Lead Dining Service Cook

Appointment: Regular, full-time (1.0 FTE) position. 

Work Location: 
This position is based in Tacoma, WA, and is an on-campus role only. 

Please note that we generally do not sponsor applicants for work visas for staff positions. Therefore, we generally require applicants for staff positions to be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Position Summary: 

The Lead Dining Services Cook position serves as a culinary professional specializing in batch cooking. This role involves preparing large volumes of entrees, sides, and sauces, for the Diner. This position also supports large catering events on campus. Complies with Dining and Events Services (DES) standards and philosophy in performing all key areas of accountability and other essential job functions as needed. The schedule for this position is based on business needs and includes weekends and evenings. There is no set schedule for this position.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: 

• Execute batch cooking according to recipes, portion, and timing guidelines
• Demonstrates knowledge of common food allergies and follows proper food-safety procedures to prevent allergen cross-contact and ensure meals are prepared safely for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Operate large-scale kitchen equipment (e.g., tilt skillet, convection ovens, steam kettles)
• Monitor food temperatures and quality throughout production
• Maintain clean, organized cooking areas in accordance with food safety regulations
• Lead and mentor Dining Service Workers during service
• Assists with catered events, special receptions, Dining Hall Events, etc.
• Covers Diner station shifts as needed as directed by their Supervisors.
• Cleans kitchen and food storage areas, utensils, and equipment. 
• Maintains all aspects of proper sanitation, health and safety standards for food storage, food preparation, and kitchen safety.
• Anticipates and performs preliminary preparation necessary for meals the following day. 
• Properly labels and stores food in refrigerators, freezers, and storerooms. 
• Works with and instructs student staff in preparation, storage and handling of food items. 
• Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance to meet operational needs and ensure continuous support for the team. 
• Provides operational oversight of food production in the diner.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested by DES Leadership.

Qualifications: 

Candidates must be able to explain and/or demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• 2 + years of kitchen experience required, and 1+ years of customer service experience preferred
• Valid Food Worker Card
• Ability to Pass ServSafe Allergen within the first 6 months.
• Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide; read and write simple sentences in conjunction with the adjustment of recipes
• Ability to pass pre-employment background inquiry, physical exam, drug screening, and strength test
• Ability to be self-motivated 
• Must be able to work independently and in a team setting
• Must be flexible and able to perform multiple tasks and work in strenuous situations
• Ability to respectfully work, communicate and provide leadership within a diverse campus community

Education/Experience

High school diploma or equivalent.

Language Skills

Must be able to speak clearly, listen attentively, read, write, and understand English

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Ability to lift and transport a minimum of 30 pounds.  On occasion, ability to lift up to 40 lbs
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, strenuous environment
• Be able to handle exposure to changing temperatures/extremes
• Be able to stand on one¿s feet for extended periods of time

Compensation and Benefits: 

Career Framework Information:
Job Family: Auxiliary Services 
Level: S3
Pay Grade: 3

The anticipated range for this position is $22.75 to $24.10 per hour. Decisions about starting salaries are made based on the extent and relatedness of the candidate's education and experience and on internal equity and market considerations. 

Puget Sound offers a generous benefits package for eligible staff employees, including: 

• Medical, dental, and vision 
• Life insurance and long-term disability 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Retirement plan options and 403(b) contributions 
• Paid vacation, sick leave, floating holiday, campus holidays and bonus holidays 
• Education benefits, such as full tuition for eligible employees and their families 
• Access to university facilities and entertainment (fitness center, pool, library, concerts, lectures and more!) 

Please note: 
-Positions that work less than .75 FTE (1,560 hours per year) do not qualify for long-term disability or education benefits.
-Positions that work less than .50 FTE (1,040 hours per year) will accrue paid sick leave but are not eligible for additional benefits.
-Temporary positions that work at least .50 FTE (1,040 hours per year) will be eligible for benefits. 

This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

For more information on Puget Sound's non-exempt staff benefits package, visit: Summary of 2026 Benefits for Staff Members in Non-Exempt Positions.pdf - Google Drive

For the Campus Holiday and Bonus Day Schedule, visit: https://www.pugetsound.edu/human-resources

Application Deadline: 
Review of applications will begin immediately. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient number of qualified candidates have been identified. 

Required Documents: 

• Resume
• Letter of Interest 
• 3 Professional References (At least 2 supervisors)

Applications submitted without the required attachments will not be considered. 

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of all required background checks. 

University Diversity Statement

We Acknowledge:

• The richness of commonalities and differences we share as a university community.
• The intrinsic worth of all who work and study here.
• The investigation and reflection enhance that education upon multiple perspectives.

We Aspire:

• To create respect for and appreciation of all persons as a key characteristic of our campus community.
• To increase the diversity of all parts of our university community through a commitment to diversity in our recruitment and retention efforts.
• To foster a spirit of openness to active engagement among all members of our campus community.

We Act:

• To achieve an environment that welcomes and supports diversity.
• To ensure full educational opportunity for all who teach and learn here.
• To prepare citizen-leaders effectively for a pluralistic world.

Puget Sound is committed to an environment that welcomes and supports diversity. We seek diversity of identity, thought, perspective, and background in our students, faculty, and staff. To learn more please visit: https://pugetsound.edu/about-puget-sound-0/mission-core-values/institutional-equity-diversity 

The University of Puget Sound is an equal opportunity employer.