Cook (COOK)

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental & Vision

Paid holidays

PTO

CE allowance

EAP services

Retirement benefits

Job summary

University of California - Davis is seeking a Cook for Student Housing and Dining Services in Davis, CA. The role requires preparing entrees, sides, soups, breads, and desserts from scratch, following recipes and batch cooking guidelines, and ensuring quality and safety standards.

You will monitor production, manage inventory, and assist with special events and meetings. The position is 100% on-site with a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in food preparation and general maintenance of a kitchen area.
• Culinary experience and/or equivalent training in high-volume, fast-paced food production.
• Experience with culinary techniques including sauteing, grilling, frying, steaming, and preparing sauces and stocks.
• Experience providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced food service environment.
• Experience maintaining a sanitary, safe and organized personal work area.

Responsibilities

• 50% - Culinary Planning & Quality Control
• 25% - Customer Service and Professional Communication
• 20% - Safety & Sanitation
• 5% - Sustainability & Custodial Duties

Skills

Food preparation

Culinary techniques

Customer service

Sanitation

Inventory/stock management

English communication

Job description

Job Summary

Reporting to the unit Chef and Sous Chefs, cook and serve all food assigned on time and to standards of excellent taste, quality and appearance. Prepare food from scratch including entrees, starches, vegetables, gravies and sauces, soups, breads, desserts, etc. Work independently preparing entrees and following recipes and menus and batch cooking guidelines without direction. In consultation with senior cook and/or sous chef taste and discern product quality, read and interpret recipes and menus, estimate ingredient requirements, check production and keep records to accurately plan production requirements and request supplies and equipment. Monitor cost control by using professional cooking techniques, recognizing safety, budget and quality factors and tracking food usage using daily report. Maintain unit standards for product quality, service, cleanliness, communication, training and work order flow. Prepare menus for special events or meals. Collaborate food preparation and service duties to kitchen support staff and cooks. Provide coaching to student assistant staff. Continuously monitor and receive customer orders, read tickets, monitor ticket times, communicate when assistance is needed for timely completion of orders. Receive and review incoming shipments. Confirm quality and safety of product. Properly store product in storage, coolers, and freezers, following proper food safety guidelines. Perform accurate product inventories. Successful completion of Sanitation/Food Borne Illness prevention (HACCP) and annual renewal. Keep work area clean and debris free. Identify, communicate, and correct hazards. Set-up/clean equipment, work tables, sinks and drains at beginning and end of shift. Perform full range of kitchen cleaning and facility sanitation, using appropriate chemicals. Ensure proper and safe use of chemicals per SDS information and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Independently safely use, assemble, disassemble, and train others to use kitchen equipment. Use hand tools, sweep, mop, dust, polish silverware, and wash pots, pans, dishes, and equipment. Minimize and eliminate waste by effective use of resources. Sort waste for recycling and pre/post-consumer composting. Maintain security of Unit equipment and supplies. Demonstrate professionalism, enthusiasm and integrity with all internal and external customers. Convey welcoming attitude by actively engaging and greeting customers during all periods of service. Anticipate customer needs. Display a positive demeanor. Ensure positive guest experience by accommodating special requests and making suggestions. Participate in production and unit/departmental meetings.

Apply By Date

November 5th 2026 by 11:59PM

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Three years of experience in food preparation and general maintenance of a kitchen area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Culinary experience and/or equivalent training in a high-volume, fast-paced food production environment to read, interpret, and deliver food product based on customer orders.
• Experience with culinary techniques, including but not limited to: sauteing, grilling, frying, steaming, and preparing sauces and stocks.
• Experience providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced food service environment.
• Experience to maintain a sanitary, safe and organized personal work area.
• Skill to prepare complex recipes and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Knowledge of cuisines from varying customer bases, including Regional American, Asian, Italian and Mexican, Vegetarian, Vegan.
• Skills to communicate in English, both orally and in written form to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and interact effectively with co-workers, supervisors and guests.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience to taste and discern product quality, read and interpret recipes and menus, estimate ingredient requirements, check production and keep records to accurately plan production requirements and request supplies and equipment.
• Arithmetic skills to increase or decrease recipe yields and to convert standard culinary measurements.
• Knowledge of UC policies and procedures.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with and provide excellent customer service to a diverse campus community; communication skills to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Culinary Planning & Quality Control
• 25% - Customer Service and Professional Communication
• 20% - Safety & Sanitation
• 5% - Sustainability & Custodial Duties

Department Overview

Student Housing and Dining Services (SHDS) is a self-supporting auxiliary that provides housing and dining services to approximately 15,000 undergraduate, graduate, and students with families who live in on-campus residential facilities (university owned/managed and Public-Private-Partnerships), as well as providing residential, retail and catering dining services for the campus community. SHDS also provides student support and conference housing services to the campus and general community. For more information about SHDS visit our website at http://www.housing.ucdavis.edu.

Student Housing and Dining Services has adopted the following Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement:

Student Housing and Dining Services, is committed to serving the needs of students, staff, faculty and guests from various backgrounds and identities. In full support of our institutional commitment to embrace diversity and practice inclusive excellence, we expect every member of our community to acknowledge, value, and uphold the guidelines set forth in the Principles of Community. As a community of scholars and life-long learners, we commit ourselves to learning together about our differences and commonalities while growing in all areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $26.90/hr. - $34.77/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: COOK
• UC Job Code: 005523
• Number of Positions: 2
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Variable
• Location: Davis
• Union Representation: SX-Service Workers
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands