General Cook

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Family support

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Campus perks

Job summary

Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) is seeking a part-time cook to prepare and deliver high-quality menu items for university events and daily service. You will read recipes, supervise junior staff as needed, and ensure the kitchen runs smoothly with proper stock and sanitation practices.

This role emphasizes teamwork and adherence to HACCP standards in a fast-paced environment. The position involves 27 hours per week with a schedule including Sundays and a mix of afternoons.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must have proficiency with the English language (speaking, reading and writing).
• Minimum four years of related food preparation experience in hospitality industry.
• Some related supervisory experience.
• Experience working with large volume cook-chill process and commissary production.
• Experience working in a high-end off-site catering environment.
• Must have culinary ability to execute recipes with the technical understanding of all cooking methods and ensure culinary team is also executing recipes accurately.
• Must have knife skills necessary to perform the job.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and cooks menu items according to proper preparation methods.
• Reads and follows standardized recipes and delegates production.
• Tastes and evaluates all food before service and consults manager if concerns.
• Assist Culinary Team in preparation and presentation of catered functions.
• Ensure kitchen is stocked and provide requisitions or guidance for restocking.

Skills

English proficiency

4+ years experience

Supervisory experience

Knife skills

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Culinary Arts degree preferred

ServSafe certification within 1 year

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

• Prepares and cooks menu items according to proper preparation methods in small batches or otherwise required by business needs.
• Reads and follows standardized recipes. Delegates production of menu items to culinary team in respectful manner.
• Tastes and evaluates all food before service to ensure food quality standards are met, consults manager with any concerns.
• Assists Culinary Team in the preparation and presentation of catered functions, may take the lead on events, while working under the guidelines of Second Cook and/or the Manager-in-Charge.
• Ensures kitchen is properly stocked with items needed for meals. May need to provide written requisitions or provide direction to Storekeeper.
• Instructs kitchen personnel in proper usage of all standard kitchen equipment.
• Where appropriate, assists with on-the-job training for Assistant Cook, Short Order Cook, Grill Cook and Kitchenperson/Chef’s Helper.
• Fries, grills, sautés, roasts, bakes, braises and steams food products as directed.
• Heats soups, sauces and prepared products ensuring product has reached appropriate temperature before serving.
• Carves or slices meat for service both in back-of-house setting and at carving stations in front-ofhouse setting when necessary.
• Demonstrates a “Clean as you go” philosophy maintaining sanitary and organized work space and equipment.
• Leaves work station clean and re-stocked. Recycles products per policy and procedure.
• Accurately records portion amount of food used during meals on service records.
• Cools, refrigerates, labels and properly stores food according to HACCP procedures.
• Accurately fills out sanitation and temperature logs and food service records as required. Informs person in charge when corrective action is needed.
• Follows sanitation standards in compliance with all regulatory agencies including HarvardEnvironmental Health and Safety regulations.
• Communicates effectively and works cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management team and guests.
• Complies with State of Massachusetts and Dining Services’ “Food Employee Illness Policy”.
• Represents HUDS to students, faculty, staff and guests in a positive and professional manner.
• Works to meet the mission and core values of Harvard University Dining Services with enthusiasm and a spirit of cooperation.
• Attends all trainings as assigned.
• Maintains current certifications as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to routinely lift 50 lbs. without restrictions.
• Continuous: standing, manual dexterity, reaching, walking, lifting, handling.
• Frequent: push/pull, bending.
• Occasional: climbing, squatting, sitting.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must have proficiency with the English language (speaking, reading and writing).
• Minimum four years of related food preparation experience in hospitality industry.
• Some related supervisory experience.
• Experience working with large volume cook-chill process and commissary production. (CSG)
• Experience working in a high-end off-site catering environment. (Catering)
• Must have culinary ability to execute recipes with the technical understanding of all cooking methods and ensure culinary team is also executing recipes accurately. Must have knife skills necessary to perform the job.
• Must be able to follow directions.
• Must be neat in appearance and comply with proper dress code as designated by HUDS.
• Must have proficiency with kitchen tools and equipment without restrictions.
• Must have basic math skills and ability to analyze digital and analog thermometers, scales, and other measuring devices.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Culinary Arts degree preferred.
• ServSafe certification required within one year of employment.
• Previous experience working in a University environment preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong multi-tasking skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management and guests.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced diverse environment.
• Customer service oriented.

Certificates and Licenses:

• ServSafe certification required within one year of employment.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 27 hours per week

• Sunday 6:00am - 3:00pm, Monday & Tuesday 1:30pm - 7:30pm & Saturday 10:30am - 7:30pm

Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): 29.07 - 31.08

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Drug Test, References

Work Format Details: This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges: This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.