COOK 1 (FULL TIME)

Western Washington University, located in the vibrant city of Bellingham, Washington, is an esteemed public university known for its commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement. As a prominent institution in the Pacific Northwest, Western Washington University offers a dynamic environment that fosters growth, innovation, and the development of its students, faculty, and staff. The university provides a range of services and facilities to support its large and diverse campus population, including dining services that strive to deliver nutritious, safe, and enjoyable food experiences.\n\nThe Cook 1 position at Western Washington University is a full-time culinary role critical to the successful operation of the campus dining services. This role reports to the Chef and is responsible for preparing high-quality meals and serving customers with professionalism and efficiency. The Cook 1 position requires a minimum of one year of experience in a professional kitchen or culinary setting. This role offers a fixed pay rate of $21.13 per hour, making it a competitive opportunity for culinary professionals seeking to work in an educational environment. The schedule may vary, with the specifics discussed during the interview process, ensuring some flexibility according to operational needs.\n\nIn this position, the Cook 1 will engage in a variety of essential kitchen duties such as following daily production schedules, executing recipes accurately, and maintaining proper food safety and sanitation practices in compliance with federal, state, and local guidelines, including HACCP standards. The Cook 1 will be tasked with completing and maintaining production worksheets, waste logs, and other necessary documentation that supports operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. A strong emphasis is placed on quality assurance, where tasting completed meals to guarantee taste and presentation standards is part of the daily routine.\n\nAside from food preparation, the Cook 1 will serve customers in an efficient and friendly manner, managing multiple stations which may include steam tables and grills. The role requires adherence to approved recipes and portion control standards to ensure consistency in meal quality and service. Equipment operation and cleaning duties are integral parts of maintaining the kitchen’s cleanliness and functionality. The successful candidate will also be responsible for resolving customer concerns promptly to uphold the university's reputation for excellent service.\n\nWestern Washington University offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package that underscores the institution's commitment to the well-being and professional growth of its staff. Benefits include opportunities for training and development to enhance culinary and professional skills, a retirement savings plan to support long-term financial security, and various health and wellness programs. The university also provides access to an associate shopping program, discounted marketplace services, and voluntary benefits including insurance options and legal services. Full-time positions are eligible for medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, commuter benefits, employee assistance programs, and flexible spending accounts. Paid and unpaid time off are available in accordance with applicable laws. The institution also supports diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a respectful and supportive work environment for all employees.\n\nThis role is an excellent opportunity for those who are passionate about foodservice and catering within an educational setting. It provides a platform to make a meaningful impact by supporting the campus community’s nutritional and dining needs while growing professionally within a respected university environment.