Cook- Cayuga Medical Center- Nutrition & Dining- Per Diem

About Cayuga Health
Cayuga Health offers patient-centered, comprehensive health services at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca; Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls; and more than 40 medical offices in the Finger Lakes and Central New York. Cayuga Health employs more than 450 providers from 40+ specialties. Additional services include a neo-natal intensive care unit, a home health care agency, an addiction recovery organization, and a skilled nursing facility.

Cayuga Health is a member of Centralus Health, a community-based integrated delivery system. Our mission is to deliver high-quality care, empower our teams to succeed, and improve the wellbeing of the communities we serve.

Our commitment to quality personalized care begins with our exceptional team—over 6500 employees strong. At Cayuga Health, you will work in a collaborative environment that values excellence, integrity, compassion and stewardship. Together, we create an environment where empathy, honesty and a dedication to quality thrive, empowering us to make a positive impact on the lives we touch.

We offer competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities to help our employees grow and thrive. Whether you are just starting your career or taking the next step in healthcare, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of care in our communities.

Learn more at

Cook- Cayuga Medical Center- Nutrition & Dining- Per Diem

Role Summary

The Cook supports large-scale food production for patient meals and retail dining outlets. Under the direction of the Executive Chef, this role prepares high-quality, nutritious meals while ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal safety and sanitation regulations. The Cook plays an essential role in delivering person-centered care through safe food handling, consistency, and service excellence.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Prepare hot and cold food items in accordance with standardized recipes and production guidelines
• Scale recipes accurately while maintaining quality, consistency, and presentation standards
• Adhere to all local, state, and federal food safety and sanitation regulations, including completion of required documentation
• Complete temperature logs and food safety checks to ensure compliance and patient safety
• Maintain food production and storage areas in inspection-ready condition using established cleaning schedules
• Utilize the Food Service Management system daily for production tracking and workflow support
• Assist with catering services, menu development, and implementation as needed
• Monitor food waste and overproduction and actively support waste-reduction initiatives
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting with other related duties as operational needs require

Required Skills and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum of 2 years of food service experience in large-volume or batch cooking environments

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Associate degree or formal culinary training
• ServSafe certification

Preferred skills are not required to be considered for this role.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Standing for extended periods of time
• Lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds
• Reaching, bending, and repetitive motions
• Working in environments with exposure to heat, cold, loud noise, wet or slippery surfaces, and sharp objects
• Ability to safely navigate a fast-paced food production environment
• Valid driver's license may be required based on operational needs

Location, Travel and Shift Requirements

• Onsite - Cayuga Medical Center: 101 Dates Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850
• Days and Evenings shifts available
• 0% Travel expected for this role

Pay Range Disclosure

Standard rate of $19.04 - $24.75 per hour

Centralus and its affiliates are committed to treating all patients, providers, staff and volunteers equitably and with dignity, ensuring the highest levels of safety, care and respect, and striving to recognize and overcome biases and policies that contribute to disparities in healthcare access, equitable care and positive health outcomes for all.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, supporting the growth and health of our employees and community by embracing the rich diversity, needs and circumstances of all peoples and prioritizing opportunities to build a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable protected characteristics.

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Centralus Talent Acquisition team at View email address on aiapply.co.