Cook 2 Pool – 2024/2025

Oregon State University; Oregon (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a dedicated Cook 2 to join their team in providing high-quality, nutritious meals for students, faculty, and staff. In this dynamic role, you will coordinate meal preparation, ensure food safety, and create a welcoming dining experience. Your expertise in large quantity food preparation and customer service will be crucial as you supervise student workers and maintain high standards in a fast-paced kitchen environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a vibrant community while honing your culinary skills in a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Benefits Eligible

Flexible work schedule

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Knowledge of large quantity food preparation techniques in institutional settings.
• Experience in safe food handling and compliance with food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the production and preparation of high-quality meals.
• Supervise and train student workers in food preparation and safety.

Skills

Large quantity food preparation

Safe food handling

Customer service

Team collaboration

Adaptability in cooking methods

Communication skills

Education

Associate’s degree in Food Service Management

Two years of cooking experience

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Grills

Fryers

Knives

Mixers

Ovens

Steam kettles

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted on the employment profile with education and work history along with any other requested documentation i.e. posting specific question responses, transcripts, etc. Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for the position. Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for this position.

Cover letters are optional for this position and will not be used for evaluating your qualifications.

Equivalent required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week).

PLEASE NOTE: If you have volunteer experience relevant to this position, please include in the Employment History section and note length of time, average number of hours per week and major duties.

Typically, the starting salary is at the lower end of the salary range.

For additional information please contact:
Rodney Garrison
[e-mail]
541-706-2035

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at [e-mail] .

In order to maintain an active status within this pool, applicants will need to reapply annually. Applicants should review their Employment Profile with Education/Employment History carefully and make any updates BEFORE reapplying.

Position Information

Department: Housing & Dining Srvcs (LCH)

Classification Title: Cook 2

Job Title: Cook 2 Pool – 2024/2025

Appointment Type: Classified Staff

Job Location: Bend, Oregon

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Remote or Hybrid option?: No

Employment Category: Regular

Job Summary

This recruitment will be used to fill future full-time and part-time Cook 2 positions at OSU -Cascades.

The Cook 2 position at OSU -Cascades is responsible for coordinating the production and preparation of high-quality, nutritious meals in a volume dining facility that serves students, faculty, and staff. This role ensures that food is prepared according to standardized recipes, with attention to dietary preferences, nutrition, and local sustainability practices. The Cook 2 supervises and trains student workers and lower-level staff, maintains inventory, adheres to safety and sanitation guidelines, and contributes to a positive dining experience.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Preparation (50%)

• Prepare and produce high-quality, nutritious meals following standardized recipes and menu specifications.
• Modify recipes as needed based on instructions from the Sous Chef or Chef de Cuisine.
• Perform prep work including washing, peeling, cutting, and seeding fruits and vegetables.
• Weigh and measure ingredients for menu items according to recipe guidelines.
• Ensure that serving stations are well-stocked and that meals are ready for service in a timely manner.
• Prepare packaged meals for grab-and-go services.
• Operate food production equipment, following established safety protocols and operating procedures.

Sanitation and Safety (20%)

• Follow safe food handling procedures to ensure the safety and quality of food prepared, including temperature documentation.
• Remove unappetizing food products and manage waste according to procedures.
• Oversee that student workers maintain proper sanitation and safety practices in food prep areas.
• Ensure compliance with OSU -Cascades, state, and county sanitation guidelines.

Customer Service (15%)

• Provide an exceptional dining experience by offering friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable service to all customers.
• Resolve any customer concerns promptly and relay information to the supervisor as needed.
• Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive dining environment.

Student Worker Instruction (10%)

• Instruct student workers in food preparation methods, safety protocols, and kitchen procedures.
• Assess and advise the supervisor on the performance of student workers.
• Provide training to ensure proper handling of food and equipment, and guide students in cooking tasks.

Other Duties (5%)

• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
• Assist with inventory management and requisitioning supplies when necessary.
• Participate in special events or catering services as needed.

What We Require

Two years of cooking experience in an institution or commercial firm serving complete meals; OR an Associate’s degree in Food Service Management, Foods and Hospitality Service, or a directly-related field.

What You Will Need

• Knowledge of large quantity food preparation techniques, with the ability to adapt recipes and cooking methods for institutional settings.
• Experience in safe and sanitary food handling, preparation, and storage, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
• Experience working with commercial kitchen equipment, including grills, fryers, knives, slicing machines, mixers, ovens, and steam kettles.
• Ability to follow instructions and maintain organization in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated passion for food and the food service industry, with a commitment to quality and customer service.
• Professional oral and non-verbal communication skills for interacting with team members, students, and customers.
• Valid Food Handler’s certificate required within 30 days of employment, with the ability to maintain certification throughout service with OSU -Cascades.
• Experience as a lead worker, with the ability to train and direct other employees, including student workers, in food preparation and safety procedures.
• Experience in a retail food environment, with a focus on customer service and meeting the needs of diverse dietary preferences and nutritional requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food allergens and special dietary needs, with the ability to adapt meals accordingly.
• Experience working in a team-based environment, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal History Check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in Youth Programs may have additional Criminal History Checks every 24 months. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the Criminal History Check Requirement.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Experience in exhibition cooking or preparing various global cuisines.
• Experience in catering services, including managing events of varying sizes.
• Experience providing leadership in a fast-paced kitchen environment, helping to improve efficiency and food quality.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

The Cook 2 position is based in an institutional kitchen environment, which requires physical activity and the ability to work in varying conditions. The role involves extended periods of standing on hard floors, working with commercial kitchen equipment, and frequent exposure to fluctuating work flow, temperature, and noise levels. The position requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

The work schedule is flexible and requires availability during weekends, evenings, and occasional holidays to meet operational needs. The position is part of a seven-day-a-week operation, and the incumbent must be prepared to work nonstandard hours as required by the dining services schedule.

The position is deemed essential, meaning the employee must report to work during inclement weather or other university closures, ensuring continued service in all conditions. The physically demanding nature of the job, combined with the need for flexibility in work hours, makes this a dynamic and fast-paced role.