Cook

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is a well-recognized public research university committed to providing quality education and comprehensive services to its diverse population of students, faculty, and staff. UWM's Dining and Retail Services department operates as a self-managed dining venture with an $18 million operating budget. It manages three key food service facilities across campus including the Sandburg Hall Café, Cambridge Commons Café, and various retail operations within the Student Union such as catering, Grind coffee locations, convenience stores, and concessions. The department employs a dedicated team of approximately 50 permanent staff members as well as over 300 student employees, working together with a dynamic management team to deliver excellent food services and support the university community. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment, the department emphasizes quality, safety, and exceptional customer service in all its dining operations.

The Cook position is a temporary (fixed term) role situated within the UWM Residence Halls, specifically serving the Cambridge Café under the guidance of Associate Sous Chefs. The incumbent will have the primary responsibility for preparing hot and cold foods in a timely manner for various dining locations and special catered events. This role involves not only hands-on preparation of food following established recipes but also leading and training other employees in food preparation techniques to ensure consistent quality and compliance with food safety standards. The position requires adherence to production schedules while maintaining high standards for food safety and sanitation. The Cook will also contribute by recommending special menu items for catering and tastings and suggesting improvements in recipes as needed to enhance customer satisfaction.

This part-time position offers variable scheduling and typically observes university breaks, including winter break (end of December through mid-January) and summer break (end of May through mid-August). However, dates and times are subject to change based on the needs of the Dining and Retail Services unit. The compensation ranges between $16 and $19 per hour, reflecting the level of experience and skills brought by the candidate.

This role requires someone with at least two years of experience in a commercial kitchen environment, familiar with a variety of food service concepts including full service and quick service operations. The ideal candidate should possess basic cooking skills such as sautéing, broiling, frying, roasting, butchery, garde manger, pantry work, and breakfast cookery. Experience in supervising or leading food service teams, including training, task assignment, and scheduling, is highly valuable. An understanding of cooking food according to recipes, quality, and presentation standards is essential. Candidates with experience working in higher education, hospital, hotel, or institutional settings will have an advantage. A culinary arts degree or equivalent and ServSafe sanitation certification are also desired qualifications.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals aiming to develop their culinary skills in a vibrant university setting while contributing to the dining experience of a large campus community. UWM is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and ensures equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability status, or other protected categories. Employment requires a criminal background check, and candidates should be prepared to verify eligibility to work in the United States. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a resume addressing the minimum and preferred qualifications outlined above for consideration.