Chef at Diocese of Austin – Georgetown, Texas

Job Summary:

The Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday for the senior priests at the St. John Paul II Residence. The Chef leads all kitchen operations, including developing menus for the entire week (Monday–Sunday), supervising the part-time weekend Cook, ensuring food quality and safety, and ordering food and supplies in coordination with the Director of the Residence. This role plays a vital part in creating a hospitable, nourishing, and respectful environment that honors the lives and dignity of the priests who have faithfully served the Church.

Ministerial Character

The Bishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church (the diocese) entrusted to him. In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ’s mission present and enduring as Shepherd of the Christian Community. In order to fulfill his mission, the Bishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Each position employed in the Diocese of Austin helps to extend the ministry of the Bishop in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Bishop in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.

Essential Job Duties:

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Austin in both your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Prepare and serve breakfast and lunch for residents, Monday through Friday.
• Plan weekly menus (Monday through Sunday) that are nutritious, seasonal, and aligned with resident preferences.
• Supervise the part-time Cook and coordinate weekend meal preparation and expectations.
• Order food, ingredients, and kitchen supplies from vendors (e.g., Sysco, US Foods, HEB) in coordination with the Director.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Wash and sanitize all kitchenware, dinnerware, and flatware daily.
• Coordinate with Housekeeper for timely cleaning and rotation of table linens and napkins.
• Support hospitality for visiting clergy and special liturgical or communal events.
• Work a consistent weekday schedule (Monday through Friday), with flexibility to support holiday coverage if needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Strong culinary skills with experience preparing meals for small groups.
• Knowledge of food safety standards, sanitation regulations, and kitchen hygiene.
• Experience in menu planning, food inventory management, and ordering.
• Ability to supervise and collaborate with part-time staff.
• Professional, respectful, and discreet demeanor suitable for a priest residence.
• Strong time management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• Culinary training and certification required.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of food preparation experience, preferably in a restaurant, hospitality, or residential setting

Language Requirement:

• English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).

Catholic Requirement:

• Not required.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Certified Food Manager (required).
• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the Diocese of Austin are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Bishop in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church.
• The Diocese of Austin is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Diocese of Austin are tobacco-free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.
• Due to the nature of the business, paid time off and holiday benefits will differ. Established holidays for this role are as follows:

1. New Year’s Day
2. Memorial Day
3. Independence Day
4. Labor Day
5. Thanksgiving Day
6. Christmas Day

• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes, and conduct standards.
• May be required to use personal or diocesan vehicles to drive to parishes or other off-site locations.
• Traveling within and outside the diocese to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.