Cook 2 Pool 2024/2025

Oregon State University • Bend, OR

375d • $37,773 - $56,098

About The Position

The Cook 2 position at Oregon State University - Cascades is responsible for preparing and producing high-quality, nutritious meals in a volume dining facility. This role involves coordinating meal production, supervising student workers, maintaining inventory, and ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation guidelines. The Cook 2 contributes to a positive dining experience while supporting the university's commitment to health, wellness, and sustainability.

Requirements

• Two years of cooking experience in an institution or commercial firm serving complete meals; OR an Associate's degree in Food Service Management, Foods and Hospitality Service, or a directly-related field.
• Knowledge of large quantity food preparation techniques, with the ability to adapt recipes and cooking methods for institutional settings.
• Experience in safe and sanitary food handling, preparation, and storage, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
• Experience working with commercial kitchen equipment, including grills, fryers, knives, slicing machines, mixers, ovens, and steam kettles.
• Ability to follow instructions and maintain organization in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated passion for food and the food service industry, with a commitment to quality and customer service.
• Professional oral and non-verbal communication skills for interacting with team members, students, and customers.
• Valid Food Handler's certificate required within 30 days of employment, with the ability to maintain certification throughout service with OSU -Cascades.
• Experience as a lead worker, with the ability to train and direct other employees, including student workers, in food preparation and safety procedures.
• Experience in a retail food environment, with a focus on customer service and meeting the needs of diverse dietary preferences and nutritional requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food allergens and special dietary needs, with the ability to adapt meals accordingly.
• Experience working in a team-based environment, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in exhibition cooking or preparing various global cuisines.
• Experience in catering services, including managing events of varying sizes.
• Experience providing leadership in a fast-paced kitchen environment, helping to improve efficiency and food quality.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and produce high-quality, nutritious meals following standardized recipes and menu specifications.
• Modify recipes as needed based on instructions from the Sous Chef or Chef de Cuisine.
• Perform prep work including washing, peeling, cutting, and seeding fruits and vegetables.
• Weigh and measure ingredients for menu items according to recipe guidelines.
• Ensure that serving stations are well-stocked and that meals are ready for service in a timely manner.
• Prepare packaged meals for grab-and-go services.
• Operate food production equipment, following established safety protocols and operating procedures.
• Follow safe food handling procedures to ensure the safety and quality of food prepared, including temperature documentation.
• Remove unappetizing food products and manage waste according to procedures.
• Oversee that student workers maintain proper sanitation and safety practices in food prep areas.
• Ensure compliance with OSU -Cascades, state, and county sanitation guidelines.
• Provide an exceptional dining experience by offering friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable service to all customers.
• Resolve any customer concerns promptly and relay information to the supervisor as needed.
• Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive dining environment.
• Instruct student workers in food preparation methods, safety protocols, and kitchen procedures.
• Assess and advise the supervisor on the performance of student workers.
• Provide training to ensure proper handling of food and equipment, and guide students in cooking tasks.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
• Assist with inventory management and requisitioning supplies when necessary.
• Participate in special events or catering services as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life insurance with OSU paying 95% of premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for employees or qualifying dependents at OSU or other Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Associate degree