Cook 2, Housing and Food Services (Multiple Positions)

Housing & Food Services at the University of Washington presents an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Cook 2 to join their dynamic culinary team. This department is dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences across the university through a variety of venues including residential dining halls, cafes, markets, and restaurants. As part of one of the nation's leading public universities, Housing & Food Services strives to serve fresh, nutritious, and globally inspired cuisine. The program is also committed to fostering inclusive community spaces and creating hands-on employment opportunities for hundreds of students annually.

The Cook 2 position is a pivotal role within the department, reporting directly to the Executive Chef or Manager. This role thrives in a high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environment, where collaboration with fellow cooks, full-time employees, and student staff is essential. The Cook 2 is entrusted with culinary leadership responsibilities, focusing on scratch cooking of entrees and sides across multiple international cuisines. The role demands a thorough knowledge and skill set in preparing proteins, vegetables, fruits, starches, sauces, and baked goods, always adhering to standardized recipes and food safety regulations.

This is a full-time role with a 100% onsite work requirement, located in various University of Washington Dining venues. Candidates can expect 9-month or 11.5-month cyclic positions with scheduling flexibility dependent on business needs, including alternate shifts and potential schedule changes with advance notice. The annual salary range for this position is $45,144 to $58,632, positioning it as a competitive opportunity for culinary professionals passionate about advancing their careers in an educational setting.

In this capacity, the Cook 2 leads both food service operations and kitchen sanitation efforts, contributing to about 60% and 20% of the role respectively, while also dedicating 20% to leadership activities. The role involves preparing food items using CBORD recipes and specifications, from proteins to sauces and desserts, ensuring freshness and quality. Leadership extends to directing cooks, food service workers, and student staff, managing inventory, and maintaining stock rotation to minimize waste. Moreover, the role requires strict compliance with health codes, proper temperature controls, and preparation of meals that accommodate medically prescribed dietary restrictions.

The working environment at UW Dining is vibrant, encompassing diverse culinary settings and adapting to the academic calendar’s rhythm. This means prioritizing availability during peak operational months from mid-September through mid-June, with time off structured around academic breaks. As a regular, union-represented position under the WFSE Campuswide bargaining unit, the role offers stability along with professional growth opportunities.

Joining the University of Washington Dining team means becoming part of a community that values diversity, creativity, and commitment to excellence. Employees benefit from outstanding professional development resources, a supportive work environment, and the chance to contribute to a mission that impacts lives locally and globally. The University itself is renowned for intellectual excitement, natural beauty, and a culture of inclusion and respect, making this Cook 2 role an excellent fit for culinary professionals ready to make a meaningful impact through their craftsmanship and leadership.