Cook 2

Washington State University; Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring incentive – up to $3,500

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Washington State University in Pullman, WA is seeking a Cook 2 for Dining Services to prepare menu items, manage production, and ensure food quality. The role collaborates with the Chef and Manager to develop seasonal menus, oversee inventory, and minimize waste while maintaining safety and hygiene standards.

The position is full-time, 100% FTE, and includes a hiring incentive up to $3,500. Starting salary ranges from $4,004 to $4,746 monthly, with step increases per the Collective Bargaining

Qualifications

• Two years cooking experience in a large-scale food service or culinary operation which includes six months directing the work of others.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Food Handler’s Permit within 14 days of employment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Prepare menu items, special menus, and catering offerings.
• Collaborate with the Chef and Manager to develop new menu items on an annual and seasonal basis.
• Maintain inventory levels to ensure product availability and minimize waste.
• Establish production par levels and manage batch cooking during peak meal periods.
• Oversee a la carte production during off-peak hours and maintain proper handling and storage of food products.
• Provide exceptional customer service to guests.

Skills

Cooking experience

Food safety

Flexible schedule

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: October 25, 2026

Available Title(s)

674H-YY_CS_NPS - Cook 2

Business Title

Cook 2

Employee Type

Classified

Position Details

The Opportunity

As the Cook 2 for Dining Services, you will work under the general supervision of the Dining Services Manager and be responsible for preparing menu items, special menus, and catering offerings. You will collaborate with the Chef and Manager to develop new menu items on an annual and seasonal basis while maintaining appropriate inventory levels to ensure product availability and minimize waste. You will establish production par levels, manage batch cooking during peak meal periods, and oversee a la carte production during off-peak hours. In this role, you will ensure the proper handling and storage of food products and demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, and a commitment to quality in all food preparation. You will be responsible for the safe and proper use of equipment, maintaining a clean work environment, securing your work area at the end of each shift, maintaining required records, and directing production activities. Above all, you will provide exceptional customer service to our guests.

To support WSU’s ability to attract talent in a competitive job market, this recruitment has been approved for a hiring incentive payment of up to $3,500.00. More information regarding the hiring incentive payment program can be located on the HRS website: Hiring Incentive – Human Resource Services, Washington State University (wsu.edu).

Additional Information

This is a full time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.

Monthly Salary: $4,004 to $4,746 | Range 39 Steps F - M | Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Classified staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications

• Two (2) years cooking experience in a large scale food service or culinary operation which includes six (6) months experience directing the work of others. Completion of course in large‑scale cooking may be substituted for one (1) year of experience; OR one (1) year as a Cook 1 in State service; OR equivalent education/experience.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Food Handler’s Permit within 14 days of employment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two to five years experience in increasingly responsible food service positions.
• Multi-faceted food experience.
• Experience in a la carte restaurant cooking and various international/ethnic cuisines.
• Experience leading and training employees.
• General knowledge of commercial grade kitchen equipment use, safety, and maintenance.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department/College/Area/ Campus - Dining.wsu.edu

Area/College: Student Affairs

Department Name: Dining Services

Location: Pullman, WA

Background Check

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type

Full time

Position Term

9 Month

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non‑U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail].

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.

More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/