Assistant Cook

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

3d • $28 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

Prepares and cooks menu items according to proper preparation methods in small batches and/or as required by business needs. Consults manager with any concerns regarding food quality standards. Reads and follows standardized recipes, and fries, grills, sautés, roasts, bakes, braises, and steams food products as needed. Heats soups, sauces, and prepared products ensuring they reach the appropriate temperature before serving. Carves or slices meat for service in both back-of-house and front-of-house settings when necessary. Assists in the preparation and presentation of catered functions. Cools, refrigerates, labels, and properly stores food according to HACCP procedures. Demonstrates a “Clean as you go” philosophy, maintaining a sanitary and organized workspace and equipment, and leaves the work station clean and re-stocked. Accurately records portion amounts of food used, measures food temperatures, and fills out sanitation and temperature logs and food service records as required. Informs the person in charge when corrective action is needed. Follows sanitation standards in compliance with all regulatory agencies, including Harvard Environmental Health and Safety regulations, and complies with State of Massachusetts and Dining Services’ “Food Employee Illness Policy”. Communicates effectively and works cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management team, and guests. Represents HUDS to students, faculty, staff, and guests in a positive and professional manner. Works to meet the mission and core values of Harvard University Dining Services with enthusiasm and a spirit of cooperation. Attends trainings as assigned and maintains current certifications as required. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must have proficiency with the English language (speaking, reading and writing).
• Minimum three years of relevant food preparation experience in hospitality industry.
• Must have culinary ability to execute recipes with the technical understanding of all cooking methods.
• Must have basic math skills and ability to analyze digital and analog thermometers, scales, and other measuring devices.
• Must have proficiency with kitchen tools and equipment without restrictions
• Must have relevant knife skills.
• Must be able to follow directions.
• Must be neat in appearance and comply with proper dress code as designated by HUDS.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have strong multi-tasking skills.
• Must have excellent communication skills.
• Must be able to work cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management and guests.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced diverse environment.
• Must be customer service oriented.

Nice To Haves

• ServSafe certification within first year of employment.
• Previous experience in a University environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and cooks menu items according to proper preparation methods in small batches and/or as required by business needs.
• Tastes and evaluates all food before service to ensure food quality standards are met, consults manager with any concerns.
• Reads and follows standardized recipes.
• Fries, grills, sautés, roasts, bakes, braises and steams food products as needed.
• Heats soups, sauces and prepared products ensuring product has reached appropriate temperature before serving.
• Carves or slices meat for service both in back-of-house setting and at carving stations in front-of- house setting when necessary.
• Assists in the preparation and presentation of catered functions.
• Cools, refrigerates, labels and properly stores food according to HACCP procedures.
• Knowledgeable in use of all standard kitchen equipment.
• Demonstrates a “Clean as you go” philosophy maintaining sanitary and organized work space and equipment.
• Leaves work station clean and re-stocked.
• Accurately records portion amount of food used during meals on service records.
• Accurately measures food temperatures.
• Recycles products per policy and procedure.
• Accurately fills out sanitation and temperature logs and food service records as required. Informs person in charge when corrective action is needed.
• Follows sanitation standards in compliance with all regulatory agencies including Harvard Environmental Health and Safety regulations.
• Complies with State of Massachusetts and Dining Services’ “Food Employee Illness Policy”.
• Communicates effectively and works cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management team and guests.
• Represents HUDS to students, faculty, staff and guests in a positive and professional manner.
• Works to meet the mission and core values of Harvard University Dining Services with enthusiasm and a spirit of cooperation.
• Attends trainings as assigned.
• Maintains current certifications as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED