Cook 2

Washington State University; United States; On-site; USD 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick and vacation leave

Holidays

Medical, dental, life and disability保险

Retirement plan

Employee tuition waiver

Training and development

Job summary

Washington State University is seeking a Cook 2 for Dining Services in Pullman, WA. Under supervision of the Dining Services Manager, you will prepare menu items, manage production, control inventory, and ensure safety and quality in all food preparation.

You will lead and train kitchen staff, establish production par levels, and coordinate with the Chef and Manager on new menus and catering offerings, while delivering exceptional guest service in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Two years cooking experience in a large-scale food service operation.
• Completion of a large-scale cooking course may substitute for one year of experience; or equivalent education/experience.
• Food Handler’s Permit within 14 days of employment.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Prepare menu items, special menus and catering offerings.
• Collaborate with the Chef and Manager to develop new menus annually and seasonally.
• Establish production par levels and manage batch cooking during peak periods.
• Maintain inventory, safe food handling, and a clean, organized kitchen area.

Skills

Cooking experience

Leadership experience

Flexible schedule

Education

Large-scale cooking course

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment knowledge

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: November 8, 2026 If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

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.

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: 11 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].

WSU is Washington's land-grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide. WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities. See here for additional information about WSU's statewide locations. View the HRS Benefits website for details on competitive benefits available. 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/