Lead Cook(COOK SR)

Davita Inc.; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in dining services seeks a Cook Sr. in Davis, CA. The role involves culinary planning, quality control, and customer service, ensuring high standards in food preparation. Candidates should possess four years of experience and various culinary techniques to lead staff in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Benefits

Health and wellness programs

Continuing education allowance

Paid holidays and vacation

Qualifications

• Four years of experience in food preparation and general kitchen maintenance.
• Experience providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• Culinary experience to prepare complex recipes.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to meet food quality and customer service standards.
• Prepare food from scratch including entrees and desserts.
• Monitor compliance with safety and sanitation guidelines.

Skills

Customer service

Food safety

Culinary skills

Problem-solving

Education

Experience in food preparation

Job description

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Job ID

74275

Location

Davis

Full/Part Time

Full Time

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Job Summary

Under supervision of Unit Chef and Sous Chefs, serve as lead to a diverse group of employees to meet customer service, food quality, sanitation, and safety standards. Guide, delegate, and assign a wide range of tasks to Career and Student employees. Cook all food assigned to standards of excellent taste, quality & appearance. Prepare food from scratch including entrees, starches, vegetables, gravies & sauces, soups, breads, desserts, etc. Work independently preparing entrees & following recipes & menus & batch cooking guidelines without direction. Ensure all items are prepared on time with designated presentation. Monitor cost control by using professional techniques with regards to food production, portion control, utilizing leftover food items, recognizing safety, budget & quality factors & tracking food usage using daily report. Maintain unit standards for product quality, service, cleanliness, communication, training & work order flow. Prepare menus for special events. Provide training to staff. Continuously monitor & receive customer orders, read tickets, monitor ticket times, communicate when assistance is needed. Review on hand levels & communicate facility needs. Receive & review incoming shipments, & confirm quality & safety of product, as well as accurate product delivery & invoicing. Complete assigned inventory for facility in an accurate & timely fashion. Provide guidance & support to other cooks through training, delegation of duties, & decision making. Be a solution-oriented leader to direct or fill vacancies/absences in various areas/tasks normally filled by alternate staff. Model culinary & customer service department wide expectations. Interact with internal & external customers by demonstrating professionalism, enthusiasm & integrity. Convey welcoming attitude. Ensure positive guest experience by accommodating special requests & making suggestions. Keep work area clean & debris free. Identify & correct hazards. Set-up/clean equipment, worktables, sinks & drains at beginning & end of shift. Ensure compliance with State & Federal Sanitation Guidelines. Wash pots, pans, food preparation bowls & dishes. Perform full range of kitchen cleaning.

Apply By Date July 8, 2025 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications

• Four years of experience in food preparation and general maintenance of a kitchen area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced food environment.
• Culinary experience in a fast-paced food production environment to prepare complex recipes.
• Experience training, leading, and monitoring support staff in a cooking and service environment.
• Experience with varying culinary techniques, including but not limited to sauteing, grilling, frying, steaming, and preparing sauces and stocks.
• Experience to taste and discern product quality, read, and interpret recipes and menus, estimate ingredient requirements, monitor production, and keep records.
• Experience maintaining a sanitary, safe and organized personal work area, checking food temperatures following food & physical safety guidelines.
• Skills to communicate in English, both orally and in written form to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and interact effectively with co-workers, supervisors, and guests.

Preferred Qualifications

• Culinary experience in a commercial food environment. Cooking regional cuisines and accommodating dietary needs. Reading, interpreting, and delivering food product based on customer orders.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with and provide excellent customer service to a diverse campus community; communication skills to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Knowledge of UC policies and procedures.
• Problem solving skills to troubleshoot problems as they arise, find alternate solutions, and implement solutions in a professional and efficient manner.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Culinary Planning & Quality Control
• 30% - Shift Lead
• 15% - Safety & Sanitation
• 15% - Customer Service & Professional Communication
  
  

Department Overview

Student Housing and Dining Services (SHDS) is a self-supporting auxiliary that provides housing and dining services to approximately 15,000 undergraduate, graduate, and students with families who live in on-campus residential facilities (university owned/managed and Public-Private-Partnerships), as well as providing residential, retail and catering dining services for the campus community. SHDS also provides student support and conference housing services to the campus and general community. For more information about SHDS visit our website at http://www.housing.ucdavis.edu.Student Housing and Dining Services has adopted the following Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement: Student Housing and Dining Services is committed to serving the needs of students, staff, faculty and guests from various backgrounds and identities. In full support of our institutional commitment to embrace diversity and practice inclusive excellence, we expect every member of our community to acknowledge, value, and uphold the guidelines set forth in the Principles of Community. As a community of scholars and life-long learners, we commit ourselves to learning together about our differences and commonalities while growing in all areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $22.38/hr. - $28.97/hr. - This position is subject to a departmental budgeted salary maximum of: $24.73/hr. - Step 6
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• UC Job Title: COOK SR
• Number of Positions: 3
• Appointment Type: Staff: Partial Year Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Variable
• Shift Hours: Variable
• Location: Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: SX-Service Workers
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• Hybrid/Remote/Onsite: This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
* UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

Work flexible/variable schedule/location or unit (sometimes in excess of scheduled shift) including occasional overtime, evenings/nights, weekends and holidays, occasionally on short notice to meet operational needs. Vacation may be limited during peak operational times. Use Personal Protective Equipment [PPE] such as hot mitts, safety shoes, goggles and cut resistant gloves. Work in areas where there is frequent contact with residents and guests and that can be hot, cold, dusty, wet and/or smelly.

Special Requirements

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon successful completion of background check(s), including but not limited to criminal record history background check(s)
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks