Cook (5523C), Berkeley Dining - 86371

The University of California, Berkeley is a prestigious and world-renowned institution dedicated to academic excellence, innovative research, and fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Founded in 1868, UC Berkeley has been a leader in creating intellectual, economic, and social value worldwide. The university’s culture is built on openness, freedom, and belonging, making it a vibrant and supportive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Berkeley values equity and social justice and actively promotes these principles through its policies and community programs. As part of this mission, UC Berkeley provides robust opportunities for professional development and encourages employees to grow within their careers through various resources and employee groups.

Berkeley Dining, operating under the Division of Student Affairs and the Residential Student Services Programs portfolio, is a self-operated dining program renowned for its commitment to culinary excellence, social responsibility, and supporting the living/learning environment. Berkeley Dining serves over 12,000 meal plan holders with more than 5 million meals annually across 14 dining facilities, ranging from residential all-you-care-to-eat dining to retail, catering, and special dietary services. The program operates 17 hours a day, seven days a week, employing a team of approximately 450 full and part-time staff along with 400 student workers.

This Cook position at Berkeley Dining is a full-time, partial-year career role with an annualized salary expected at $25.71 per hour, providing a comprehensive benefits package through the University of California. The role is that of a journeyman cook requiring proven experience in food preparation and competence in producing high-quality menu items. Working under the supervision of the Executive Chef, this position may also assume leadership responsibilities within the kitchen, organizing and directing production staff during residence hall meal services. The Cook is responsible for preparing complex entrees, starches, and special sauces, following strict health and safety guidelines and university policies.

The position involves a variety of duties focused on food production, quality assurance, safety and sanitation, as well as training and directing other kitchen staff. The Cook is expected to work independently preparing multiple menu items from scratch for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner, while also participating in customer service activities that include cooking demonstrations and direct interaction with customers. The role necessitates a thorough understanding of HACCP principles to ensure food safety and quality throughout all production stages.

Berkeley Dining emphasizes sustainability and social responsibility, requiring compliance with organic certification rules and actively tracking food waste and donation efforts. The Cook will also be responsible for operating and maintaining kitchen equipment safely, adhering to sanitation protocols, and maintaining professional relationships with both customers and colleagues. Additional operational support duties may include driving a university vehicle to transport supplies and materials between multiple locations.

Overall, this position offers a dynamic work environment within a large-scale food service operation committed to quality, equity, and innovation. Employees at Berkeley Dining benefit from a supportive community, opportunities for advancement, and the satisfaction of contributing to a vital campus service at a leading university.