Cook 2

Job ID: 7419

Job Summary

Central Washington University is recruiting a Cook 2 to join our SURC Kitchen team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a 10-month cyclic, campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We’re offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students’ Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.  

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You’ll find robust academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year.  In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025. 

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator . 

The Role:

Cook 2 will actively support Student Union Dining Operations and 1891 Catering in the daily production while regularly instructing, training, and checking the work of   others. Responsibilities include using Computrition   to   draft   menus,   add   recipes,   quantify   recipes,   order   food items from the warehouse, to get menu information and enter inventory values. This position is directly involved in leading, directing and training the culinary staff including Cook 1, Food Service Worker Leads, Food Service Workers, Non-Permanent, temporary staff and students. This position ensures professional   food preparation, leads   food production, and helps prepare   for next day’s   meals, ensures   proper food storage practices are taken, and maintains a sanitary work environment. Cook 2 is a hands-on member of the kitchen staff and   must   be able   to   perform   the cooking duties found   in any   of   the   dining units on   campus,   including line cooking.

In alignment with Central Washington University’s vision, mission, and values, CWU Dining Services plays a key role   in   supporting   these   principles while   also   upholding our department’s own   vision,   mission,   and   values. Our vision is to be a key campus partner in promoting the growth of our community through shared culinary and educational experiences. As a member of Dining Services, you will be directly involved in these efforts and are expected to embody both the university, and department, vision, mission, and values in your work. 

All   employees   are   expected   to   uphold   and   contribute   to   CWU’s   vision,   mission, and   values,   fostering   a culture of student success and institutional excellence.

Job Duties

Food Preparation and Customer Service:
– Ensures   the   successful   and   timely   execution   of   the   menu   and   culinary   direction provided by the Student Union Sous Chef and Executive Chef.
– Prepares   menu   selections   for   customers   according   to   established   production standards and specific recipes.
– Regularly   assigns   tasks,   instructs   and   checks   work   of   WFSE   represented employees, temporary employees, and student staff members.
– Properly   sets   up   and   uses   equipment   for   production.   Cleans   and   sanitizes equipment once production is completed.
– Reads, interprets, and follows standardized recipes. Adjusts weights and measurement   of   ingredients   to   match   quantity   produced.   Stages   are   necessary ingredients for production.
– Reads, interprets, and follows production guidelines produced by the menu management software system (Computrition). Look up and prints recipes as needed.   Fill   out   all   production   sheets   for   assigned   shift.   Make   sure   all   amounts prepared, consumed and leftovers are input on appropriate lines.
– Answers   questions   on   recipe   interpretations   and   explain   established kitchen/production procedures.
– Monitors   customer   counts   and   consumption   of   food   items   during   service   hours.
– Ensures   the   availability   of   fresh   and   properly   garnished   products   for   customer selection.
– Proactively   communicates   with   culinary   leadership   to   ensure   instructions   and expectations are understood and acted upon.
– Performs   routine   temperature   checks   on   food   products   in   their   area   and   fills   out temp. log properly.
– Visually   inspects   and   tastes   food   products   before   and   during   meals   to   ensure quality.
– Adjust   recipes   to   volume   of   demand.
– Ensure   food   products   are   properly   garnished   and   displayed   at   all   times.
– Uses   mixers,   ovens,   choppers,   steamers,   grills   (gas   and   electric),   broiler, fryers, and warmers.
– Supports   department   mission   of   serving   exceptional   food   to   the   campus community.
– Interprets   and   explains   established   kitchen   and   production   procedures.   Initiates needed corrections on recipes and production guides and communicates necessary corrections to culinary leadership.
– Required to work at events across campus as needed.   These locations could include the University House, Mobile Food Units, Concession Stands, and Banquet Carving Stations, or as assigned by Unit Manager or Catering Sous Chef.
– Participates in action stations and guest facing events when required.
– Organizes food, loads transportation vehicles, and ensures safe transport of items across campus.
– Make   sure   each   employee   is   fully   trained   to   safely   operate   each   piece   of equipment used in the kitchen. Set up equipment as necessary.
– Ensures   the   performance   of   duties   such   as   racking   frozen   products   for   proper tempering, cleaning work areas and preparing food for the next shift or next day.
– Make   sure   production   is   within   reasonable   limits   to   keep   leftovers   to   a minimum.
– Ensure leftover food production is properly packaged, labeled, stored and
– communicated   to   culinary   leadership   to   eliminate   food   waste   and   extended storage.
– Ensure   a   safe   work   environment.   Report   safety   hazards   immediately.
– Coordinates   preparation   of   special   dietary   meals   including   but   not   limited   to specific allergies, religious requirements, vegan/vegetarian needs, etc.
– Ensures   correct   serving   and   portion   sizes   are   served   and   monitored.

Lead Duties
– Assigns   and   checks   work   and   provides   training.   May   provide   feedback   to   the supervisor to assist with work assignments and job performance.
– Leads   all   culinary   staff,   including   Cook   1,   FSWL,   FSW   and   student   employees.
– Maintains   constant   situational   awareness   to   ensure   a   safe   workplace.

Other Functions
– Cleans   and   prepares   food   items   for   salad   bars,   soups,   specials,   and   all   food concepts.
– Performs   more   detailed   cleaning   of   work   area   during   non-operational   times.
– Assists   in   working   and   setting   up   special   events   on   or   off   campus   as   needed.
– Perform   other   duties   as   assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to cook foods from scratch using a variety of cooking techniques.
• Knowledge of operation and production kitchen equipment.
• Two years of work experience as a Cook 1, or the equivalent education/experience in a high-volume food service operation.
• Demonstrated ability and/or experience working collaboratively with students and/or colleagues to foster a supportive and effective learning and work environment.
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Special conditions of employment:

• Must have or be able to obtain a WA. State Food Handlers permit within 30 days of initial hire date.
• Must be able to obtain SERVSAFE Certification within 6 months of initial hire date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience cooking and leading other kitchen staff in a large-scale food service operation.
• Food production experience within a university or hospitality driven environment.
• Experience with basic computer functions including use of a schedule management system
• Formal training from a culinary school or program.
• Experience with special dietary needs (e.g., vegan, gluten-free, allergen management)
• Ability to read, understand, and scale standardized recipes and production sheets
• Strong communication skills to follow instructions and relay information clearly.
• Demonstrated participation in programs designed to promote student success.
• A record of promoting institutional excellence in the work environment.

Competencies

• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
• Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At CWU, we’re committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity you’re looking for!

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary:This position is based on the range 39 of the Washington State Classification Listing, which has a minimum monthly salary of $42,780 and maximum monthly salary of $ $56,952 . In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. (This reflects the state salary range adjustments that take effect July 1, 2026.)

Schedule/Appointment: Varies / 10-month cyclic / (for more detailed information regarding cyclic appointments click link: CWU Cyclic Leave) / WFSE Bargaining Unit 1

Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily indoors, at times in hot/cold/noisy/wet areas with some exposure to hazardous equipment   and   products.   Working   in   temperatures   from   0   degrees   (freezer)   to   350+   degrees   (around   cooking equipment) is common.   Work requires walking and standing (often in a stationary position) for the majority of each   shift.   Bending/climbing/carrying/pulling/pushing/lifting   associated   with   loading/unloading   of   supplies   and preparation, plating and serving of food is required.   Occasional overtime is required, and shift work may be required. Additional physical requirements of the   position include Pushing utility carts, and hand carts with up to 150   lbs.   of   supplies around to   various   workstations; correctly lifting 35lbs. individually from   the   floor or shelf locations   to   heights   of   48″   so   products   can   be   poured   into   smaller   containers   or   put on   worktables.   The   Dining Service’s mission is to provide exceptional food services to the campus community.   All staff are expected to work in support of this mission in every function they perform.   All staff are expected to work in support of the department’s continuous quality improvement program, so service and products are properly handled, prepared, garnished/merchandised, and served to our customers. There is some exposure to hazardous equipment   and   products   found   in   kitchen   environments.   Work   will   be   in   a   kitchen   setting.   Work   requires   the ability to use both hands for production work.

Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator .

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit:  https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program .

How To Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:

• Resume including work history, education, training; and
   
• Contact information for three professional references.

Screening Begins: July 13, 2026

**Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Contact Information

Name: Dayna Oyarzo
Title: SURC Executive Chef
Email: Dayna.Oyarzo@cwu.edu
Phone: (509) 963-2480
Website: www.cwu.edu/dining

Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process. 

Conditions of Employment

Background Check/Reference Check Process:

Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

This position is part of a Washington Federation of State Employees Bargaining Unit I.

Notice to Prospective Employees:

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington University’s policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance , 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email  crc@cwu.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations

Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.

Location: Ellensburg, WA

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