Cook S04, Cornell Dining - Multiple Positions Available

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 33,062 - 37,195; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, is hiring a SO-04 Cook to independently prepare and serve various hot and cold foods in dining facilities. This role requires strong customer service, time management, and knife skills. The cook will operate kitchen equipment and ensure compliance with health codes.

This position offers a starting compensation of $24.55 per hour and is part of the United Auto Workers union, with flexible schedules and responsibilities based on business needs.

Qualifications

• At least two years of relevant experience related to food preparation.
• Knowledge of cooking processes and techniques.
• Proficient knife skills and ability to complete a cooking demonstration.

Responsibilities

• Independently prepares and serves a variety of hot and cold foods.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of assigned stations.
• Ensures sanitary, HACCP, and NY State Health codes are met.

Skills

Customer service

Flexibility

Time management

Knife skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Advanced cooking equipment

Job description

Overview

Student and Campus Life (SCL) inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic and personal evolution. SCL supports pressing student life matters including public service, health, wellbeing, connection and belonging, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities.

As part of SCL, Cornell Dining operates more than 30 on‑campus eateries, including dining rooms, cafés, coffee shops, food courts and more. The team of more than 400 culinary staff and 600 student employees offers a variety of fresh and healthy food from around the world and is committed to Nourishing the Future.

Job Summary

Under general supervision the SO-04 Cook independently prepares and serves a variety of hot and cold foods for our customers through a variety of stations and service methods.

Responsibilities

• Interacting directly with customers, and/or working in an open kitchen environment visible to customers.
• Preparing, or assisting in preparing, a wide variety of hot and cold food items for dining rooms, cafes, coffee houses, etc. Food items may be prepared in batched quantity or made to‑order.
• Operating and maintaining a variety of standard and advanced kitchen equipment.
• Reading, scaling and converting recipes to ensure offerings are prepared according to menu and recipe standards.
• Maintaining cleanliness, stock levels and organization of assigned stations.
• Assisting with maintaining portion control specified and helping maintain production sheets by recording amounts of food prepared, served and leftover in a standardized work sheet.
• Ensuring that sanitary, HACCP, and NY State Health codes and procedures are maintained in assigned areas including temperatures, safe handling procedures, proper sanitary restraints and uniforms.

Schedule and Start Date

Posting is for multiple positions across Dining with various schedules. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Anticipated start date of August 10, 2026. Location and schedule assignments will be based on business needs. The position may require regular evening, weekend, and holiday hours. Daily tasks, locations and schedules may be subject to change, including the potential for seasonal lay‑offs.

Professional Expectations

A successful SO-04 Cook will be customer‑service driven, flexible and demonstrate strong time management and organizational skills. The role will embrace Cornell Dining’s Code of Professionalism and support Cornell Dining’s overarching mission.

Compensation

This position is part of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. The current rate of pay is listed in the collective bargaining agreement and starts at $24.55 per hour.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of relevant experience related to food preparation or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Knowledge and understanding of food cooking processes, techniques (grilling, frying, roasting, sautéing, broiling, baking, steaming, braising) and equipment/tools. Basic skills in English including reading, writing, math and verbal articulation.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs occasionally and up to 50 lbs min. Must be able to reach over your head, stand for long periods, squat occasionally, bend frequently and perform repetitive motions such as chopping, stirring and mixing while withstanding temperature changes and environmental impacts such as cold, heat, steam, smoke, slippery floors and food waste areas. Must be comfortable with kitchen equipment such as slicers, fryers, steamers, ovens and be able to learn advanced cooking equipment as needed.
• Proficient knife skills. Must successfully complete a cooking demonstration as part of the interview process.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional education and experience, including higher education food service or production kitchen experience. Knowledge of sanitation and HACCP procedures helpful. ServSafe certification preferred.

Non‑relocation and Visa

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Notice to Applicants

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here.

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of ‘… any person … any study.’ No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability, arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.