Senior Cook, Early Education Services

Senior Cook, Early Education Services

Location:

UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

We are launching a new Early Education Center on campus. Our state‑of‑the‑art facility serves infants through school‑age children, featuring separate playyards, low teacher‑to‑child ratios, dedicated prep spaces, and lofts in every classroom. Senior Cook will support the center’s day‑to‑day food service operations, ensuring healthy, nutritious meals for children aged 3 months to 10 years, while maintaining a safe and organized kitchen environment.

• 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

Submit a résumé and cover letter through the UCSC online job portal. For assistance, refer to the Applicant Resources, Troubleshooting, Tips for Applicants, and FAQ sections on the UCSC website.

All applications are considered until filled; the IRD is December 08 2026. Applicants who miss the IRD may still apply; however, we encourage early submission.

UC Santa Cruz is a public university that blends a small‑college feel with research‑grade facilities. It is renowned for its beauty, innovative spirit, and inclusive community.

The College, Housing, and Educational Services (CHES) umbrella supports residence life, housing, dining, and early education, offering programs for students, faculty, staff, children, and external constituents. The Early Education Center (EEC) provides preschool, after‑school, and childcare services meeting Title 5 and CACFP regulations.

Under the supervision of the Early Education Center Director, the Senior Cook is responsible for food preparation, kitchen maintenance, inventory control, and compliance with USDA, California State regulations, and CACFP guidelines. The role encompasses operation of kitchen equipment, training of staff, and adherence to all health and safety protocols.

Budgeted Salary: $25.45/hour

Benefits Level: Full benefits

Schedule: Full‑time, 40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, day shift

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Union Representation: Service Employees (SX)

Travel: Rarely

70% – Food Preparation

• Plan and prepare meals following CACFP requirements for children 3 months to 10 years.
• Adjust menus for dietary restrictions and special needs.
• Perform various cooking tasks—roasting, sautéing, baking, grilling, boiling, steaming, etc.
• Prepare breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack on time.
• Make menu modifications for field trips or events and document changes.
• Create nutritious, appealing meals from scratch, preserving nutrients.
• Recommend recipe adjustments to the Director.
• Purchase and manage food and supply inventory.
• Store, label, and organize products according to safety guidelines.
• Maintain proper food temperatures.
• Adapt menus for infants, toddlers, and children with medical or dietary restrictions.
• Collaborate with teachers on food activities and nutrition education.
• Prepare required reports: weekly production, inventory, food counts, temperature logs.

15% – Cleaning and Sanitation Practices

• Maintain sanitary conditions per local and state regulations.
• Maintain equipment and assist in procurement.
• Wash dishes, pots, pans, and surfaces following health procedures.
• Clears all work areas, disposes trash, and sanitizes pantry space.
• Train staff in safe equipment use and identify equipment issues.
• Enforce safety and reporting of unsafe conditions.

10% – Quality Assurance

• Store leftover food appropriately and recommend usage.
• Maintain cost control, budget and inventory records under CACFP procedures.

5% – Other Responsibilities

• Provide instruction to staff on meal requirements.
• Participate in emergency drills and safety activities.
• Attend staff development and training sessions.
• Engage in self‑evaluation and grantee monitoring visits.
• Attend staff meetings and events as needed.

• Strong cooking technique and recipe knowledge.
• Work knowledge of child food preparation principles.
• Ability to measure ingredients accurately.
• Experien…