Senior Cook, Early Education Services

New UCSC On-Campus Early Education Center Opening Soon!

Our newly constructed facility built on campus with beautiful classrooms from infants through school-age. Each program has its own separate play yard, low teacher-to-child ratios, dedicated prep areas for staff, and loft spaces in every classroom. Come and grow with our team!

Benefits to working at UC Santa Cruz include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Care Insurance Plans
• UC Retirement Plans
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Legal Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Holidays plus accrued vacation and sick leave

HOW TO APPLY

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 12-08-2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Colleges, Housing and Educational Services (CHES) is a multi-funded organization within the Division of Student Affairs and Success, (DSAS) at the University of California (UC) Santa Cruz. CHES provides leadership in the areas of college student life and residential services, housing services, facilities, capital planning, dining services, conference services, early education services and business and financial analysis for these areas. Through these units, educational and developmental programs and services are offered to all members of the campus community including students, faculty, staff, children and external constituents.

CHES provides on-campus housing and dining services to nearly 9,500 undergraduate and graduate students in ten residential colleges and six multi-college affiliated residential communities which support single students and students with families. CHES offers Early Education programs for University affiliated parents.

The Early Education Center(EEC) unit of CHES provides early care, early education and after-school care for UC student families whose children are between ages 3months in our infant program through 2nd grade in our after-school program . EEC administers California Department of Education and California Department of Social Services Title 5 contract that provides subsidies for families to reduce childcare tuition and higher quality care for all children.

More information can be found at:https://childcare.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of Early Education Center Director, the Senior Cook is responsible for food preparation, cleaning and maintenance of the kitchen, and keeping an inventory of food and supplies.

Ensures food is prepared following requirements and guidelines established by the USDA and California State Department of Education - Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), complying with mandatory recordkeeping and reporting. Adhere to all food handling and sanitation guidelines. Maintain accurate paperwork, including temperature logs and production records. Accurately and appropriately utilize all production equipment and train others in its safe usage.

Ensures health and safety guidelines are practiced following policies, rules, and regulations of the University, ServSafe Food Handling and both Title 22 and Title 5 regulations. Performs other related duties as assigned.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $25.45/ hourly
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Service Employees (SX)

Job Code Classification: Cook Senior (41210816)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

70% - Food Preparation

• Plans and prepares foods for children in accordance with the requirements of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), preparing appropriate food portions for children ages 3 months to 10 years (according to the CACFP Meal Pattern). Follows the standard ServSafe principles of food preparation, safety, and sanitation in food production.
• Prepares breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack, altering the menu if needed to meet the needs of individual children's dietary restrictions (food allergies, religious restrictions etc)
• Performs cooking functions such as but not limited to: roasting meats, washing and preparing fruits and vegetables, baking, grilling, boiling, steaming, etc.
• Complete meal preparation on time according to CACFP requirements and the child early education center time schedule.
• Plans meals far enough ahead to minimize the need for food substitutions; when substitutions are necessary, with prior approval, purchases and serves food of equivalent nutritional value. With guidance from the center director, modifies menus for children's field trips, campus and center events, notes all modifications and substitutes on posted menus and for CACFP records.
• Prepares meals and snacks from scratch in such a way that a minimum of nutrients are lost from foods, ensuring foods taste good, age-appropriate and look appealing, and that there are ample amounts of foods for children to have as many servings as they need.
• Makes recommendations with solutions to the Director on problem recipes and may update, correct and modify recipes.
• Purchases food and supplies necessary to prepare the planned menus for the number of enrolled children and program staff.
• Ensures that all products are stored, labeled, secured appropriately, and organized systematically at all times.
• Ensure food items are maintained at proper temperatures at all times
• Modifies menus and recipes and prepares foods to meet the developmental needs of infants and toddlers and the medical and feeding needs of children with disabilities or food allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Assists teachers with developing food activities for the children in the classroom.
• Cooperates with and participates in nutrition education activities for staff, families and children.
• Prepares required reporting - weekly production report, inventory, weekly food counts, temperature logs and other required reports to the Center Director on a weekly basis.

15% - Cleaning and Sanitation Practices

• Maintains established standards of sanitation, safety and food preparation and storage as set by the local and state health departments; maintains an orderly, sanitary, and safe kitchen.
• Assures the proper care and maintenance of all food service equipment; identifies equipment needs for food preparation and service and assists in purchasing as needed.
• Cleans dirty dishes, pots and pans according to prescribed health procedures.
• Cleans equipment, counter spaces, sinks and drains in kitchen areas.
• At closing and as directed, cleans all equipment, countertops, empties all trash, recycling and compost cans; pulls floor mats and sanitizes pantry space.
• May instruct and direct other kitchen staff as needed. Works in a safe and responsible manner while not putting others at risk. This includes complying with applicable policies and regulations, using personal safety gear, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards and reporting unsafe conditions.
• Independently and safely uses, assembles, disassembles and trains others in the use of any kitchen equipment. Identifies problems with equipment and reports them to management.

10% - Quality Assurance

• Stores leftover food properly and makes recommendations for planned usage of leftovers.
• Maintains cost control, budget and inventory systems based on CAFCP procedures, including records of food production, service, and attendance.

5% - Other Related Responsibilities

• May instruct and direct the work of other staff to specified meal requirements.
• Participates in all emergency drills and environmental safety activities.
• Attends and participates in center activities, events, staff development trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities.
• Participates in the center's self-evaluation process and grantee monitoring visits and complies with any applicable Program Improvement Plans developed.
• Participates in general staff meetings and other meetings and events planned by the grantee and delegate agency as requested.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong demonstrated knowledge and expertise in a variety of cooking techniques and recipes for food preparation.
• Strong working knowledge of the basic principles of food preparation for young children
• Ability to measure liquid and dry food in units of measurements such as cup, pint, quart, pounds and ounce sufficient to properly follow standardized recipes and measure appropriate food portions.
• Strong demonstrated experience general kitchen maintenance or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong working knowledge of appropriate temperature requirements for the safe serving, handling and storage of food.
• Demonstrated knowledge of how to safely operate a variety of kitchen equipment in a production kitchen.
• Basic computer skills to use email, and ability to create charts on Google Sheets and Google Doc.
• Ability to taste and discern product quality, to read and understand recipes and menus, accurately estimate ingredient requirements.
• Ability to keep records, accurately plan production requirements and order and track supplies and equipment.
• Skill in adding and subtracting basic whole numbers and fractions sufficient to complete menu production records accurately
• Communication skills and the to provide training to less experienced staff with the ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with teachers and management staff.
• Ability to perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team-based environment

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must provide proof of a current negative TB test and completed Health Screening Report within 7 days of hire.
• Ability to obtain a current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certificate.
• Must be able to pass the ServSafe certification within 90 days of employment, or already be in possession of a ServSafe certification upon hire. This certification must be maintained throughout employment in this position.
• Will be required to comply with current Early Education Services employee health safety requirements for childcare providers as defined by state regulatory agencies. Current health safety requirements to be discussed during interview.
• Ability to move equipment up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.