Position Title & Department
Cook - Sushi; Student Affairs - Pavilion Dining
Posting #
5253
Position Status
Full‑time regular
Location
San Diego
Position Type
Staff, Dining Services
Department Description
The Division of Student Affairs is committed to grounding our policies, programs, and procedures in antiracist practice. With this commitment, we recognize the importance of educating ourselves and holding one another accountable to ensure our work is approached through equity, inclusion, and social justice lens. We recognize our need for ongoing development in this area and continue to strive to improve. We expect all members of the Division of Student Affairs to be willing to engage in this work alongside us to uphold our Catholic mission of creating a welcoming environment where the dignity of all students, staff, administrators, and faculty at USD is embraced.
University Description
The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries‑old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.
Detailed Description
The Division of Student Affairs is committed to grounding our policies, programs, and procedures in antiracist practice. With this commitment, we recognize the importance of educating ourselves and holding one another accountable to ensure our work is approached through equity, inclusion, and social justice lens. We recognize our need for ongoing development in this area and continue to strive to improve. We expect all members of the Division of Student Affairs to be willing to engage in this work alongside us to uphold our Catholic mission of creating a welcoming environment where the dignity of all students, staff, administrators, and faculty at USD is embraced.
The University seeks an individual with a strong interest in working in a mission‑driven, faith‑based institution. The role of a Cook - Sushi is working with the campus community and the responsibilities of the position are significantly tethered to the university’s contemporary Roman Catholic mission.
The Cook - Sushi is responsible for providing skilled assistance in the supervision and preparation of all Sushi food production, maintenance of quality and/or portion control, and the maintenance of sanitation and safety standards.
Duties And Responsibilities
Sushi Preparation
- Prepare sushi rice and ingredients such as fish, vegetables, and seaweed according to traditional and creative recipes.
- Ensure all sushi items are fresh, properly portioned, and aesthetically pleasing.
Sushi Presentation
- Create visually appealing sushi presentations, including nigiri, sashimi, maki rolls, and specialty rolls, using traditional techniques and artistic flair.
- Pay good attention to detail in garnishing and arranging sushi plates to enhance the dining experience.
Sushi Production
- Supervise and participate in the quality and quantity preparation of all Sushi menu items.
- In the absence of the direct supervisor, have complete responsibility for the preparation of specified meals.
- Review menu with supervisor and coordinate daily production; organize work areas to ensure ease of operation.
- Check production sheet against inventory to assure necessary items are on hand; assist in planning for backup items as needed.
- Inspect work area for any problems or discrepancies and report findings to supervisor.
- Assist in forecasting proper quantity preparation for each item served.
- Follow correct methods of preparation.
- Make products to specification and review recipes with supervisor for variances in the finished product, including yield, appearance, taste, and texture.
- Ensure proper product portioning.
- Be responsible for the timely delivery, setup, and dispensing of menu items as specified.
- Assist in completion of production/event records.
- Verify quantity and quality of all incoming products.
- Ensure proper rotation and storage of all products.
- Operate all kitchen equipment properly.
- May assist in the determination and ordering of products and supplies.
- Assist in research, development, and testing of new recipes and menus.
- Attend weekly production meetings.
Customer Satisfaction
- Maintain good customer relations through attitude, appearance, and attention to detail in daily work.
- Maintain consistent high-quality standards; quality‑test every finished product for taste, texture, appearance, and temperature.
- Assure that all foods are attractively garnished and appropriately displayed.
- Ensure that products are not held longer than establishing holding time frames.
- Serve customer/guest needs with the appropriate sense of business urgency to provide quality service.
- Report feedback from the customer to supervisor and/or area manager.
- Provide input on menu and special meals in weekly production meetings.
Personnel
- Set leadership example by the willingness to work on all job tasks.
- Provide consistent feedback to employees regarding performance.
- Be responsible for a smooth workflow, communication, and ideas through a congenial, caring, and supportive attitude.
- Ensure that employees understand and adhere to all Dining Services policies and procedures.
- Delegate assignments as appropriate and follow up to ensure work is accurate and complete.
- Orient all new part‑time employees to the location of products and equipment.
- Train all part‑time employees in proper cooking procedures, cooking times, and temperatures.
- Train part‑time employees in the proper use of all equipment.
Safety And Sanitation
- Implement and maintain proper safety and sanitation standards in the workplace.
- Utilize proper food handling methods and techniques.
- Assist in all scheduled cleanup operations.
- Operate equipment in an energy‑efficient manner; use efficient startup/shutdown schedule for equipment.
- Maintain excellent personal hygiene, including care of uniforms, shoes, and head covering.
- In absence of a supervisor, be responsible for the security of the unit.
- Maintain kitchen cleanliness/sanitation during operation.
- Do not participate in unsafe acts and set a good example for other workers.
- Report all accidents and/or injuries to supervisor immediately.
- Report all equipment maintenance problems to the supervisor.
- Know the location of fire extinguishers and Ansul System pull stations and how to use them.
Miscellaneous
- Know and follow all University and Dining Services policies and procedures.
- Cook – Sushi working in retail areas will need to know how to use the POS system.
- Cook – Sushi may have to work as a cashier as needed and therefore know how to handle cash in all retail areas.
- Assist in monthly inventory.
- Other duties as assigned.
Special Conditions Of Employment
- Must be able to work a varied hourly work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule during intersession and summer conference periods.
- Must have excellent personal hygiene because of contact with food and food products.
Background check
Successful completion of a pre‑employment background check.
Degree Verification Requirement
Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.
Job Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
- At least 3 years of related experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience as a sushi chef in a high‑volume restaurant or sushi bar.
- Certification from a culinary school or sushi training program.
Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
- In‑depth knowledge of Japanese cuisine, sushi preparation techniques, and sushi knife skills.
- Creative flair and attention to detail in sushi presentation.
- Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices.
- Ability to work efficiently and calmly under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Knowledge of proper cooking times, temperatures, and food preparation procedures and techniques.
- Strong communication skills and problem‑solving abilities.
- Ability to organize personnel, work, and materials for maximum productivity.
- Proven ability to supervise and motivate staff.
- Excellent skills in the use of specific equipment and tools as identified below, as well as their preventive maintenance and calibration requirements.
Certificates, Licenses, And Registration
- Must complete a 3‑hour sanitation class as required by the San Diego Health Department.
- Must complete the University’s Hazmat Communication Program.
- Must complete an 8‑hour Serv Safe as required by the San Diego Health Department.
Tools And Equipment Used
- Various cooking and kitchen equipment (knives, ovens, slicers, carts, etc.)
- Cleaning equipment and chemicals.
Posting Salary
$21.31 - $26.00 per hour; Excellent Benefits
The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on‑campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.
The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.
Special Application Instructions
Resume Required
Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application and, for full consideration, please upload a resume to your application profile for the hiring managers’ review. If you have any questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.
Additional Details
37.5 Hours per week
Closing date
Open until filled
Note: External job postings will be up for at least three days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.
The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco‑free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.
Advertised: May 22, 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled