Temporary Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Title & Department:

5485

The Division of Student Affairs is committed to grounding our policies, programs, and procedures in inclusive practice. With this commitment, we recognize the importance of educating ourselves and holding one another accountable to ensure our work is approached through an inclusive lens. We recognize our need for ongoing development in this area and continue to strive to improve. We expect all members of the Division of Student Affairs are willing to engage in this work alongside us to uphold our Catholic mission in creating a welcoming environment where the dignity of all students, staff, administrators, and faculty at USD is embraced.

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.

This is a part-time, temporary, retirement benefit position with an anticipated end date of June 1, 2026. The appointment is renewable at the discretion of the University and dependent upon performance and continued funding.

The University seeks an individual with a strong interest in working in a mission-driven, faith-based institution. The role of a Part Time Cook is working with the campus community and the responsibilities of the position are significantly tethered in the university's contemporary Roman Catholic mission.

The Cook is responsible for providing skilled assistance in the supervision and preparation of all food production, maintenance of quality and/or portion control, and the maintenance of sanitation and safety standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Production:

• Participates in the quality and quantity preparation of all menu items.
• In the absence of the direct supervisor, has complete responsibility for the preparation of specified meals.
• Reviews menu with supervisor and coordinates daily production; organizes work areas to ensure ease of operation.
• Checks production sheet against inventory to assure necessary items are on hand; assists in planning for backup items as needed.
• Inspects work area for any problems or discrepancies and reports findings to supervisor.
• Assists in forecasting proper quantity preparation for each item served.
• Follows correct methods of preparation.
• Makes products to specification and reviews recipes with supervisor for variances in the finished product, including yield, appearance, taste, and texture.
• Ensures proper product portioning.
• Follows sequential production time frames as established by the supervisor for maximum quality control.
• Responsible for the timely delivery, setup, and dispensing of menued items as specified.
• Assists in the completion of production/event records.
• Verifies quantity and quality of all incoming products.
• Ensures proper rotation and storage of all products.
• Operates all kitchen equipment properly.
• May assist in the determination and ordering of products and supplies.
• Assists in research, development, and testing of new recipes and menus.
• Attends weekly production meetings.

Customer Satisfaction:

• Maintains good customer relations through attitude, appearance, and attention to detail in daily work.
• Maintains consistent high-quality standards; quality-tests every finished product for taste, texture, appearance, and temperature.
• Assures that all foods are attractively garnished and appropriately displayed.
• Ensures that products are not held longer than establishing holding time frames.
• Services customer/guest needs with the appropriate sense of business urgency to provide quality service.
• Reports feedback from the customer to the supervisor and/or area manager.
• Provides input on menu and special meals in weekly production meetings.

Safety and Sanitation:

• Implements and maintains proper safety and sanitation standards in the workplace.
• Utilizes proper food handling methods and techniques.
• Assists in all scheduled cleanup operations.
• Operates equipment in an energy-efficient manner. Uses an efficient startup/shutdown schedule for equipment.
• Maintains excellent personal hygiene, including care of uniforms, shoes, and head covering.
• In the absence of a supervisor, responsible for the security of the unit.
• Maintains kitchen cleanliness/sanitation during operation.
• Does not participate in unsafe acts and sets a good example for other workers.
• Reports all accidents and/or injuries to supervisor immediately.
• Reports all equipment maintenance problems to the supervisor.
• Knows the location of fire extinguishers and Ansul System pull stations and how to use them.

Miscellaneous:

• Knows and follows all University and Dining Services policies and procedures.
• Assist in monthly inventory.
• Other duties as assigned.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must complete a 3-hour sanitation class as required by the San Diego Health Department.
• Must complete the University's Hazmat Communication Program.
• Must complete an 8-hour Serv Safe as required by the San Diego Health Department.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to work a varied hourly work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule during intersession and summer conference periods.
• Must have excellent personal hygiene because of contact with food and food products.

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
• At least 2 years of related experience.

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of proper cook times, temperatures, and food preparation procedures and techniques.
• Understanding of basic sanitation and safety requirements.
• Strong communication skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to organize work and materials for maximum productivity.
• Excellent skills in the use of specific equipment and tools as identified below, as well as their preventive maintenance and calibration requirements.

Tools and Equipment Used:

• Various cooking and kitchen equipment (knives, ovens, slicers, carts, etc.).
• Cleaning equipment.
• Chemicals.

$17.75 - $19.00 per hour; Retirement Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a retirement contribution given to you by the University. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view more information: USD: Human Resources: Retirement Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

30 Hours per week

Closing date: Open until filled

Note: External job postings will be up for at least three days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.
The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.