Constellation Cook

Constellation Institute Cook/Chef Position

We are looking for a passionate and reliable cook or chef to join our team. Our culinary program provides lunch and dinners to a busy research office, with meals designed and prepared collaboratively each week by the team. We aim to deliver high-quality, diverse dishes across a range of cuisines. Our meals prioritize delicious vegetables and ethically sourced proteins, and accommodate a wide variety of dietary needs - from vegan to omnivorous. Ideal candidates are excited to explore foods and cuisines, take responsibility for specific dishes, as well as routine tasks like vegetable prep and cleaning. We serve meals primarily for Constellation Institute ("Constellation"), a research hub hosting 250-400 people daily, along with a few organizations in the AI safety ecosystem. The kitchen is on the Oakland/Emeryville border, and the research hub is in Downtown Berkeley.

Key Responsibilities

You will assist in all aspects of preparing delicious, varied, healthy meals including:

• Prepare ingredients and cook dishes, drawing from recipes as well as personal culinary knowledge
• Deliver, arrange and label meals
• Clean equipment and facilities as needed

The shift would be Monday - Friday, 6:00 am - 2:30pm.

Skills & Experience

• Solid to excellent knife skills and command of cooking fundamentals
• Ability to work confidently with or without recipes
• Depth in one or more areas: regional cuisines, baking, butchery, pickling/charcuterie/ferment work, etc.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills in English
• Sense of urgency when the situation calls for it
• Strong sense of responsibility; high personal standards, with or without supervision
• Takes food safety seriously, follows requirements, and maintains professional hygiene standards

Education and Experience:

• At least one year related professional experience required, 2-5+ years preferred (we care about passion and skills; experience matters more than credentials)
• Food handler's card required; ServSafe or equivalent preferred

Physical Requirements:

• The job requires standing and walking for a full day, safely lifting 50+ pounds at a time, dealing with hot, sharp, or heavy objects.