Cook

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University is seeking a Cook for Residential Dining Services on the Fort Collins campus. The role supports production across units, ensures quality, safety, and presentation of menu items, and leads DS I/FSW staff and student workers to maintain consistent practices.

The position requires a high school diploma (or GED), at least one year in foodservice, and ServSafe certification within six months. Work involves varied shifts and ensuring a clean, safe kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• 1 year experience in foodservice or retail operation.
• Must obtain ServSafe Food Manager Certification within six months.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and produce hot and cold items using standardized recipes.
• Operate cooking equipment and perform preparation tasks (measuring, chopping, baking, etc.).
• Monitor and restock service areas for quality and presentation.
• Maintain sanitation and HACCP temperature checks in production areas.
• Provide training and lead guidance to DS I/FSW staff and student workers.

Skills

Food safety awareness

Leadership

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

ServSafe

Job description

Position Summary

Residential Dining Services is seeking qualified candidates to fill multiple openings across several units. These positions offer an opportunity to contribute to collaborative teams while supporting key organizational objectives. The Cook independently prepares and produces a full range of menu items using established menus, standardized recipes, and approved cooking procedures. The position ensures food quality, quantity, safety, and presentation while maintaining sanitation standards. The role also serves as a work lead for DS I/FSW staff and student employees, supporting training and consistent production practices. Additional responsibilities include food handling, equipment operation, inventory support, and maintaining a safe, efficient kitchen environment. Full Consideration Date This posting will remain open until filled. Work Unit: Residential Dining Services’ (RDS) mission is to deliver an outstanding dining experience crafted by an engaged team dedicated to social and environmental responsibility. RDS operates 5 dining centers, 2 convenience stores, a full bakeshop, and a warehouse. We employee more than 1,000 employees who serve 12,000 meals per day to the 6,000 students who live on campus.

Essential Job Duties

• Prepare and produce hot and cold food items using standardized recipes and cooking methods, ensuring quality, safety, and nutritional standards.
• Operate cooking equipment and perform preparation tasks including measuring, chopping, mixing, baking, roasting, steaming, frying, grilling, and garnishing.
• Monitor, restock, and maintain service areas to ensure food availability, proper presentation, and adherence to food-safety expectations.
• Maintain sanitation and food-safety compliance by cleaning and sanitizing production areas, equipment, utensils, and completing HACCP temperature checks.
• Perform opening and closing kitchen procedures including equipment startup/shutdown, safety checks, and work-area preparation.
• Provide training and work-lead guidance to DS I/FSW staff and student workers to ensure consistent production and compliance with standards.
• Other related duties.

Conditions of Employment

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
• Pre-employment Physical: Successfully complete the WorkSTEPS evaluation.

Shift Work

This position may be required to work extended shift hours and/or a modified swing shift to meet departmental staffing requirements.

Special Requirements/Other

Must obtain the ServSafe Food Manager Certification within six months of hire and maintain it throughout employment.

Supervision

No formal supervison.

Minimum Education Qualifications

• High School Diploma (or GED) preferred.
• One (1) year experience in a foodservice or retail operation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a high-volume foodservice operation.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple activities and tasks with competing priorities.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and verbal communication skills necessary for building and maintaining successful work relationships.
• Demonstrated experience providing memorable customer service interactions with customers and colleagues.
• Food safety certification such as ServSafe.

Salary Range $41,808 - $45,989

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land‑grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.

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