Cook, Housing and Food Services (Multiple Positions)

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 45,288 - 54,732; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington is seeking a Cook for its Housing & Food Services. This full-time position requires preparing and serving a variety of international cuisines in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities include maintaining food safety standards and guiding student staff. Candidates should demonstrate experience in food preparation and hold or be eligible to obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card. Competitive salary ranges from $45,288 to $54,732 annually.

Qualifications

• One year of experience preparing and serving food and maintaining a clean work area.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare protein and vegetable dishes from recipes.
• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards.
• Guide and oversee student food service staff.

Skills

Cooking skills

Food safety knowledge

Teamwork

Education

Washington State Food Worker Card (eligibility)

Job description

Housing & Food Services has an outstanding opportunity for a Cook to join their team.

About This Opportunity

Reporting to Executive Chef/Manager, the Cook works as a key team member in a dynamic, high volume food production environment with full‑time and student employees. The Cook is responsible for preparing proteins, vegetables, fruits, starches, and sauces supporting multiple types of international cuisines.

There are 9‑month or 11.5‑month cyclic positions available. These positions are located at various UW Dining venues. The Cook position is 100% onsite and is not eligible for remote work. This requisition supports multiple opportunities and shifts, which will be discussed during the interview process. Schedules may be changed with two weeks’ notice.

Key Responsibilities

Food Service Operations – 70%

• Using CBORD recipes and specifications, prepare menu items including proteins, vegetables, fruits, starches, and sauces.
• Marinate, grill, roast, griddle and carve proteins; steam vegetables and starches.
• Review recipes and consult with the unit’s designated culinarian (Sous Chef, Manager, or Chef de Cuisine) to confirm production goals and service needs. Seek prior approval before deviation from assigned recipes and specifications.
• Perform display cooking to customer order, plating according to established standards, and answer questions about ingredients, recipes and pricing.
• Guide the work of classified and student food service staff.
• Maintain records of foods produced, foods wasted, and any recipe adjustments for the culinary leadership.
• Consult with culinary leadership to address requests to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Cleaning, Food Safety and Sanitation – 30%

• Monitor prepared foods for compliance with Washington State health code regulations, including taking and recording food temperatures before the food leaves the production area.
• Continuously clean and maintain order of workstation and prep areas, including sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing.
• Participate in cleaning the kitchen’s tables and equipment using sanitizing solutions as needed.

This position performs essential services and may be required to work during any period of declared suspended operation.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of, or eligibility to obtain, a Washington State Food Worker Card within two weeks of employment and one year of experience preparing and serving food and maintaining a clean work area.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Working Conditions

Working conditions within UW Dining are dynamic and fast‑paced, with employees contributing across a range of environments—including large residential dining facilities, cafés, restaurants, and convenience or grocery‑style markets—based on operational needs. Work assignments may shift to support business demands and ensure an exceptional customer experience across all locations. The program follows the rhythm of the University of Washington academic calendar, with peak operations from mid‑September through mid‑June; as a result, employees are expected to prioritize availability during this period, with extended time off planned around academic breaks or outside of the academic year.

About The Team

University of Washington Dining, part of Housing & Food Services (HFS), is a dynamic, student‑centered program serving one of the nation’s leading public universities, offering a diverse portfolio of dining experiences across 30+ locations including residential dining halls, cafés, markets, and restaurants. Focused on fueling student success, UW Dining delivers fresh, nutritious, and globally inspired cuisine while creating inclusive community spaces and hands‑on employment opportunities for hundreds of students each year.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum: $45,288.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum: $54,732.00 annual

Benefits

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

Alternate Work Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full‑Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

WFSE Campuswide

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem‑solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206‑543‑6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.