Per Diem Cook (COOK PD)

Job Summary Position is one of multiple Cook positions responsible for preparing, cooking and serving up to 2000 meals per meal period in a platform, back kitchen, catering, or demonstration setting throughout the dining room. The Cook works independently preparing entrees & following recipes, menu cycles and/or batch‑cooking guidelines without direction. The Cook ensures all items are prepared and served on time with designated presentation and flavor standards, monitors cost control, uses professional techniques, recognizes dietary & allergen restrictions, follows safety and quality factors, and tracks food usage using the daily usage report. The Cook performs pre‑ and post‑production responsibilities, prepares menus for catered events or special meals, guides and trains kitchen support staff, and delegates tasks to student assistants. Apply By Date 07/22/2026 by 11:59 pm Minimum Qualifications High school diploma and / or equivalent certification / experience / training Culinary experience and/or equivalent training in a high‑volume, industrial culinary environment. Experience with culinary techniques, including sauteing, grilling, frying, steaming, and preparing sauces and stocks. Customer service experience to cooperate with public and other staff members and convey a helpful, positive attitude. Knowledge of cuisines from varying customer bases, including Regional American, Asian, Italian and Mexican, Vegetarian, Vegan. Skill to check recipes, recognize problems and make corrections as needed. Skills to communicate in English, both orally and in written form to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and interact effectively with co‑workers, supervisors and guests. Interpersonal skills to work effectively with and provide excellent customer service to a diverse campus community; communication skills to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Preferred Qualifications Experience executing culinary and nutritional requirements for special diets (vegan, gluten free, kosher, etc.). Skill to taste and discern product quality, read and interpret recipes and menus, estimate ingredient requirements, check production and keep records to accurately plan production requirements and request supplies and equipment. Skill to maintain a sanitary, safe and organized personal work area. Skill to check food temperatures throughout all HACCP steps including food preparation, meal service, and storage; complete HACCP logs, date, label and store all foods. Skill to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Skill to guide a wide range of tasks to kitchen support staff. Skill to differentiate products' composition, biodegradability, nutrition, etc. Problem‑solving skills to troubleshoot problems as they arise, find alternate solutions, and implement solutions in a professional and efficient manner. Knowledge of proper procedures for lifting, handling broken glass and skill to use wet floor signs when mopping floors or cleaning up spills. Skill to verify proper concentration of sanitized solution using test strips. Key Responsibilities 50% – Culinary Planning & Quality Control 25% – Customer Services and Professional Communication 15% – Safety & Sanitation 10% – Sustainability & Custodial Duties Employment Information Salary or Pay Range: $26.83 per hour Salary Frequency: Bi‑Weekly Position Title: Cook PD Job Code: 005520 Number of Positions: 14 Appointment Type: Staff – Per Diem Percentage of Time: 1% Shift (Work Schedule): TBD Location: Davis, CA Union Representation: SX–Service Workers Benefits Eligible: No This position is 100% on‑site. Physical Demands Standing – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Walking – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Sitting – Occasional up to 3 Hours Lifting/Carrying 0‑25 lbs – Occasional up to 3 Hours Lifting/Carrying 26‑50 lbs – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Lifting/Carrying >50 lbs – Occasional up to 3 Hours Pushing/Pulling 0‑25 lbs – Occasional up to 3 Hours Pushing/Pulling 26‑50 lbs – Occasional up to 3 Hours Pushing/Pulling >50 lbs – Occasional up to 3 Hours Bending/Stooping – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Squatting/Kneeling – Occasional up to 3 Hours Twisting – Occasional up to 3 Hours Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) – Occasional up to 3 Hours Reaching overhead – Occasional up to 3 Hours Keyboard use/repetitive motion – Occasional up to 3 Hours Environmental Demands Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes – Never 0 Hours Loud noise levels – Occasional up to 3 Hours Marked changes in humidity or temperature – Never 0 Hours Microwave/Radiation – Never 0 Hours Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment – Never 0 Hours Extreme temperatures – Never 0 Hours Uneven surfaces or elevations – Never 0 Hours Mental Demands Sustained attention and concentration – Never 0 Hours Complex problem solving/reasoning – Never 0 Hours Ability to organize & prioritize – Never 0 Hours Communication skills – Never 0 Hours Numerical skills – Never 0 Hours Constant interaction – Never 0 Hours Customer/Patient Contact – Never 0 Hours Multiple concurrent tasks – Never 0 Hours Work Environment UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e‑cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property. This is a Per‑Diem appointment: there is no permanent schedule or shift assigned; work hours will vary based on operational needs. Schedules are assigned on a day‑to‑day basis when necessary to supplement University career staffing. Employees may experience variable shift hours, occasional overtime, evenings/nights, weekends and holidays, occasionally on short notice to meet operational needs. Vacation may be limited during peak operational times. Use of Personal Protective Equipment such as hot mitts, safety shoes, goggles and cut‑resistant gloves is required. The work area can be hot, cold, dusty, wet and/or smelly. Special Requirements Employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment. The position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy; employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and training requirements. Equal Opportunity Statement The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. The University of California’s Anti‑Discrimination Policy is available at Benefits Benefits and resources are available to eligible employees. (Link to benefits summary and benefits page). #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California - Davis