Cook; On-site

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account various factors considered in making compensation decisions. Salary offers are based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range for this position is $22.07/hr - $28.00/hr
. The realized minimum pay for this position will be $25/hr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around January 21, 2026. Posting will remain open until filled. This union position is represented by the bargaining unit AFSCME:
Service – SX. Remote/Hybrid eligibility:
This position is fully on-site.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting‑edge, 21st‑century research institution. With bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world‑class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care.

The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Under supervision, incumbents perform journeyman‑level food preparation duties. Cooks perform or lead food preparation duties in a kitchen of a campus hospital, residence hall, restaurant, or cafeteria; and perform other related duties as required. Typically train and/or lead one or more Assistant Cooks and Food Service Workers in the performance of food preparation duties and in the maintenance of sanitation and safety standards in a campus kitchen.

Position is one of multiple Cook positions responsible for preparing, cooking and serving meals in a production, platform or demonstration setting throughout the dining room. This position functions at the journeyman level, attending to their requests as needed.

• Cook all food assigned to standards of excellent taste, quality & appearance.
• With guidance prepares entrees & following recipes, menu cycles and/or batch cooking guidelines.
• Prepare food from scratch including entrees, starches, vegetables, gravies & sauces, soups, breads, desserts & other dishes. Typically prepare eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, waffles, hot cakes, French toast, English muffins, and hot cereals for breakfast menus.
• Prepare hamburgers, grilled frankfurters, cold plate entrees, hot and cold sandwiches and soups for lunch menus.
• Prepare meat, fish, poultry by roasting, broiling steaming, baking, stewing or deep pot frying for dinner, menus.
• May prepare dressings, salads, desserts.
• May cut, trim and bone meat, fish, and poultry.
• Ensure all items are prepared & served on time with designated presentation & flavor standards.
• Multi task and perform pre & post-production responsibilities.
• Prepare menus for catered events or special meals.
• Guide food preparation & service duties to kitchen support staff & provide training & support to less experienced staff. Including; training and/or lead one or more Assistant Cooks and Food Service Workers in the performance of food preparation duties and in the maintenance of sanitation and…