Senior Cook, Early Education Services

University of California - Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 35,059; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Care Insurance Plans

UC Retirement Plans

Group Term Life Insurance

Legal Insurance

Pet Insurance

Paid Holidays plus accrued vacation and sick leave

Job summary

An educational institution is seeking a Senior Cook for its Early Education Center. In this role, you will ensure the preparation of healthy, nutritious meals for children aged 3 months to 10 years. Responsibilities include menu planning, kitchen maintenance, and compliance with health and safety regulations. The position requires excellent cooking skills and teamwork as well as adaptability to varying workloads. This full-time position offers a salary of $25.45/hour and full benefits.

Qualifications

• Strong cooking technique and recipe knowledge.
• Work knowledge of child food preparation principles.
• Ability to measure ingredients accurately.
• Experience with basic kitchen maintenance.
• Knowledge of safe food temperatures.
• Experience operating kitchen equipment safely.
• Basic computer skills: email, Google Sheets, Google Docs.
• Ability to taste and assess product quality.
• Record keeping and inventory management skills.
• Basic arithmetic skills for menu production.
• Excellent communication and training skills.
• Adaptability to fluctuating workload.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Independent and collaborative work style.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare meals following CACFP requirements for children 3 months to 10 years.
• Adjust menus for dietary restrictions and special needs.
• Perform various cooking tasks—roasting, sautéing, baking, grilling, boiling, steaming, etc.
• Prepare breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack on time.
• Make menu modifications for field trips or events and document changes.
• Create nutritious, appealing meals from scratch, preserving nutrients.
• Recommend recipe adjustments to the Director.
• Purchase and manage food and supply inventory.
• Store, label, and organize products according to safety guidelines.
• Maintain proper food temperatures.
• Adapt menus for infants, toddlers, and children with medical or dietary restrictions.
• Collaborate with teachers on food activities and nutrition education.
• Prepare required reports: weekly production, inventory, food counts, temperature logs.

Skills

Strong cooking technique and recipe knowledge

Work knowledge of child food preparation principles

Ability to measure ingredients accurately

Experience with basic kitchen maintenance

Knowledge of safe food temperatures

Experience operating kitchen equipment safely

Basic computer skills: email, Google Sheets, Google Docs

Ability to taste and assess product quality

Record keeping and inventory management skills

Basic arithmetic skills for menu production

Excellent communication and training skills

Adaptability to fluctuating workload

Ability to follow oral and written instructions

Independent and collaborative work style

Job description

Senior Cook, Early Education Services

Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Job Overview

We are launching a new Early Education Center on campus. Our state‑of‑the‑art facility serves infants through school‑age children, featuring separate playyards, low teacher‑to‑child ratios, dedicated prep spaces, and lofts in every classroom. Senior Cook will support the center’s day‑to‑day food service operations, ensuring healthy, nutritious meals for children aged 3 months to 10 years, while maintaining a safe and organized kitchen environment.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Care Insurance Plans
• UC Retirement Plans
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Legal Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Holidays plus accrued vacation and sick leave

How to Apply

Submit a résumé and cover letter through the UCSC online job portal. For assistance, refer to the Applicant Resources, Troubleshooting, Tips for Applicants, and FAQ sections on the UCSC website.

Initial Review Date (IRD)

All applications are considered until filled; the IRD is December 08 2026. Applicants who miss the IRD may still apply; however, we encourage early submission.

About UC Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz is a public university that blends a small‑college feel with research‑grade facilities. It is renowned for its beauty, innovative spirit, and inclusive community.

Department Overview

The College, Housing, and Educational Services (CHES) umbrella supports residence life, housing, dining, and early education, offering programs for students, faculty, staff, children, and external constituents. The Early Education Center (EEC) provides preschool, after‑school, and childcare services meeting Title 5 and CACFP regulations.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Early Education Center Director, the Senior Cook is responsible for food preparation, kitchen maintenance, inventory control, and compliance with USDA, California State regulations, and CACFP guidelines. The role encompasses operation of kitchen equipment, training of staff, and adherence to all health and safety protocols.

Appointment Information

Budgeted Salary: $25.45/hour

Benefits Level: Full benefits

Schedule: Full‑time, 40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, day shift

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Union Representation: Service Employees (SX)

Travel: Rarely

Job Duties

70% – Food Preparation

• Plan and prepare meals following CACFP requirements for children 3 months to 10 years.
• Adjust menus for dietary restrictions and special needs.
• Perform various cooking tasks—roasting, sautéing, baking, grilling, boiling, steaming, etc.
• Prepare breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack on time.
• Make menu modifications for field trips or events and document changes.
• Create nutritious, appealing meals from scratch, preserving nutrients.
• Recommend recipe adjustments to the Director.
• Purchase and manage food and supply inventory.
• Store, label, and organize products according to safety guidelines.
• Maintain proper food temperatures.
• Adapt menus for infants, toddlers, and children with medical or dietary restrictions.
• Collaborate with teachers on food activities and nutrition education.
• Prepare required reports: weekly production, inventory, food counts, temperature logs.

15% – Cleaning and Sanitation Practices

• Maintain sanitary conditions per local and state regulations.
• Maintain equipment and assist in procurement.
• Wash dishes, pots, pans, and surfaces following health procedures.
• Clears all work areas, disposes trash, and sanitizes pantry space.
• Train staff in safe equipment use and identify equipment issues.
• Enforce safety and reporting of unsafe conditions.

10% – Quality Assurance

• Store leftover food appropriately and recommend usage.
• Maintain cost control, budget and inventory records under CACFP procedures.

5% – Other Responsibilities

• Provide instruction to staff on meal requirements.
• Participate in emergency drills and safety activities.
• Attend staff development and training sessions.
• Engage in self‑evaluation and grantee monitoring visits.
• Attend staff meetings and events as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Strong cooking technique and recipe knowledge.
• Work knowledge of child food preparation principles.
• Ability to measure ingredients accurately.
• Experience with basic kitchen maintenance.
• Knowledge of safe food temperatures.
• Experience operating kitchen equipment safely.
• Basic computer skills: email, Google Sheets, Google Docs.
• Ability to taste and assess product quality.
• Record keeping and inventory management skills.
• Basic arithmetic skills for menu production.
• Excellent communication and training skills.
• Adaptability to fluctuating workload.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Independent and collaborative work style.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Pass a criminal background check.
• Pass misconduct disclosure process.
• Provide a negative TB test and health screening report within 7 days of hire.
• Obtain Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certificate.
• Pass ServSafe certification within 90 days or hold current certification.
• Comply with Early Education Services health and safety regulations.
• Move up to 50 pounds if required.
• Complete required training within specified time frames.
• Comply with UC vaccination policy.
• Act as a mandated reporter under CANRA.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion, following data protection policies.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

No candidate should be subject to misconduct findings in the last seven years, pending adverse action, or with unresolved disputes. Candidates must disclose any relevant misconduct as defined by UC policies.

Safety Statement

All UCSC employees must follow safety procedures, attend required training, and report incidents promptly.

Notice of Availability

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at https://compliance.ucsc.edu/campus-safety-compliance/annual-reports/. Obtain a paper copy by contacting the UCSC Police Department.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories. The institution follows UC anti‑discrimination and affirmative action policies.

Applicants Must Use UCSC Online Process

To view the full job description and apply, access the UCSC Careers portal at https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucsc/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?... . Also submit applications on or before the IRD via https://jobs.ucsc.edu. For disability accommodations, call 831‑459‑2009 or use the California Relay Service at 800‑735‑2922.