Job Description

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

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.

Rice University is seeking a qualified Safety and Sanitation Officer to lead efforts in maintaining a safe, sanitary, and compliant campus environment, with a particular focus on food service operations. This role is essential in supporting the university’s commitment to health, safety, and operational excellence across dining facilities, catering services, and food preparation areas.

The Safety and Sanitation Officer will oversee the development and enforcement of sanitation protocols, conduct routine inspections of food service areas, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal health regulations, including those set by the FDA, USDA, and Harris County Public Health. The officer will work closely with Housing & Dining, Environmental Health & Safety, and Facilities teams to implement best practices in food safety, hygiene, waste management, and pest control.

Key responsibilities include training food service staff on safe handling procedures, monitoring food storage and preparation standards, and responding to sanitation-related incidents or violations. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in food safety management systems (e.g., HACCP), strong communication skills, and a proactive approach to risk mitigation and continuous improvement.

This position plays a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of the Rice University community and upholding the university’s reputation for excellence in campus services.

Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate for the Safety and Sanitation Officer role at Rice University is a proactive and detail‑oriented professional with a strong background in environmental health, occupational safety, and sanitation protocols. They possess a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, including OSHA, EPA, and CDC guidelines, and demonstrate a commitment to fostering a safe, clean, and healthy campus environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

This individual excels in risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and the implementation of sanitation standards across diverse facilities, including dining services, residential halls, and public spaces. They are skilled in conducting inspections, training personnel, and developing policies that align with Rice University’s values of integrity, innovation, and community well‑being.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative communicator who can engage cross-functional teams, promote a culture of safety, and respond effectively to emerging health concerns. With a passion for continuous improvement and sustainability, they contribute meaningfully to Rice’s mission of advancing knowledge and improving lives through responsible stewardship of campus resources.

Workplace Requirements:
On-campus position: This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Work Schedule: Weekly schedule will vary and will include working on weekends and holidays. Must be available to work any shift required.

Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds several times each day. Requires walking or standing up to eight hours per day. Other physical requirements of the job include the ability to bend, crouch, or kneel; lift; see; reach; climb; and balance. Must be able to detect scents and discern flavors.

Work environment: Primarily an indoor work environment in a variety of university settings, which may include offices, food serveries, and residential facilities. May be exposed to temperature extremes in facilities that are not climate controlled.

Work hazards include exposure to toxic and caustic chemicals. Some work may occur at elevated heights on ladders or scaffolding or in wet areas.

Essential On Campus: This role is classified as an Essential On‑Campus Position, requiring on‑site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions. During emergencies or crises, the employee is required to report to campus as directed to ensure continuity of critical operations and must remain accessible to leadership to fulfill responsibilities necessary for maintaining institutional functions.

Hiring Range: $65,000 minimum, with hiring salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (culinary focused)
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year‑for‑year basis
• 2+ years of experience in a culinary or food service management role
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year‑for‑year basis

Licenses/Certifications:

• Certified Food Management Permit (Houston) or equivalent (ServSafe)

Skills:

• Excellent attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and presentation.
• Strong business sense and organizational skills.
• Proven record of cleanliness and adherence to safety and sanitation standards.
• Expert culinary skills, including knife handling, flavor balancing, and cooking techniques.
• Ability to make quick, sound decisions and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Strong leadership and motivational skills to manage and inspire kitchen staff.
• Proficiency in food service computer applications and documentation of HACCP log sheets.

Preferences:

• Degree in business administration or related field (extensive relevant experience in combination with education may substitute for degree)
• Related experience in a university, hotel, or resort housing operation
• Demonstrated ability to conduct health and safety inspections of Housing and Dining food operations, Residential Colleges, and off‑campus properties
• Ability to maintain accurate, up‑to‑date files on all inspection, testing, and plan review activities
• Ability to work with compliance officers such as City of Houston Health Inspectors, Security Specialists, etc.
• Supervisory skills
• Thorough knowledge of Houston Department of Health and Human Services rules and regulations

Essential Functions:

Administration:

• Manages and updates employee Food Handler Permit files; coordinates enrollment in initial and renewal certification courses as required.
• Administers the Housing & Dining Employee ESL program in coordination with Houston Independent School District (HISD), supporting workforce development and communication.
• Provides administrative support to Rice Graduate Housing areas as needed, ensuring consistent safety and sanitation standards across residential facilities.

Safety and Sanitation Oversight:

• Develops, implements, and manages a comprehensive safety and sanitation program for Housing & Dining, encompassing food service operations, pest control, facility inspections (on‑ and off‑campus), temporary food setups, and housing environments
• Conducts regular audits of all Housing & Dining facilities to assess compliance with safety and sanitation standards; documents findings and provides timely reports to responsible personnel
• Recommends, establishes, and enforces safety and sanitation procedures in alignment with university policies and regulatory requirements
• Advises campus managers on safety and sanitation issues through routine meetings and written communications, offering professional guidance to maintain safe conditions and regulatory compliance
• Develops a “Culture of Safety” program with members of the culinary team. These employees will serve as Food and Operational Safety Officers in our operations
• Manages and distributes health permits for all food service operations; ensures all permits are current and properly displayed
• Maintains strong working relationships with the City of Houston Health Department; coordinates and supports their inspections of Rice University food service facilities
• Audits employee work locations to verify compliance with uniform and safety footwear requirements
• Performs special projects and assignments as requested, contributing to the continuous improvement of campus safety and sanitation initiatives

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

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

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