Kitchen Prep Cook | Part-Time | Owensboro Convention Center
Company : Dallas Convention Center
Location : Owensboro, KY, 42302
Job Type : Part Time
Date Posted : 4 January 2026
Oak View Group
Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.
Position Summary
Each Kitchen Prep Cook’s primary objective is to provide a clean and safe kitchen area for our staff. Prepare food based on recipes and guidelines. Work events as a buffet attendant or station attendant. Wash and clean tableware, pots, pans and cooking equipment. Keep the dish room and equipment clean and organized.
This role will pay an hourly wage of $13.50.
Benefits for Part-Time roles: 401(k) savings plan and 401(k) matching.
This position will remain open until December 31, 2025.
About the Venue
Western Kentucky’s award-winning venue – Owensboro Convention Center – is a full-service facility overlooking the scenic Ohio River in revitalized downtown Owensboro, Kentucky. The multi-purpose center boasts just under 102,000 sq. ft. of available space, including a 44,000+ sq. ft. exhibition hall, the 8,900+ sq. ft. Kentucky Legend Pier outside over the scenic Ohio River, and additional ballroom, meeting, and pre-function space.
The Sportscenter, one of Owensboro’s most historic buildings, opened in 1949. It is a multi-purpose, 5,000-seat arena that hosts concerts, sporting events, graduations, trade shows, meetings, and receptions.
Responsibilities
- Displays knowledge of culinary preparation skills and teaches others proper preparation and food presentation.
- Assists in the control of food and labor costs.
- Conducts regular inspections of all locations to assure cleanliness and maintenance meet company standards.
- Assists with monthly inventory.
- Responsible for providing high quality, fresh food products in a timely manner for delivery to guests.
- Prepares hot and cold foods following company recipes and portioning requirements.
- Participates as a team player with specific responsibilities as related to preparation, excellent service and delivery of product.
- Responsible for reporting any maintenance required for kitchen equipment.
- Maintains sanitation, health and safety standards in work areas.
- Responsible for observing and testing foods to ensure proper cooking.
- Responsible for portioning, arranging and garnishing food plates for delivery to guests.
- Responsible for consulting with Executive Chef and Sous Chef to plan menus and estimate expected food consumption.
- Must show demonstrated ability to meet the company standard for excellent attendance.
Qualifications
- Able to operate standard kitchen equipment to including the broiler, steamer, convection oven, mixer, meat slicer and chef knife.
- Ability to communicate with employees, co-workers, volunteers, management staff and guests in a clear, business-like and respectful manner which focuses on generating a positive, enthusiastic and cooperative work environment.
- Ability to speak, read and write in English.
- Ability to work well in a team-oriented, fast-paced, event-driven environment.
- Possess valid food handling certificate if required by state and federal regulations.
Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference
At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.
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Frequently asked questions
Part-time kitchen prep cooks at Owensboro Convention Center often handle larger event-driven food prep, focusing on buffet and station setups, unlike smaller restaurants with daily menu cycles. This role emphasizes teamwork in a fast-paced venue hosting concerts and conventions, offering unique exposure to high-volume culinary operations in Owensboro, KY.
Success in this role requires proficiency with equipment like broilers and convection ovens, plus skills in portioning and garnishing for buffet-style service. Familiarity with food safety and rapid prep of both hot and cold items ensures smooth event execution, especially in a venue with diverse culinary demands like Owensboro Convention Center.
Part-time prep cooks who demonstrate reliability, culinary skill, and team collaboration could transition to full-time roles. Given Owensboro Convention Center’s scale and Oak View Group’s network, motivated individuals might advance into line cook or supervisory positions within the hospitality and event management sectors locally.
Owensboro’s culinary job market shows steady demand for part-time cooks, but competition can increase due to limited hospitality openings. Dallas Convention Center’s reputation for quality service means applicants with food handling certification and flexible schedules tend to have an advantage during hiring periods.
A valid food handler’s certificate is often required and highly valued in Owensboro's food service sector. Venues like Dallas Convention Center prioritize candidates who comply with state health regulations, enhancing safety and guest satisfaction during large-scale events.
Dallas Convention Center integrates Oak View Group’s global hospitality standards, offering a structured environment with clear sanitation protocols and team-based food preparation. This contrasts with smaller venues by providing access to premium kitchen equipment and a diverse event schedule, enriching the prep cook’s experience.
The hourly wage for this role is set at $13.50, reflecting the part-time, event-focused nature of the job. Additionally, Oak View Group offers benefits like a 401(k) savings plan with matching, which is uncommon for part-time positions, enhancing the overall compensation package.
Applicants can anticipate a fast-paced, event-driven kitchen where teamwork is crucial. The prep cook role involves preparing varied dishes quickly for large crowds, maintaining stringent cleanliness, and adapting to fluctuating event schedules at this prominent Kentucky venue.
While formal training programs might be limited, working under experienced chefs offers on-the-job learning opportunities. The collaborative environment encourages skill-sharing, helping prep cooks refine culinary techniques and kitchen operations within a premier event venue setting.
Owensboro’s downtown location offers reasonable accessibility, but public transport options are limited. Many employees rely on personal vehicles or carpooling. The venue’s central spot in the city helps reduce commute times compared to more dispersed hospitality jobs around Owensboro.