Cook II: High-Volume Kitchen for Patient-Centric Care

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage starting day one

Paid time off & holidays

Tuition assistance program

Pension plan

Job summary

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks a Cook II to support high-quality culinary production for retail and patient room service. The role emphasizes safe, accurate, and appealing meals with diet compliance and operational standards.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma with experience in high-volume food service; ServSafe certification is preferred and Texas Food Handlers Certification must be obtained within 30 days. Shift: 1:30pm - 10:00pm with rotating schedule.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred ServSafe certification.
• Must obtain Texas Food Handlers Certification within 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present menu items for retail outlets and patient room service using standardized recipes and production sheets.
• Rotate, store, and document food using FIFO while tracking leftovers, product transactions, and par levels.
• Execute high-volume batch cooking, mise-en-place, and short-order production to meet service timelines.
• Adjust preparation techniques to support therapeutic diets, modified textures, and wellness-driven menus.
• Ensure food quality, taste, presentation, portioning, and temperature standards are consistently met.
• Cross-cover across retail stations, catering, and room service to support departmental operations.
• Assist with inventory, order requisitions, and food waste tracking per standard procedures.
• Prepare meals that meet physician-ordered diets, allergen restrictions, and preferences for retail and room service.
• Validate menu selections, diet orders, tray tickets, and special requests before production and service.
• Collaborate with dietitians, call center staff, and service teams to clarify diet specifications and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain high accuracy to ensure patient safety and satisfaction across service lines.
• Confirm presentation, labeling, temperature, and accuracy before tray release.
• Participate in departmental quality and performance initiatives, including QAPI, EDR, shift huddles, and rounding.
• Comply with food safety, sanitation, and infection prevention standards including handwashing and glove use.
• Monitor and document food temperatures, equipment performance, and sanitation logs.
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, FIFO rotation, and allergen controls.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and survey-ready kitchen environment.
• Clean and sanitize equipment, utensils, and work areas during shifts and opening/closing routines.
• Report equipment malfunctions and submit work orders via Facilities at extension 3-5000.
• Maintain safe flow in tray lines and dish rooms, removing hazards and keeping walkways clear.
• Complete sanitation assignments according to established procedures.
• Work in a fast-paced environment while completing quality checks and verifying meal tray accuracy.
• Communicate effectively with production, tray line, clinical, and service teams to meet delivery timelines.
• Demonstrate flexibility, reliability, urgency, and a team-oriented approach.
• Document production, leftovers, and transactions; assist with inventories and waste reduction.
• Maintain par levels of non-food items required for tray assembly and service.
• Complete basic computer tasks including reading reports and entering data.
• Train team members as assigned.
• Perform additional duties including cross-training, shift or location changes, and operational support.

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification

Texas Food Handlers Certification

Job description

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks a Cook II to support high-quality culinary production for retail and patient room service. The role emphasizes safe, accurate, and appealing meals with diet compliance and operational standards.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma with experience in high-volume food service; ServSafe certification is preferred and Texas Food Handlers Certification must be obtained within 30 days. Shift: 1:30pm - 10:00pm with rotating schedule.