Cook

University of Wisconsin-Stout is a comprehensive public university that serves students and the broader community through a wide variety of academic programs and student services. It is part of the Universities of Wisconsin system, committed to delivering accessible, high-quality education while fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. The university is recognized for its strong emphasis on applied learning, research, and community engagement, serving thousands of students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Alongside its commitment to education, UW-Stout also prioritizes student life and campus services, including dining and retail operations that support a thriving campus community.

University Dining at UW-Stout operates multiple dining locations including two cafeterias, retail dining options at the Memorial Student Center, express food locations, catering, and concessions. These facilities provide food services critical to supporting students, faculty, and staff throughout the academic year and summer sessions. As the largest student employer on campus, University Dining fosters a collaborative workspace involving full-time dining staff, student managers, and student employees. The department is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce, adhering rigorously to food safety regulations and delivering high standards of customer service.

The role of Cook in University Dining is vital to ensuring the delivery of quality food and service. This is a regular, full-time university staff position that primarily functions during the academic year. The position entails preparing food items following established menus and recipes while maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment. Two specific cook positions are available: Breakfast Cook and Swing Cook. The Breakfast Cook works early morning hours Monday through Friday and every third weekend. The Swing Cook works mid-morning to afternoon hours Monday through Friday, also covering every third weekend, and provides coverage for other cooks on their scheduled days off.

The Cook position offers a starting salary of $16.20 per hour, with additional shift differentials for night and weekend hours. The Night Differential adds eighty cents for hours worked between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and the Weekend Differential adds eighty cents for all hours worked on Saturdays and Sundays. This role requires physical capacity to frequently lift up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds, standing and walking continuously, as well as bending and stooping regularly. An essential job function test is required to confirm the candidate's ability to meet these physical demands.

Key responsibilities for the Cook role include training and guiding student workers, strictly adhering to federal, state, and local food safety policies, performing routine and specialty food preparation, maintaining sanitation and upkeep of kitchen equipment and work areas, and engaging with customers by answering questions and providing information related to food preparation. The position requires a dedicated individual who is team-oriented and customer-focused, with a commitment to excellent food service and safety standards.

Candidates must have experience preparing food and operating food service equipment. Preferred qualifications include experience in customer service and education or training in food safety basics. Employment with UW-Stout requires completion of a criminal background check, passing reference checks, and meeting all essential job functions. The university is committed to reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and fosters equal opportunity employment. UW-Stout provides an excellent benefits package including participation in the Wisconsin State retirement plan, health insurance, and other employee benefits.

This position represents an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the campus community by supporting nutrition and dining services in a dedicated academic environment. It is an ideal role for individuals seeking a stable full-time position with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to work in a rewarding university dining setting.