Cook

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a prestigious public research university known for its commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and innovation. As part of its vibrant campus community, the university offers a wide range of services and opportunities to its students, faculty, and staff. Among these services, University Housing Dining and Culinary Services stands out by providing a unique dining experience that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, nutritional quality, and sustainability. The department manages multiple marketplace-style dining locations throughout the campus, catering not only to residents in the University Residence Halls but also to the wider university populace including students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The dining facilities feature diverse cuisine selections, made-to-order cooking stations, convenience stores, coffeehouses, and franchise locations, contributing to a dynamic food service environment. The department also integrates a 1-acre Campus Farm within the Eagle Heights Community Garden, which supplies fresh produce utilized across various dining operations, including marketplaces, grab-and-go options, and the Electric Eats Food Truck. This farm-to-table approach highlights the university's dedication to sustainable and healthy food practices.

The role of Cook at University Housing Dining and Culinary Services is a key position responsible for delivering exceptional food production and customer service within a high-volume, fast-paced student residential dining setting. This full-time regular position involves operating on-site at designated campus locations with a typical work schedule of five, 8-hour shifts per week, which may require weekend shifts and schedule adjustments during university breaks. Starting at an hourly wage of $19.25 or more based on qualifications, the role offers additional compensation through night and weekend shift differentials, a free meal during each shift, and a $1,000 referral bonus for every new hire brought in through employee referrals. The position also includes comprehensive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, sick leave, competitive insurance options, savings accounts, and retirement plans.

As a Cook, the individual will be engaging in various food production methods including batch cooking, cook-to-flow, and made-to-order display cooking. A critical part of the job involves adhering to all federal, state, and local food safety regulations and policies while maintaining a clean and efficient kitchen environment. The role requires direct interaction with customers, answering questions and providing information about food products, allergens, and safe food handling practices. Demonstrating exceptional customer service and mentoring student workers are also vital components of this role. Furthermore, the Cook must be prepared to support emergency protocols and operational plans when necessary.

Candidates should have at least one year of professional kitchen food production experience and possess or be able to obtain a ServSafe Food Handler Certificate within six months of employment. Preferred qualifications include over one year of institutional scale food service experience, leadership or training experience, and a ServSafe Food Manager Certificate. The university values diversity and inclusion deeply, ensuring that all qualified candidates receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. This role is a position of trust, requiring a criminal background check and English proficiency for effective communication.

Working as a Cook within University Housing Dining and Culinary Services offers the opportunity to be part of a dedicated and innovative team that contributes significantly to campus life by providing wholesome, tasty meals and exceptional dining experiences. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about culinary arts, food service excellence, and working within a collaborative university environment that supports personal and professional growth.