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University Chef Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

HUSTON-TILLOTSON UNIVERSITY

Chef

Austin, TX · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY A Chef in University Dining Services is responsible for leading and supervising food production, ensuring quality and timely service, training staff, and managing inventory and costs ...

New

HUSTON TILLOTSON UNIVERSITY

Chef

Austin, TX · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY A Chef in University Dining Services is responsible for leading and supervising food production, ensuring quality and timely service, training staff, and managing inventory and costs ...

New

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University Chef information

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How much do university chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for university chef in Texas is $22.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $28.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a university chef?

University chefs are culinary professionals responsible for planning, preparing, and overseeing the food served in a university’s dining facilities. They design menus that accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences and nutritional needs for students, faculty, and staff. Their role often includes managing kitchen staff, ensuring food safety standards, and sourcing quality ingredients. University chefs play a key part in creating a positive dining experience on campus and may also participate in special campus events.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a university chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a University Chef, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and often a formal culinary degree or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety standards (such as ServSafe certification), and inventory management systems is typically required. Leadership, time management, and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse team are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals to a large campus community while maintaining efficiency, safety, and team morale.

What are some common challenges faced by a university chef, and how can they be addressed?

University Chefs often face the challenge of catering to a diverse student population with varying dietary needs, including allergies, religious restrictions, and lifestyle choices. Balancing quality, cost, and nutrition while preparing meals in large quantities can be demanding. Staying organized, maintaining open communication with dining staff, and collaborating with nutritionists and campus administrators can help address these challenges. Additionally, keeping up with food trends and student feedback ensures meal offerings remain appealing and inclusive.

What is the difference between University Chef vs Culinary Instructor?

AspectUniversity ChefCulinary Instructor
Required CredentialsCooking experience, culinary certificationsCooking experience, culinary certifications, teaching credentials
Work EnvironmentUniversity kitchens, food service areasClassrooms, culinary labs, kitchens
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, food service providersEducational institutions, culinary schools
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The University Chef primarily focuses on preparing food and managing kitchen operations within a university setting, emphasizing culinary skills. In contrast, a Culinary Instructor teaches cooking techniques and culinary theory to students. While both roles require culinary certifications and experience, the University Chef is more hands-on in food preparation, whereas the Culinary Instructor combines culinary expertise with teaching responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to University Chef jobs in Texas?

For University Chef jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching University Chef jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for University Chef jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for University Chef jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most University Chef job openings:

University Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various University Chef job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,724 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Chef

HUSTON-TILLOTSON UNIVERSITY

Austin, TX • On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

A Chef in University Dining Services is responsible for leading and supervising food production, ensuring quality and timely service, training staff, and managing inventory and costs within a university dining hall. The role involves creating menus, managing food preparation, and maintaining a safe and hygienic kitchen environment.


TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Oversee food production, ensuring quality, presentation, and timely delivery of meals for daily operations, special events, and summer schedules.
  • Develop and implement menus that meet operational needs, dietary requirements, and customer preferences.
  • Manage food production sheets, inventory levels, and procurement needs.
  • Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate kitchen staff, including student employees.
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and health codes.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
  • Monitor food quality, equipment condition, and work areas to ensure established standards are met.
  • Control food, labor, and operational costs while maintaining service quality and budget compliance.
  • Investigate and resolve issues related to food production, supplies, staffing, and equipment.
  • Execute culinary services for special events, catering functions, and other unique assignments as required.
  • Provide ongoing coaching and training on food preparation, food safety, sanitation, and customer service practices.
  • Collaborate with dining services staff, managers, and other chefs to ensure efficient and effective operations.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.
  • High school diploma and or culinary degree if feasible
  • On the job experience 3-5 years or more.
  • Safe -Serve Certificate
  • Cooking for 300-400 guest per meal experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

  • Thorough knowledge of food preparation techniques, culinary procedures, and kitchen operations.
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and HACCP principles.
  • Ability to lead, supervise, train, and motivate kitchen staff.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to manage food and labor costs while maintaining quality standards.
  • Knowledge of inventory control and food production systems.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

SUPERVISION

  • This position reports to the Director of Operations.

SALARY RANGE

  • $60,000 - $70,000 annually.

POSITION STATUS

  • This position is not a direct-hire position with Huston-Tillotson University and will be employed by Ala Carte Menu Services, Inc.
  • Flexible time; in-person.

SETTING

Founded in 1875, Huston-Tillotson University is Austin's first institution of higher education. The University is an independent, liberal arts, church-related, historically black institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown Austin, Texas. The University is affiliated with United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund. Undergraduate, four-year degrees in business, education, the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences are awarded. Huston-Tillotson University is multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith, and welcomes students of all ages, races, and religions. All faculty are engaged in a range of activities, their primary focus is teaching. The student-teacher ratio is 15 to one, which allows an environment of personalized attention to students.

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