Cook

La Jolla, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA 92093, United States

#138145 Cook (Filing Deadline: Thu 1/29/2026)

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment:
Apply by 01/20/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants:
Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Please note that this position is a part-time appointment with hours flexing up to full-time.

Under supervision, perform a variety of duties related to hot and cold production and service to customers, according to established procedures and quality standards. Prepare menu items in advance of serving and to order for cafeteria, tray-line and special functions, according to department standardized recipes. Prepare food items to the highest standards with respect to appearance, taste, temperature, and portion control.

The Cook will also perform meat fabrication, fish cutting, sauce making. Assumes 100% responsibility for quality of products served. Knows and complies consistently with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards and kitchen rules, policies and procedures. Maintains a clean and sanitary work station area including tables, shelves, grills, broilers, fryers, pasta cookers, saute burners, convection oven, flat top range and refrigeration equipment.

Prepares item for grilling, sauteing or other cooking methods. Follows proper plate presentation and garnish set up for all dishes. Closes the kitchen properly and follows the closing checklist for kitchen stations. Assists others in closing the kitchen. Attends all scheduled employee meetings and brings suggestions for improvement. Performs other related duties as assigned by the Executive Chef, Sous Chef or manager‑on‑duty.

• Meal vouchers and complimentary coffee/tea/drinks.
• Vacation/holidays (15 vacation days & 14 paid holidays a year).
• Work/Life Balance.
• Work shoes provided by department.

For more information about UCSD Benefits please visit.

• One (1) year experience as a cook in a large restaurant, hotel, or complex healthcare facility.
• Ability to prepare and coordinate food orders to support timely and efficient delivery to patients and special functions, according to department standardized recipes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food and food products.
• Ability to perform other duties in the areas of food and final plate preparation including plating and garnishing of cooked items and preparing appropriate garnishes for all hot menu item plates.
• Proven skill in all areas of quality food production to include tray‑line, cafeteria, grill and/or catering.
• Ability to maintain kitchen area in a clean and organized fashion at all times, with floor dry and equipment property cleaned and sanitized.
• Knowledge of health department codes and ability to adhere to policies regarding sanitation at all times.
• Must possess superb customer service skills.

• Food Handler's Card/Certification.
• Ability to efficiently scratch cook with meats, fish, vegetables, soups and sauces.
• Experience in all stations, proficient knife skills, ability to take directions and work as part of a team.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Must be able to bend, squat, stand, and walk for long periods of time.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre‑employment physical.

Annual Full Pay Range: $45,143 - $56,105 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $21.62 - $26.87

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary…