Central Washington University is recruiting a Food Service Worker Lead to join our SURC Kitchen team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a 10.5-month cyclic, campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits.
Who we are:
We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.
Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find robust academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.
Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.
Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.
Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A
What we offer:
Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.
The Role:
A Food Service Worker Lead (FSWL) oversees the work of team members and plays a hands-on role in guiding, directing, and training staff and student workers. This position is responsible for ensuring the professional preparation of food and ensuring all aspects of stations/concepts are ready for service. Leading food production, assistant with meal prep for the following day, enforcing proper food storage procedures, and maintaining a clean and sanitary work environment.
The FSWL is responsible for preparing all dishes according to recipes and standards, with accountability for:
Ensure compliance with recipes, proper execution of dishes, and adherence to food safety standards
Prepare all menu items to meet company standards for flavor, presentation, and aroma
Taste all dishes to ensure proper flavor profiles
Guide kitchen staff and assist in their training and development
Perform a full range of responsibilities in both Back of House (BOH) and Front of House (FOH) operations
In alignment with Central Washington University's vision, mission, and values, CWU Dining Services plays a key role in supporting these principles while also upholding our department's own vision, mission, and values. Our vision is to be a key campus partner in promoting the growth of our community through shared culinary and educational experiences. As a member of Dining Services, you will be directly involved in these efforts and are expected to embody both the university, and department, vision, mission, and values in your work. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.
