About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name -- RICE -- Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Shipping and Receiving Clerk plays a critical role in the food service operation by ensuring the efficient receipt, inspection, storage, and distribution of all food products, supplies, and equipment. This position supports the daily operations of university dining halls, retail food outlets, and catering services by maintaining accurate records, managing inventory, and facilitating timely deliveries across campus. The Shipping and Receiving Clerk works closely with suppliers, kitchen staff, and department heads to ensure all materials are handled safely, efficiently, and in compliance with university policies and health regulations.

Weekly schedule will vary and will include working early mornings, nights, weekends and holidays to accommodate delivery schedules and operational needs. Must be available to work any required shift.

This position is considered essential during a campus emergency. The incumbent in this position is expected to report to campus, provide the essential services designated and work under the overall direction of the Crisis Management Team for the duration of a campus emergency.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

Ideal candidate should ensure that proper food standards are maintained in the areas of quality, sanitation, and appearance; maintain a clean work area, and assist with general kitchen cleaning. They should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment managing multiple tasks.

Workplace Requirements:

On campus position: "This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at [insert location and schedule]. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change."

• Work environment is a commercial kitchen and includes exposure to temperature extremes. Work hazards include exposure to chemicals, wet floors, dangerous equipment (fryers, dough sheeter, tortilla machine, stoves, ovens, knives, slicers, etc.), and hot oil, steam, and water.
• Work areas include receiving docks, storerooms and kitchen spaces.
• Exposure to work hazards including chemicals, hot oil, and dangerous equipment is common.

Physical Demands

• Moderate to heavy physical activity, which includes the ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, up to 20 lbs. frequently, and up to 10 lbs. constantly to move objects.
• Regular activities include standing, walking, bending, and lifting for up to eight hours per day.
• Other physical requirements of the job include manual dexterity and the ability to see, hear, reach, climb, and balance.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

"This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions."

Hiring Range: $16.83 - $17.50 per hour

*Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• HS diploma or equivalent
• At least 2 year of experience in shipping, receiving, or inventory management, preferably in a food service or culinary environment.
• Proficiency in food safety and sanitation practices, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) principles.
  • Certified Food Handler's Permit as issued by the City of Houston Health Department
• Knowledge of inventory management software and MS Office Suite.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management skills.
• Must possess (or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid Texas driver's license with no more than three moving violations and/or at fault accidents within the past 36 months, and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past five years.

Skills:

• Ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with multiple deadlines
• Demonstrated creativity, problem-solving skills, taking initiative, judgment, and decision-making skills
• Good communication and customer service skills
• Well-organized and detail-oriented

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three years' experience in a large volume food service operation in a university setting or either institutional or commercial
• Documenting HACCP Log sheet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Familiarity with food safety regulations, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points).

Essential Functions:

• Receiving and Inspection:
  • Receive, inspect, and verify all incoming shipments for accuracy, condition, and compliance with order specifications.
  • Check deliveries for quantity, quality, and compliance with food safety standards, rejecting damaged or incorrect items.
  • Complete necessary documentation and input data into inventory systems.
• Shipping:
  • Prepare and package items for shipment, ensuring accurate labeling and documentation.
  • Coordinate outgoing shipments to various campus locations, including dining halls, retail food outlets, and catering events.
• Inventory Management:
  • Assist with inventory tracking by ensuring proper rotation of stock and maintaining organized storage areas.
  • Update stock levels in the inventory management system and notify supervisors of any discrepancies or shortages.
  • Assist in monthly, quarterly, and annual inventory audits as required.
• Stocking and Distribution:
  • Distribute received products to designated storage areas or campus locations, following established protocols for food safety and storage.
  • Monitor storage conditions (temperature, cleanliness, etc.) to ensure the safe handling of perishable and non-perishable items.
  • Safety and Compliance:
  • Adhere to all university safety protocols, including the safe operation of palet jacks, hand trucks, and other warehouse equipment.
  • Follow all health, safety, and sanitation standards, including proper food storage and handling techniques.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in receiving areas, storerooms, and docks.
• Communication:
  • Communicate effectively with vendors, drivers, and university departments regarding deliveries, inventory needs, and shipping logistics.
  • Collaborate with Executive Chef, Operation managers and staff to ensure timely deliveries and accurate product availability
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:

• Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control procedures.
• Ability to reconcile stock counts with report data to ensure accuracy.
• Ability to analyze and solve inventory-related issues.
• Proficiency in preparing routine administrative paperwork.
• Ability to receive, stock, and/or deliver goods in a timely manner.
• Familiarity with university invoicing procedures.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.