Third Cook

Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is a prestigious Ivy League institution renowned globally for its commitment to education, research, and community engagement. Working at Yale means becoming part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to fostering knowledge, innovation, and a better tomorrow. The university not only values academic excellence but also supports the professional and personal growth of its employees, making it a desirable workplace for individuals who seek a meaningful career in a highly respected institution. Yale’s inclusive work environment encourages diverse talents and contributions, welcoming both local community residents and newcomers to explore the opportunities available on campus.

The position of Third Cook at Yale’s ESM Dining Hall offers a full-time, on-site role within the Service Worker category, under the Labor Grade 9 pay scale, with an hourly wage of $33.74. This role is essential in maintaining the high standards of culinary preparation and food service that Yale Dining is known for. As a Third Cook, you will prepare a variety of menu items, oversee food production areas, and ensure that all food is prepared to meet Yale’s stringent quality, safety, and sanitation standards. In the absence of higher-ranking cooks or managers, you will take charge in directing the support kitchen staff to ensure smooth kitchen operations.

Your roles and responsibilities will be diverse and dynamic, including supporting menu planning, executing the preparation of entrees, vegetables, soups, and sauces, and managing equipment safely and efficiently. You will use an array of kitchen tools such as ranges, steamers, meat slicers, and deep fat fryers to produce meals of exceptional quality. The position requires attentiveness to safety practices, compliance with food handling regulations, and dedication to maintaining cleanliness in all assigned areas. Physical requirements include the ability to stand for extended periods, lift substantial weights, and work under varying temperatures, demanding stamina and physical fitness.

Yale University requires those in this role to have at least two years of experience in institutional or full-service restaurant food service, with a strong preference for those holding a culinary degree or certificate and formal food safety certification such as ServSafe. This ensures that every meal prepared not only meets the high culinary standards but also complies with health and safety regulations critical to the welfare of diners and staff.

This position’s schedule is designed to accommodate weekend and weekday shifts, making it ideal for reliable and flexible individuals committed to maintaining the excellent dining experiences expected at Yale. Alongside competitive compensation and a supportive working environment, Yale offers a background screening process to maintain the highest standards of workplace safety and integrity. The university also enforces health requirements pertinent to the role and upholds a tobacco-free campus policy, underscoring its commitment to a healthy and inclusive community.

Joining Yale as a Third Cook means contributing significantly to an esteemed institution’s daily functions while developing your culinary career in a supportive, safety-conscious workplace. This role offers the opportunity to work within a large, dynamic team committed to excellence and innovation in campus dining services, making it an excellent step forward for culinary professionals passionate about food, service, and leadership within an academic setting.