ability to work with and supervise other kitchen employees.

Work Hours:
The core work hours of this position are evenings and weekends.

Starting Salary/Pay Rate Range:

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position, including pay rate.

Salary: $20.97/hr. plus $1.05 shift differential added when working 2nd shift. You will also receive a free meal during your shift! Pay will increase to $21.47 after successful completion of probation.

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

In accordance with Eastern Illinois University policy (IGP #14.1), EIU is generally unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa (e.g., H-1B, OPT, or other) for this Civil Service position.

Required Applicant Documents:
The Civil Service Examination for this classification is a credentials assessment. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from qualified applicants.

• Application
• Resume
• References
• Transcripts

Benefits Overview:
Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals.
This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
• Dental Insurance: Dental plans are available to meet your needs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

For more information on our employee benefit programs for this specific position class, please visit

Diversity and Inclusion: Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equal opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.

The University and Community: Eastern Illinois University takes pride in creating a warm, welcome environment for all faculty, staff and students. Established in 1895, EIU boasts a rich, tradition of preparing students for their personal and professional goals. A traditional regional residential institution, EIU offers a superior education at a relatively low cost while consistently earning high rankings and distinctions for its affordability, academic program quality, career placement rates, campus safety, online degree options, student support, and sustainability initiatives. EIU focuses on individualized attention and superior student relationships and has earned recognition as the highest- ranking independent public regional university in Illinois and a place among the Midwest's top public regional universities according to U.S. News and World Report. Eastern offers faculty a wide range of research and public service activities. EIU hosts more than 175 student organizations on campus, and offers a variety of cultural events, NCAA Division I athletics, and active research opportunities for its students to enjoy and to thrive. EIU has become recognized for providing the resources of a large institution while creating the kinds of individual relationships that support student and alumni success.

The University is located in East Central Illinois, combines the benefits of a community of 20,000 with access to several large cities, including Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.

Important Information for Applicants:

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete the application and/or interview process. If would like to request assistance with the application/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (217)-581-3463 or [email protected] for assistance.