Cook – 1st shift-Michigan Technological University

Job Description

Job Title: Cook – 1st shift

Company: Michigan Technological University

Location: Houghton, MI

Pay: $17.77 per hour

AI Pay Analysis:

The offered hourly rate of $17.77 for a "Cook – 1st shift" position in Houghton, MI, is competitive within the region and aligns with industry standards. As of January 2025, the average cook salary in Michigan is approximately $16.54 per hour, with rates varying by city; for instance, Saginaw reports an average of $16.22 per hour. (indeed.com, indeed.com) In Houghton, local job listings indicate that positions such as cooks at KFC and Taco Bell offer around $15 per hour. (joblist.com) Therefore, the $17.77 per hour rate is above the state average and comparable to or slightly higher than local offerings, suggesting it is a competitive wage for this role in the area.

Job description:

Michigan Technological University is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Cook in the Dining Services department. The successful candidate will be responsible for the meticulous preparation and production coordination of all assigned hot and cold menu items. This is a full-time, first shift position, extending over a 12-month period.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties:

• Ensure the timely completion of daily production and serving schedules across various settings, including cafeteria lines, retail operations, special luncheons, buffets, and banquets.
• Requisition foodstuffs and supplies from the store clerk, or personally retrieve as needed, to uphold daily production and preparation schedules.
• Operate all relevant equipment for menu item preparation and production, adhering to established safety protocols.
• Provide guidance to departmental staff regarding portion sizes, food items, ingredients, preparation techniques, presentation, and quality control to ensure adherence to recipes and standards.
• Offer information to customers as needed.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe work environment.
• Responsible for waste removal and cardboard recycling within the assigned area.
• Conduct physical inventories on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, as directed by the supervisor.
• Assist in the training and onboarding of new employees, including both regular staff and students, in food production processes as necessary.
• Engage in training initiatives that accommodate operational changes impacting assigned duties.
• Comply with current uniform policies.
• Commit to continuous improvement strategies and actively participate in related university initiatives.
• Integrate safety practices into daily work activities.
• Exercise functional supervision over student assistants and any additional personnel assigned.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures:

• A high school diploma along with culinary training, or equivalent education and experience that provides comparable knowledge and abilities.

Required Experience:

• A minimum of three years of experience in a commercial, institutional, restaurant, hotel kitchen, or similar food service environment in a skilled cook capacity or an equivalent role.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient in various cooking techniques, including baking, roasting, frying, grilling, braising, boiling, simmering, and stewing.
• Strong understanding of cooking times, temperatures, weight loss, portion control, and production standards relevant to the cooking department.
• Capable of reading and interpreting recipes to ensure the correct quantity, consistency, and quality of menu items.
• Knowledgeable regarding the operation of all food service equipment.
• Familiarity with sanitation standards concerning the preservation of food items and prevention of contamination.
• Ability to follow and provide instructions effectively.
• Proven ability to work harmoniously with diverse individuals in various situations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to acquire food safety certification within six months of employment.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license, meeting Michigan Tech’s vehicle use requirements.
• A demonstrated commitment to fostering a safe work environment.

Language, Mathematics, and Reasoning Skills:

• Proficient in reading and interpreting documents such as safety regulations, operating instructions, and procedural manuals. Capable of preparing routine reports and presenting information effectively to small groups.
• Able to perform basic mathematical operations and apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions in practical contexts.
• Competent in problem-solving, data collection, and interpretation of technical instructions to carry out written or verbal directives in standardized scenarios.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The physical demands of this role are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Regular duties necessitate standing, walking, and using hands for fine manipulation. The role may also involve occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds and exposure to varying temperatures and mechanical parts in a noisy environment.

Training and Other Conditions of Employment:

All employees at Michigan Technological University are required to undergo essential training such as Employee Safety Overview, Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training, and Annual Data Security Training. Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Additional Information:

First shift hours span from 5:00 AM to noon. Applicants must ensure their eligibility to work in the United States and maintain their status throughout the duration of employment. Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals, including protected veterans and those with disabilities. If auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations are required during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 906-487-2280 or [email protected].

Job Posting Date: Sat, 03 May 2025 04:19:11 GMT

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