Under supervision of Unit Chef and Sous Chefs, serve as lead to a diverse group of employees to meet customer service, food quality, sanitation, and safety standards. Guide, delegate, and assign a wide range of tasks to Career and Student employees. Cook all food assigned to standards of excellent taste, quality & appearance. Prepare food from scratch including entrees, starches, vegetables, gravies & sauces, soups, breads, desserts, etc. Work independently preparing entrees & following recipes & menus & batch cooking guidelines without direction. Ensure all items are prepared on time with designated presentation. Monitor cost control by using professional techniques with regards to food production, portion control, utilizing leftover food items, recognizing safety, budget & quality factors & tracking food usage using daily report. Maintain unit standards for product quality, service, cleanliness, communication, training & work order flow. Prepare menus for special events. Provide training to staff. Continuously monitor & receive customer orders, read tickets, monitor ticket times, communicate when assistance is needed. Review on hand levels & communicate facility needs. Receive & review incoming shipments, & confirm quality & safety of product, as well as accurate product delivery & invoicing. Complete assigned inventory for facility in an accurate & timely fashion. Provide guidance & support to other cooks through training, delegation of duties, & decision making. Be a solution-oriented leader to direct or fill vacancies/absences in various areas/tasks normally filled by alternate staff. Model culinary & customer service department wide expectations. Interact with internal & external customers by demonstrating professionalism, enthusiasm & integrity. Convey welcoming attitude. Ensure positive guest experience by accommodating special requests & making suggestions. Keep work area clean & debris free. Identify & correct hazards. Set-up/clean equipment, worktables, sinks & drains at beginning & end of shift. Ensure compliance with State & Federal Sanitation Guidelines. Wash pots, pans, food preparation bowls & dishes. Perform full range of kitchen cleaning.
Apply By Date: August 29th 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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Four 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 and cooking experience in a fast-paced food production environment to prepare complex recipes using varying culinary techniques, including but not limited to sautéing, grilling, frying, steaming, and preparing sauces and stocks..
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Experience training, leading, and monitoring support staff in a cooking and service environment.
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Experience maintaining a sanitary, safe and organized personal work area, checking food temperatures following food and physical safety guidelines.
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Ability to taste and discern product quality, read, and interpret recipes and menus, estimate ingredient requirements, monitor production, and keep records.
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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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Culinary experience in a commercial food environment to cook regional cuisines and accommodate dietary needs.
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Experience reading, interpreting, and delivering food product based on customer needs.
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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.
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Knowledge of UC policies and procedures.
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Problem solving skills to troubleshoot problems as they arise, find alternate solutions, and implement solutions in a professional and efficient manner.
Key Responsibilities
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40% - Cooking, Culinary Planning, And Quality Control
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30% - Shift Lead
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15% - Safety & Sanitation
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15% - Customer Service and Communication
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 owned/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: $23.50/hr. - $30.42/hr.
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Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
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Salary Grade: STEPS
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UC Job Title: COOK SR
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UC Job Code: 005522
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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 - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ 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 - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Bending/Stooping - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Squatting/Kneeling - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Twisting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Reaching overhead - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
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Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Loud noise levels - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Mental Demands
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Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ 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.
Employee is personally responsible for following safety procedures/guidelines. Work occasional varied lunch hours. Work flexible/variable schedule/location or unit (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. This position is expected to work relocation support duties during periods of Dining Services facility closure. 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
