Cook

Palomar Health; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Palomar Health is seeking a Cook to prepare and serve meals for patients and staff in a hospital setting. Responsibilities include following recipes, ensuring quality and safety, and assisting with inventory and menu planning.

The position requires a High School Diploma and 1 year of cooking experience (or 2 years as an Assistant Cook). Healthcare food service experience is preferred; 8-hour shifts with potential for varied hours.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: High School Diploma and/or combination of education and experience.
• Preferred Education: Culinary or related certification.
• Minimum Experience: 1 year experience as a Cook or 2 years as an Assistant Cook.
• Preferred Experience: 1 year experience as a Cook in healthcare food service.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve food for patients, employees, visitors, and events.
• Maintain clean and sanitary work areas and comply with safety regulations.
• Follow recipes and production sheets; manage inventory and par levels.
• Assist with menu development, portion control, and waste minimization.

Skills

Food preparation

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma

Culinary certification (preferred)

Tools

MS Windows

Excel

Job description

Department: Food Services Union: CHEU Shift: 8-hour Shift - Variable (United States of America) Hours Per Pay Period: 64 Salary Range: $23.00 - $28.95

Job Description: Posting Date: 10/06/2026 Internal Closing Date: 10/12/2026

Performs a variety of routine duties preparing and serving food for patients, employees, visitors, and some catered events. Cleans assigned areas following established practices and procedures for quality, safety and infection control. Follows established policies and procedures to ensure compliance with food and safety regulatory requirements. The Cook coordinates, preps a volume production of meals for patients, cafeteria, catering/special events. Working off production sheets, reads and executes recipes to compliance. Notifies supervisor of any problems relating to production. Performs job functions to support safe food handling, volume food production, menu development and modification, meal assembly and portion control, inventory management and infection control/sanitation. Minimizes food waste with appropriate planning and tracking. Records food shortages and excess quantities in accordance with department procedure. Maintains par levels of food and supplies in assigned areas, orders and/or restocks items in accordance with established routines, rotates food stocks, checks freshness dates. Keeps assigned work areas clean and in an orderly manner. Reports all needed equipment repair. Speak and read English at a level that is sufficient to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. Knowledge of standard office equipment (i.e., calculator, fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (i.e., MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, internet, e-mail). Windows computer skills including proficient use of keyboarding, use of mouse or keys for functions such as selecting items, use of drop-down menus, scroll bars, opening folders, copying and similar operations required upon employment or within the 1st two weeks of employment to perform the essential functions of the job. Performs other duties as assigned. Follows Palomar Health rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws and standards. Carries out the mission, vision, and quality commitment of Palomar Health.

Job Requirements

• Minimum Education: High School Diploma and/or combination of education and experience
• Preferred Education: Culinary or related certification
• Minimum Experience: 1 year experience as a Cook or 2 years as an Assistant Cook
• Preferred Experience: 1 year experience as a Cook in healthcare food service
• Required License: Not Applicable
• Preferred License: Valid Driver's License
• Required Certification: Valid food handler card issued by a San Diego county authorized food handler training school
• Preferred Certification: Not Applicable

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, gender, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Palomar Health invites you to be part of our healthcare team, where we offer extraordinary opportunities for both clinical and non-clinical positions.

As a leading healthcare system, we are committed to providing world-class care to our community.

When you join our team, you'll have access to our exceptional training programs designed to help you excel in your role and grow your career.