Harvard University
Direct SmartRecruiters career site

General Cook

Pay
000
Location
Cambridge, MA
Listed
11 days ago

About the role

  • 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

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

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.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

  • Culinary Arts degree preferred.
  • ServSafe certification required within one year of employment.
  • Previous experience working in a University environment preferred.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong multi-tasking skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management and guests.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced diverse environment.
  • Customer service oriented.

Additional Information: Standard Hours/Schedule: 27 hours per week

  • Sunday 6:00am - 3:00pm, Monday & Tuesday 1:30pm - 7:30pm & Saturday 10:30am - 7:30pm

Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): 29.07 - 31.08

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Drug Test, References
  • #LI-SP1
  • Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Benefits

  • Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
  • Because here, you are what matters.
  • Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Support for families and caregivers
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

About the Company

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Read the original posting

From Harvard University's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 29, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.

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Common questions

What is the salary for the General Cook role at Harvard University?

The General Cook posting at Harvard University states compensation of 000. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on Harvard University's official career site.

Where is the General Cook job at Harvard University located?

This General Cook position at Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA. Always check Harvard University's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.

How do I apply for the General Cook position at Harvard University?

This listing links directly to Harvard University's SmartRecruiters application page. You can apply directly on Harvard University's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the SmartRecruiters application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.