Cook

Theuniversityunion; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on Bonus

Competitive pay

Health coverage

Flexible spending

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Wellness programs

Training & development

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Theuniversityunion in Kalamazoo is seeking a dependable Cook to join our dining team. You will help prepare breakfast, lunch, and catered meals, upholding safety, quality, and service standards in a fast-paced environment.

We offer a $750 sign-on bonus, competitive hourly pay, comprehensive health coverage, paid time off, retirement matching, and ongoing training. A high school diploma and 1–3 years food service experience are preferred, with strong customer service and teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1-3 years of food service experience.
• Previous customer service experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety and sanitation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and catered meals.
• Maintain clean and sanitary work areas and proper food temps.
• Assist with inventory, stock rotation, and communicate needs to supervisors.
• Provide excellent customer service with a friendly, timely approach.

Skills

Food service experience

Customer service

Team player

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Description

• Base Pay $17.00 / Hour

Requirements

Cook – Bonus Eligible!

Join our community

We are looking for a dependable and motivated Cook to join our team. When you join us, you play an important role in delivering quality meals and creating a positive dining experience for our customers. You'll work alongside a supportive team while building your culinary skills in a fast-paced environment where quality, safety, and service come first.

What you will be doing

The Cook is responsible for supporting the Chef Manager or Chef in preparing and serving breakfast, lunch, and catered meals. This role is essential in ensuring food is prepared safely, efficiently, and according to company standards. A successful Cook is detail-oriented, team-focused, and committed to maintaining high standards of food quality and customer service.

In this role, the Cook prepares and cooks a variety of foods including meats, seafood, vegetables, and baked goods. You will measure, mix, and season ingredients according to recipes, prepare food stations, and ensure all items are cooked to proper temperatures using appropriate methods. Responsibilities also include maintaining clean and sanitary work areas, rotating and labeling stock, and monitoring food freshness and quality.

The Cook supports kitchen operations by assisting with inventory, tracking food usage, and communicating equipment or supply needs to supervisors. You may also assist at multiple stations, wash kitchen equipment, and help with food preparation tasks such as cutting, peeling, and portioning ingredients. Providing excellent customer service by greeting and serving customers in a friendly and timely manner is a key part of this role.

What we offer

We provide full and part-time employees with a variety of benefits based on their employment classification, including:

• $750 Sign-on Bonus! $250 after 90 days of employment and $500 after 180 days of employment
• Competitive pay with clear opportunities for advancement so you can grow your career
• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans
• Flexible spending and savings options to support your financial well-being
• Generous paid time off - including vacation and sick leave to help you recharge
• Retirement savings plan with company match to help you plan for the future
• Employee assistance and wellness programs to support your mental and physical health
• Ongoing training and development opportunities to expand your skills and career potential
• A collaborative, team-oriented environment where your work is recognized and valued

What we're looking for

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1-3 years of food service experience
• Previous customer service experience preferred
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety and sanitation