Cook S06, Cornell Dining - Multiple Positions Available

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY is seeking a dedicated SO-06 Cook to join its Cornell Dining team. The role involves preparing a wide range of food items, ensuring food safety standards, and mentoring other kitchen staff in a bustling dining environment.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in food prep and sanitation standards, along with strong customer service skills. This position is unionized, with a pay rate starting at $26.64 per hour and an anticipated start date of August 10, 2026.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of relevant experience in food preparation or equivalent.
• Knowledge of sanitation and HACCP procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform various physical tasks.
• Proficient knife skills and a cooking demonstration required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and oversee a variety of hot and cold food items.
• Mentor and train other kitchen staff.
• Maintain sanitary, HACCP and NY State Health codes.
• Serve customers in an open kitchen environment.

Skills

Customer service skills

Time management

Critical thinking

Leadership

Extensive cooking techniques

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Student and Campus Life (SCL) inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic and personal evolution. Our division is comprised of leading student affairs experts who support our campus on pressing student life matters including public service, health, wellbeing, connection and belonging, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations including sorority and fraternity life. We provide support and services to roughly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad.

As part of SCL, Cornell Dining consists of more than 30 on‑campus eateries, including multiple all‑access dining rooms, cafés, coffee shops, food courts, retail convenience stores, concessions stands, a restaurant and catering services. From crafting holiday‑themed meals to chef surprises and dining room special events, the Cornell Dining team of more than 400 skilled culinarians and front‑line associates, and 600 student employees work hard every day to offer a variety of fresh and healthy food from all over the world. Cornell Dining’s mission is a commitment to Nourishing the Future for both our guests and our team, supported by a team‑oriented, customer‑service mindset and an emphasis on training, education, professional development and career path opportunities.

With support from a Chef, the SO‑06 Cook prepares a variety of standard and complex hot and cold food items, including culinary specialties assigned by management, for service in Meal Plan Operations, House Dining, cash, catering and special events. This position can operate independently or, at the direction of management, collaborate with kitchen employees and student workers and may provide guidance to other culinary team members.

Likely Daily Tasks Include

• Interacting directly with customers, and/or working in an open kitchen environment visible to customers.
• Preparing and overseeing a wide variety of hot and cold food items, including menus and cuisines that reflect our diverse community, with a focus on nutritional awareness.
• Reading, scaling and converting recipes, and providing guidance to ensure menu offerings are prepared according to standards.
• Serving as a role model for other staff by mentoring and participating in unit training around cooking techniques and methods, and other essential safety, equipment and procedural trainings.
• Operating and maintaining standard and advanced kitchen equipment, and instructing others on its use.
• Ensuring sanitary, HACCP and NY State Health codes and procedures are maintained, including temperature control, safe handling, proper sanitary restraints and correct use of uniforms.

Anticipated start date: August 10, 2026.

A successful SO‑06 Cook will be customer‑service driven and demonstrate strong time management, organizational, leadership and critical thinking skills. The role requires a commitment to learning and instructing others on new and advanced culinary skills and cuisines, and an embrace of Cornell Dining’s Code of Professionalism to achieve our mission.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and at least 4 years of relevant experience in food preparation or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Extensive knowledge of proper sanitation and HACCP procedures, food cooking processes and techniques (e.g., grilling, frying, roasting, sautéing, broiling, baking, steaming, brazing) and tools and equipment. Basic English skills including reading, writing, math and verbal articulation.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs. occasionally and up to 50 lbs. minimally; reach overhead, stand for long periods, squat, bend frequently and perform repetitive motions. Must tolerate temperature changes and various environmental and sensory impacts, including cold, heat, steam, smoke, slippery floors and food waste areas. Comfortable using kitchen equipment such as slicers, fryers, steamers, ovens and advanced cooking equipment.
• Proficient knife skills required and a cooking demonstration expected during the interview process.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional education and experience preferred, including global cooking experience, higher education food service or production kitchen experience. ServSafe certification preferred.

Union Position: This role is part of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. Current pay is set in the collective bargaining agreement and begins at $26.64 per hour.

EEO Statement: Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, factors such 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 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 law. Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities under federal and state law.