General Cook

Updated: about 2 months ago

27-Feb-2024

Campus Services

65042BR


Position Description

  • Prepares and cooks menu items according to proper preparation methods in small batches or otherwise required by business needs. 
  • 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, consults manager with any concerns.
  • Assists Culinary Team in the preparation and presentation of catered functions, may take the lead on events, while working under the guidelines of Second Cook and/or the Manager-in-Charge 
  • Ensures kitchen is properly stocked with items needed for meals. May need to provide written requisitions or provide direction to Storekeeper.
  • Instructs kitchen personnel in proper usage of all standard kitchen equipment.
  • Where appropriate, 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-ofhouse 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.Recycles products per policy and procedure.
  • 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.  Informs person in charge when corrective action is needed.
  • 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

Basic Qualifications

  • 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. (CSG)  
  • Experience working in a high-end off-site catering environment.  (Catering)
  • 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.
 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

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

Physical Requirements

  • 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

Additional Information

Emergency Status Designation:   Essential
 
Note:  This job description may vary, or change based on the needs of the business.  
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.


Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.


Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

  • Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
  • Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
  • Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
  • Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
  • Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
  • Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Hospitality & Dining Services


Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge


Job Code

230010 Cook, General


Department

Dining Services/ Lowell-Winthrop House


Union

21 - Hotel, Rest Emp Int Loc 26


Hourly Rate and/or Rate Range

27.39 - 29.40


Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Drug Testing, Employment, Identity


Schedule

Tuesday - Saturday 10:30am -7:30pm


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.


EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.


LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-SP1



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