Line Cook

California-Institute-of-Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 2,755,000 - 3,671,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech is seeking an Associate Cook to work under supervision on semi-routine tasks, preparing standard or specialty foods, setting up and sanitizing kitchens, and assisting in menu development and stock management.

Responsibilities include cooking a range of dishes, updating recipes, maintaining hygiene, and ensuring readiness for meals and special events while adhering to safety standards.

Qualifications

• Must have culinary certificate and at least 2 years in a busy a la carte restaurant or 3 years in a dine-in facility.
• California Food Handler card or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• Must be able to carry a minimum of 50 pounds of cooking utensils and supplies.
• Must read/write basic English and follow instructions.
• Must perform basic math for ingredient quantities and conversions.

Responsibilities

• Perform full range of cooking skills for main dishes and sides.
• Prepare and cook meats, fish, vegetables, gravies, sauces, soups, and bakery items per recipes or orders.
• Cook from scratch or make substitutions as requested.
• Adjust recipes as needed and may create new recipes.
• Clean and sanitize work areas and equipment according to protocol; deep-clean on schedule.
• Ensure ServSafe compliance in the kitchen area.
• Prepare ingredients for next day based on menu offerings; assist in menu planning.
• Ensure staff and stations are ready for meals and events in a timely manner.
• Verify all equipment is functioning properly; provide leadership as needed.

Skills

ServSafe compliance

English literacy

Weight handling

Mathematical aptitude

Education

Culinary certificate

California Food Handler Card

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Associate Cook works under general supervision on semi-routine assignments where a fair amount of judgment is required in identifying and resolving moderately complex problems, and in preparing and cooking standard or specialty food items. Sets-up and sanitizes cooking areas, assists in menu development, and conducts inventories and stocking of supplies and ingredients. Performs work in accordance with Institute and regulatory agencies safety standards and practices.

• Perform and complete a full range of cooking skills as required for main dishes and side orders.
• Prepare and cook meats, fish, vegetables, gravies, sauces, cereal, soups, fruits, bakery products and other foods according to recipes or member orders.
• Cook from scratch or makes substitutions as requested.
• Correct recipes by making substitutions as needed; may create recipes.
• Clean and sanitize work areas and equipment according to protocol; deep-cleans equipment and work areas per schedule.
• Assure ServSafe compliance in assigned work area and/or kitchen.
• Prepare list of ingredients/supplies/items needed for next day according to menu offerings; may participate in menu planning.
• Ensure culinary staff and cooking stations are ready for mealtimes and/or special events in a timely manner.
• Make sure that all equipment in workstation is functioning properly.
• May provide leadership to other staff to ensure that all food is prepared according to recipes and menu offerings.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Must have a culinary certificate and a minimum two years experience in a busy a la carte restaurant or at least three years relevant experience in a dine-in a la carte dining facility.
• Must possess a California Food Handler card or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days.
• Must have the ability to carry a minimum of 50 pounds of cooking utensils, cooking pots, cooking supplies and cooking ingredients repetitively throughout the day.
• Must be able to read, write and follow instructions in English.
• Must have the ability to perform basic mathematics: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and percentage conversion to decimals and count, as related to calculating or converting units of measure for determining proper amounts of food ingredients for large food production.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in high-end dining facility.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$20.00 - $26.65 per hour
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks .

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .