Apply for Job Job ID 81422
Location Santa Cruz
Full / Part Time Full Time
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JOB POSTING
Benefits to working at UC Santa Cruz include :
- 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
- Meal Allowance
HOW TO APPLY
For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.
How to ApplyTroubleshootingTips for ApplicantsFAQ'sINITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)
UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11 : 59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE : Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.
The IRD for this job is : 10-13-2025
ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ
UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Colleges, Housing and Educational Services (CHES) is a multi-funded organization of the Division of Student Affairs and Success (DSAS) at UC Santa Cruz. CHES provides leadership in the areas of college student life and residential services, housing services and facilities, capital planning, business and financial analysis, dining services, conference services, and early education services. Through these units educational and developmental programs and services are offered to all members of the campus community including students, faculty, staff, children and external constituents. CHES provides on-campus housing and dining services to approximately 9,500 undergraduate and graduate students in ten residential colleges and six multi-college affiliated residential communities which support single students and students with families.
UC Santa Cruz Dining is instrumental in the success of our students as well as providing services to staff, faculty and guests of the campus. Our mission is to be committed to : creating a diverse, safe, fun and trusting environment for our guests and team; building an innovative dining program providing high quality service and food while embracing social, nutritional and financial responsibilities.
More information can be found at : https : / / dining.ucsc.edu /
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Unit Management Team, the Sous Chef performs advanced culinary duties, including preparation and quality assurance for food that is complex and of the highest quality. The incumbent prepares assigned recipes for residence hall, retail and catering meals, and other events. The Sous Chef also coordinates portion control and continually reviews and updates menus and recipes.
The Sous Chef has a supervisory role in the kitchen and is responsible for organizing and directing career and student staff producing and serving over 5,000 meals per day. The incumbent will hire, train and manage employees, monitor employee productivity, and resolve workflow and operational problems. The position is a shift and training leader for the kitchen and may be required to open or close the facility.
The Sous Chef plans and supervises food production, ensuring that health and safety guidelines are practiced according to Dining Services, University and Federal guidelines.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Budgeted Salary : $67,000 / annually
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.
Benefits Level Eligibility : Full benefits
Schedule Information :
Full-time, FixedPercentage of Time : 100%, 40 Hours per WeekDays of the Week : To be determined and details to be discussed at the interviewShift Includes : Day, Evenings Night, Weekends, to be determined and discussed at the interviewEmployee Classification : Career appointment
Job End Date : None
Work Location : UC Santa Cruz Main Campus
Union Representation : Non-Represented
Job Code Classification : FOOD SVC SUPV 1 (005234), Grade 18
Travel : Never or Rarely
JOB DUTIES
40% - Supervision, Training and Employee Relations
Supervises full-time career and student production and service staff. Assists in the selection, scheduling and review of assigned staff and is responsible for staff training and orientation. Assigns daily work and monitors employee productivity. Coordinates breaks and meals.Participates in the recruitment process for Senior Cooks, Cooks. The Sous Chef assists and supports Unit Managers and Food Service Managers in schedule management, revising job descriptions, labor contract adherence and performance management. Mediates and resolves staff issues as needed.Develops training techniques that can be used with staff for which English is a second language. Trains and monitors staff in accordance with the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), food safety, Injury, Illness Preventive Program (IIPP), and the University Principles of Community and Respect. Utilizes a thorough knowledge of chemicals and cleaning agents to train staff in the safe use of hazardous materials using appropriate cleaning products for assigned jobs.Leads, coaches, and develops production staff in learning and maintaining cutting edge, state of the art culinary standards and procedures. Oversees kitchen staff in food preparation, presentation, service and production, ensuring safety and security guidelines are met. Gives assignments to production staff and provides training and direction for work of Cook positions and kitchen staff. Ensures all kitchen and safety procedures are followed. Provides strong culinary leadership to assigned staff and consistently moves the program to higher levels of quality while staying within budgetary and service guidelines.Trains student staff as needed in all aspects of food production and sanitation. Provides continuous training to a student work force that constantly changes due to class schedules, midterms, and finals.Determines food preparation methods with staff daily. Assigns specific jobs to staff throughout the shift, keeping staff on task and able to meet multiple daily deadlines. Assures staff consistently uses culinary techniques current with style of service, e.g. batch cooking, cooking to order, etc. Facilitates the clean up for assigned department throughout meal periods and at end of shifts.Fosters and maintains productive and positive working relationships with career and student production staff. Solicits feedback and maintains open channels of communication. Meets regularly with staff to share information, assist with problems, and discuss areas for improvement.Acts as a role model to staff by adhering to department policies, maintaining a positive attitude, effective decision-making, supporting the department uniform policy and goal achievement. Provides leadership and encourages teamwork.Maintains appropriate confidentiality of all records and information.40% - Food Production and Quality Assurance
Prepares assigned menu items following recipes and production sheets for meals. Follows recipes or product directions for preparing, seasoning, cooking, tasting, carving and serving entrees, starches, vegetables, gravies, sauces and soups. Prepares items by following standard principles of food preparation, safety, and sanitation in food production and service.Food preparation will include all facets of equipment operation and use of an extensive knowledge of classic and ethnic cuisines and presentations, as well as preparing meals for special dietary needs.Oversees multiple areas within the department including simultaneous supervision of back of the house kitchen as well as specialty platform stations throughout the dining area. Develops and tests new recipes, and continuously evaluates and revises recipes for many, different customer bases covering a full range of diverse and ethnic cuisines including vegan, vegetarian and allergens.Ensures all food prepared during the shift is of the highest quality and is presented at its' best by continually tasting and observing the food items that are being held and / or on the serving lines.Communicates with the Production Manager and takes appropriate action when foods are not of the highest quality and / or presentation such as removing item, adjusting finished product, placing in new service ware for better presentation, etc.Stores products and leftover food properly to maximize quality and food safety. Prepares and dates food samples taken from service. In addition, independently decides reuse value for foods and usage for leftovers following HACCP guidelines. Orders products in compliance with policies and procedures. Assist the requisitioning, inventorying, and transferring food product, supplies, and equipment in a timely and cost-efficient manner. Responsible for and required to take consistent accurate weekly inventory of assigned unit in conjunction with the Senior Storekeeper position.Identifies and solves situations such as staff shortages, food shortages, product failures, customer service concerns, equipment failures, and provides timely solutions to problems. Acts in the absence of the Production Manager as assigned. Responsible for knowing, understanding and following all work rules.Interacts with customers, soliciting customer feedback, participating in customer service programs, customer surveys and demonstration cooking.15% - Safety and Sanitation
Ensures that all products are stored and served at proper temperatures, leftovers used effectively, and enforces policies for removal of products from the Unit.Ensures the cleanliness, safety and sanitation of designated storage and work areas, large and small equipment and utensils used in food production. Cleans equipment, work tables, sinks and drains in the kitchen area. As needed or directed, assists with cleanliness of all production and service areas.Models proper and safe use and maintenance of all kitchen tools and equipment, and works in a safe and responsible manner while not putting others at risk. This includes complying with applicable policies and regulations, using personal safety gear, observing warning signs and learning about potential hazards, and reporting unsafe conditions. Works with facilities staff, vendor maintenance, production staff and managers to address broken or unsafe equipment, as well as unmet equipment needs.In accordance with University & Dining Services policy and procedures, implements sound security practices in any or all of the following : inventory, prepared product, supplies, equipment, and cash.5% - Other Duties as Assigned
Will drive campus owned vehicles and / or a personal vehicle to perform various duties including, but not limited to catered events, training, quality control within locations, cashier deposits, and other driving related duties as assigned.Provides assistance and support for other Dining units, facilitates cross training as needed. Coordinates cleaning of large and small equipment in the department during building closure periods and throughout the year.Assists the management team and / or units in other duties as assigned.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated leadership experience in hotel, catering, retail coffee bar or college dining hall or restaurant with independent decision making for customer service, staffing and operations management.Significant experience in a wide variety of cooking techniques and recipes for food preparation in a large dining services operation.Proven knowledge in increasingly complex levels of cooking in a large food service environment as well as general kitchen maintenance or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Experience in short order cookery on a high volume hot line to include grill, saute, and fry stations.Appropriate knowledge of how to prepare sauces, soups, vegetables, baked products and entrees, as well as a variety of both hot and cold food preparation techniques.Excellent communication skills and abilities sufficient to supervise and train assigned cooks and production staff, including students, and effectively monitor and evaluate staff performance.Ability to write accurate reports, develop basic event plans, support employee counseling and evaluation processes, and interact effectively with customers.Demonstrated ability to independently identify operational problems and / or needs, develop solutions to implement action plans while maintain a priority of good customer service and public relations.Interpersonal skills to deal with a variety of internal and external customers, problem solve with a "win-win" approach, understand different perspectives and limitations and work in a collaborative, diverse environment.Demonstrated time management skills with the ability to prioritize duties and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.Possess a clear understanding of planning and executing kitchen production requirements and accurately requisitioning supplies and equipment.Knowledge of safety techniques, procedures, and operations as it pertains to the food service industry, such as food handling and food equipment operation.Knowledge of food merchandising and hot and cold platter presentation techniques.Ability to taste and discern product quality, to read and understand recipes and menus, with the ability to accurately estimate ingredient requirements.Ability to exercise good judgement and maintain appropriate confidentiality of records and information.Basic computer skills in software programs such as word processing, database, spreadsheet, payroll and email.Ability to use point of sale systems and food management software.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
AA or degree or higher, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Ability to speak Spanish or willingness to learn.Experience in using Food Pro Food Service Management System.SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.All employees must be able to pass the ServSafe certification within 90 days of employment, or already be in possession of a ServSafe certification upon hire. This certification must be maintained throughout employment in this position.Ability to work long periods of time in wilderness conditions and to travel to remote areas.Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.Will be required to wear a University provided uniform.Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct :UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination PolicyAbusive Conduct in the WorkplaceSAFETY STATEMENT
All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at : https : / / compliance.ucsc.edu / campus-safety-compliance / annual-reports / . This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.
EEO / AA
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
