Cook (Limited Pool)

About the role

The University of California, Merced is seeking a Cook to perform journeyman level food preparation duties in a campus kitchen. This position trains and leads kitchen support staff and performs a variety of tasks including food preparation, customer service, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Cook all food assigned to standards of excellent taste, quality & appearance.
• Prepare food from scratch including entrees, starches, vegetables, gravies & sauces, soups, breads, desserts & other dishes.
• Guide food preparation & service duties to kitchen support staff & provide training & support to less experienced staff.
• Interact with internal & external customers by demonstrating professionalism, enthusiasm & integrity.
• Sort waste for recycling & pre/post-consumer composting.
• Maintain security of Unit equipment and supplies.

Requirements

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training.
• Three years of experience in food preparation and general experience of a kitchen area, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous Food Handler Certification (preferred).

Skills

• Excellent customer service skills to cooperate with public and other staff members and convey a helpful, positive attitude.
• Communication skills to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Culinary experience and/or equivalent training in a high-volume, industrial culinary environment.
• Knowledge of cuisines from varying customer bases, including Regional American, Asian, Italian, Mexican, Vegetarian, and Vegan.
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot problems as they arise, find alternate solutions, and implement.
• Knowledge of proper procedures for lifting, and handling broken glass.
• Success in completing Sanitation/Food food-borne illness prevention (HACCP) within 90 days of start, annual renewal.

Benefits

The position offers a salary range of $22.07/hr. - $28.00/hr., with a minimum starting salary of $25/hr. The position is remote/hybrid eligible and will close on December 31, 2026.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $22.07/hr. - $28.00/hr.

Schedule

This position is remote/hybrid eligible and will close on December 31, 2026.