Desert Studies Lead Cook (Cook II Lead) (Barstow, CA)
California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth.
About the role
The California Desert Studies Consortium, established in 1974, is an academic collaboration among seven California State University campuses. Its mission is to encourage understanding and appreciation of California deserts through instruction, research, and special programs. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Desert Studies Lead Cook to plan, organize, and prepare meals for guests at our remote field station during the fall, winter, and spring seasons.
On-site housing is provided at the remote field station near Zzyzx, California in the Mojave Desert, south of Baker. The nearest grocery stores are more than one hour away. The desert environment experiences temperatures ranging from 20°F to 120°F, with generally hot and dry days, cold nights, and periodic heavy rains or extreme winds. The position requires working on uneven and unpaved spaces and may involve short periods in inclement conditions.
Responsibilities
- Plan, organize, and oversee the preparation, cooking, and dispensing of food.
- Clean and maintain culinary equipment, supplies, and work areas.
- Purchase and monitor inventory of supplies, including traveling long distances to purchase within a budget.
- Plan meals and perform complex tasks related to food and beverage preparation and service.
- Maintain hygienic, safety, and sanitation standards in compliance with food handling regulations.
- Keep records, submit receipts and invoices, and inspect, store, and inventory supplies.
- Provide instruction and training to other employees and kitchen users.
- Solve work-related problems and adjust priorities as needed.
- Weekend hours and on-call time outside the normal work schedule will be required when users are on site.
Requirements
- Equivalent to one year of experience performing the duties of Cook I – Lead or two years of experience in a lead capacity over cooks and/or food service workers, with responsibility for planning and scheduling the preparation, cooking, and serving of meals for at least 250 persons per meal.
- Working knowledge of kitchen sanitation and safety measures, food handling sanitation, and principles, procedures, and equipment used in large-quantity food storage, care, preparation, cooking, and dispensing.
- Knowledge of methods and procedures for operations, cleaning, and care of utensils, equipment, and work areas.
- Understanding of food values and nutritional and economical substitutions within food groups.
- Ability to plan menus, lead and instruct others in food handling and cleanup techniques, and communicate effectively.
- Ability to solve work problems, adjust priorities, and make sound decisions.
- A valid California driver’s license.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.
Pay
$3,736 - $5,232 per month (Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $3,736 - $4,554 per month).
Schedule
This is a temporary 9-month position ending on or before June 30, 2027. Work schedule will vary according to department needs.
Benefits
- An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage.
- Dental and vision coverage.
- Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability.
- Retirement plan through CalPERS.
- Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible.
- FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental).
- Employee Assistance Programs.
- 15 paid holidays.