General Cook (Floater)

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

8h • $29 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to proper preparation methods, reading and following standardized recipes, and delegating production of menu items to the culinary team. The cook will taste and evaluate all food before service to ensure quality standards are met, assist the Culinary Team in the preparation and presentation of catered functions, and ensure the kitchen is properly stocked. This role also involves instructing kitchen personnel in the proper usage of kitchen equipment, assisting with on-the-job training for other kitchen staff, and performing various cooking methods such as frying, grilling, sautéing, roasting, baking, braising, and steaming. The cook must maintain a sanitary and organized workspace, accurately record food usage, and properly store food according to HACCP procedures. Additionally, the role requires accurately filling out sanitation and temperature logs, complying with sanitation standards, communicating effectively and respectfully with staff, management, and guests, and representing Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) in a positive and professional manner. The cook must also attend all assigned trainings, maintain current certifications, and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must have proficiency with the English language (speaking, reading and writing).
• Minimum four years of related food preparation experience in hospitality industry.
• Some related supervisory experience.
• Experience working with large volume cook-chill process and commissary production.
• Experience working in a high-end off-site catering environment.
• Must have culinary ability to execute recipes with the technical understanding of all cooking methods and ensure culinary team is also executing recipes accurately.
• Must have knife skills necessary to perform the job.
• Must be able to follow directions.
• Must be neat in appearance and comply with proper dress code as designated by HUDS.
• Must have proficiency with kitchen tools and equipment without restrictions.
• Must have basic math skills and ability to analyze digital and analog thermometers, scales, and other measuring devices.
• 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.
• Must be able to routinely lift 50 lbs. without restrictions.
• Continuous: standing, manual dexterity, reaching, walking, lifting, handling.
• Frequent: push/pull, bending.
• Occasional: climbing, squatting, sitting.

Nice To Haves

• Culinary Arts degree preferred.
• ServSafe certification required within one year of employment.
• Previous experience working in a University environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and cooks menu items according to proper preparation methods.
• Reads and follows standardized recipes.
• Delegates production of menu items to culinary team in respectful manner.
• Tastes and evaluates all food before service to ensure food quality standards are met.
• Assists Culinary Team in the preparation and presentation of catered functions, may take the lead on events.
• Ensures kitchen is properly stocked with items needed for meals.
• Instructs kitchen personnel in proper usage of all standard kitchen equipment.
• Assists with on-the-job training for Assistant Cook, Short Order Cook, Grill Cook and Kitchenperson/Chef’s Helper.
• Fries, grills, sautés, roasts, bakes, braises and steams food products as directed.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cools, refrigerates, labels and properly stores food according to HACCP procedures.
• Accurately fills out sanitation and temperature logs and food service records as required.
• Follows sanitation standards in compliance with all regulatory agencies including Harvard. Environmental Health and Safety regulations.
• Communicates effectively and works cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management team and guests.
• Complies with State of Massachusetts and Dining Services’ “Food Employee Illness Policy”.
• 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 all 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