Reporting to the unit Chef and Sous Chefs, cook and serve all food assigned on time and to standards of excellent taste, quality and appearance. Prepare food from scratch including entrees, starches, vegetables, gravies and sauces, soups, breads, desserts, etc. Work independently preparing entrees and following recipes and menus and batch cooking guidelines without direction. In consultation with senior cook and/or sous chef taste and discern product quality, read and interpret recipes and menus, estimate ingredient requirements, check production and keep records to accurately plan production requirements and request supplies and equipment. Monitor cost control by using professional cooking techniques, recognizing safety, budget and quality factors and tracking food usage using daily report. Maintain unit standards for product quality, service, cleanliness, communication, training and work order flow. Prepare menus for special events or meals. Collaborate food preparation and service duties to kitchen support staff and cooks. Provide coaching to student assistant staff. Continuously monitor and receive customer orders, read tickets, monitor ticket times, communicate when assistance is needed for timely completion of orders. Receive and review incoming shipments. Confirm quality and safety of product. Properly store product in storage, coolers, and freezers, following proper food safety guidelines. Perform accurate product inventories. Successful completion of Sanitation/Food Borne Illness prevention (HACCP) and annual renewal. Keep work area clean and debris free. Identify, communicate, and correct hazards. Set-up/clean equipment, work tables, sinks and drains at beginning and end of shift. Perform full range of kitchen cleaning and facility sanitation, using appropriate chemicals. Ensure proper and safe use of chemicals per SDS information and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Independently safely use, assemble, disassemble, and train others to use kitchen equipment. Use hand tools, sweep, mop, dust, polish silverware, and wash pots, pans, dishes, and equipment. Minimize and eliminate waste by effective use of resources. Sort waste for recycling and pre/post-consumer composting. Maintain security of Unit equipment and supplies. Demonstrate professionalism, enthusiasm and integrity with all internal and external customers. Convey welcoming attitude by actively engaging and greeting customers during all periods of service. Anticipate customer needs. Display a positive demeanor. Ensure positive guest experience by accommodating special requests and making suggestions. Participate in production and unit/departmental meetings.
Apply By Date: 08/01/2026 by 11:59PM
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
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Three years of experience in food preparation and general maintenance of a kitchen area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
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Experience providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced food environment.
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Culinary experience and/or equivalent training in a high-volume, fast-paced food production environment.
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Experience with culinary techniques, including but not limited to: sautéing, grilling, frying, steaming, and preparing sauces and stocks.
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Experience to maintain a sanitary, safe and organized personal work area.
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Skill to prepare complex recipes and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
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Knowledge of cuisines from varying customer bases, including Regional American, Asian, Italian and Mexican, Vegetarian, Vegan.
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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
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Experience to taste and discern product quality, read and interpret recipes and menus, estimate ingredient requirements, check production and keep records to accurately plan production requirements and request supplies and equipment.
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Arithmetic skills to increase or decrease recipe yields and to convert standard culinary measurements.
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Knowledge of UC policies and procedures.
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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.
Key Responsibilities
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50% - Culinary Planning & Quality Control
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25% - Customer Services and Professional Communication
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20% - Safety & Sanitation
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5% - Sustainability & Custodial Duties
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 owner/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
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Salary or Pay Range: $22.07/hr. - $28.55/hr.
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Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
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Salary Grade: STEPS
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UC Job Title: COOK
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UC Job Code: 005523
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Appointment Type: Staff: Career
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Percentage of Time: 100%
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Shift (Work Schedule): Variable
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Location: Davis
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Union Representation: SX-Service Workers
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Benefits Eligible: Yes
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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
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High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
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UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
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Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
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Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
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WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
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On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
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Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
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Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
Physical Demands
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Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Environmental Demands
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Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
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Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
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Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
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Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
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Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
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Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands
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Sustained attention and concentration - Never 0 Hours
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Complex problem solving/reasoning - Never 0 Hours
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Ability to organize & prioritize - Never 0 Hours
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Communication skills - Never 0 Hours
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Numerical skills - Never 0 Hours
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Constant Interaction - Never 0 Hours
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Customer/Patient Contact - Never 0 Hours
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Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Never 0 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
This position is expected to work relocation support duties during periods of Dining Services facility closure. Work flexible/variable schedule (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 – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
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This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
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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
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
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
