Cook, Assistant

Harvard University FAS Human Resources; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 54,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Harvard University Dining Services seeks a skilled cook to join the on-site dining team. You will prepare and cook a variety of menu items, follow standardized recipes, and maintain a sanitary, efficient work environment.

The role involves high-volume prep, temperature checks, and collaboration with staff to ensure quality and guest satisfaction. The position requires prior food preparation experience in hospitality, strong knife skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Must have proficiency in English (speaking, reading, writing).
• Minimum three years of relevant food preparation experience in hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and cooks menu items according to proper methods in small batches as required by business needs.
• Tastes and evaluates all food before service to ensure quality standards.
• Reads and follows standardized recipes.
• Fries, grills, sautés, roasts, bakes, braises and steams food as needed.
• Heats soups, sauces and prepared products to serving temperature.
• Carves or slices meat for service in back-of-house and at carving stations.
• Assists in preparation and presentation of catered functions.
• Maintains sanitary workspace and adheres to HACCP procedures.
• Complies with state regulations and Harvard Dining Services policies.

Skills

Food preparation

Sanitation

Knife skills

Multi-tasking

Customer service

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

• Prepares and cooks menu items according to proper preparation methods in small batches and/or asrequired bybusinessneeds.
• Tastesandevaluates allfood beforeserviceto ensurefood qualitystandards aremet,consultsmanagerwith anyconcerns.
• Readsandfollowsstandardizedrecipes.
• Fries,grills,sautés,roasts,bakes,braisesandsteamsfoodproductsasneeded.
• Heats soups, sauces and prepared products ensuring product has reached appropriate temperaturebeforeserving.
• Carves or slices meat for service both in back-of-house setting and at carving stations in front-of-housesettingwhen necessary.
• Assistsinthepreparation andpresentationofcateredfunctions.
• Cools,refrigerates,labelsandproperlystoresfood accordingtoHACCPprocedures.
• Knowledgeableinuseofall standardkitchenequipment.
• Demonstrates a “Clean as you go” philosophy maintaining sanitary and organized work space andequipment.
• Leavesworkstationcleanandre-stocked.
• Accuratelyrecordsportionamount of foodused duringmealsonservicerecords.
• Accuratelymeasuresfoodtemperatures.
• Recyclesproductsperpolicyandprocedure.
• Accurately fills out sanitation and temperature logs and food service records as required.Informspersonincharge when corrective actionis needed.
• Follows sanitation standards in compliance with all regulatory agencies including HarvardEnvironmental Health andSafetyregulations.
• ComplieswithStateofMassachusettsandDiningServices’“FoodEmployeeIllnessPolicy”.
• Communicateseffectivelyandworkscooperativelyandrespectfullywitha diversesetofstaff,management teamand guests
• RepresentsHUDStostudents,faculty,staff andguestsinapositiveandprofessionalmanner.
• Works to meet the mission and core values of Harvard University Dining Services with enthusiasmanda spiritofcooperation.
• Attendstrainingsasassigned.
• Maintainscurrentcertificationsasrequired.
• Performsotherdutiesasassigned.

Physical Requirements

• Must beabletoroutinelylift 50lbs.withoutrestrictions
• Continuous: standing,manualdexterity,reaching,walking,lifting,handling
• Frequent: push/pull, bending
• Occasional: climbing,squatting,sitting

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• HighSchoolDiplomaorequivalent
• MusthaveproficiencywiththeEnglishlanguage(speaking,readingandwriting).
• Minimumthreeyearsofrelevant foodpreparationexperienceinhospitalityindustry.
• Must haveculinaryabilitytoexecuterecipeswiththetechnical understandingofall cookingmethods.
• Must have basic math skills and ability to analyze digital and analog thermometers, scales, and othermeasuringdevices.
• Musthaveproficiencywithkitchentoolsandequipment without restrictions
• Musthaverelevantknifeskills.
• Must be abletofollowdirections.
• Must beneatinappearanceand complywithproperdresscodeas designatedbyHUDS.
• Must be abletoworkindependentlyandas partof ateam.
• Must have strongmulti-taskingskills.
• Musthaveexcellentcommunicationskills.
• Must be able to work cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management andguests.
• Must be abletoworkin a fast-paced diverseenvironment.
• Must becustomerserviceoriented.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• ServSafecertificationwithinfirstyearofemployment.
• PreviousexperienceinaUniversityenvironment preferred.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 32 hours per week

• Sunday - Wednesday 10:45pm - 7:45pm

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Drug Test, and References

EmergencyStatusDesignation:Essential

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.