Cook, Housing and Food Services (Multiple Positions)

University of Washington Dining, part of Housing & Food Services (HFS), is a vibrant and student-focused program dedicated to serving one of the nation's premier public universities. UW Dining operates over 30 diverse dining locations, including large residential dining halls, cafes, markets, and restaurants, creating an inclusive and expansive culinary environment. Focused on nourishing student success through fresh, nutritious, and globally-inspired cuisine, UW Dining plays a pivotal role in shaping the student experience by fostering community engagement and providing hands-on employment opportunities for hundreds of students each year. The organization's commitment to quality service, variety in international cuisines, and a dynamic work environment reflects its core values of inclusivity, innovation, and excellence in food service.

The current opportunity is for a Cook to join this energetic team under Housing & Food Services. Reporting directly to the Executive Chef or Manager, the Cook will become an essential team member responsible for creating high-quality food items in a fast-paced, high-volume food production environment. The role encompasses preparing proteins, vegetables, fruits, starches, and sauces across multiple international cuisines, ensuring that dishes meet strict culinary standards and specifications. Operating out of various UW Dining venues, this position requires full on-site presence with no remote work option. Employment terms include cyclic 9-month or 11.5-month appointments, with a full-time equivalent status of 100%. The position supports multiple shifts and schedules, which may be adjusted with prior notice, underscoring flexibility and adaptability as crucial for success.

The responsibilities of the Cook encompass most aspects of food production and safety. Utilizing CBORD recipes and adhering to strict food safety protocols, employees will marinate, grill, roast, and carve proteins, steam vegetables and starches, and prepare sauces harmonizing with the university’s culinary standards. The Cook also engages in display cooking to fulfill customer orders with attentiveness to presentation and customer inquiries about ingredients, recipes, and pricing. Furthermore, the role involves supervising and guiding classified and student staff while maintaining detailed records regarding food production and waste, supporting the management and culinary leadership in operational decisions. An important task includes consulting with culinary leaders to cater to dietary restrictions effectively.

In addition to food preparation, the Cook is accountable for maintaining cleanliness and ensuring compliance with Washington State health codes. This involves regularly cleaning the workstations, kitchen tables, and equipment using sanitizing solutions and continuously monitoring food temperatures to maintain safety standards. The position operates within a fast-paced environment that fluctuates with the academic calendar, peaking from mid-September through mid-June, with priority given to availability during these periods.

Compensation for this role ranges from $45,144 to $55,824 annually, with comprehensive university benefits and union representation under WFSE Campuswide. This regular, full-time position provides an outstanding opportunity for culinary professionals seeking to work in a reputable and well-supported public university dining system that values innovation, diversity, and excellence. The University of Washington is strongly committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming community for all employees and applicants, partnering with staff to build a supportive work atmosphere that enhances professional growth and personal fulfillment.