Career Center

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Prepares and cooks menu items according to proper preparation methods in small batches or otherwise required by business needs. 
• Reads and follows standardized recipes. Delegates production of menu items to culinary team in respectful manner. 
• Tastes and evaluates all food before service to ensure food quality standards are met, consults manager with any concerns. 
• Assists Culinary Team in the preparation and presentation of catered functions, may take the lead on events, while working under the guidelines of Second Cook and/or the Manager-in-Charge 
• Ensures kitchen is properly stocked with items needed for meals. May need to provide written requisitions or provide direction to Storekeeper. 
• Instructs kitchen personnel in proper usage of all standard kitchen equipment. 
• Where appropriate, assists with on-the-job training for Assistant Cook, Short Order Cook, Grill Cook and Kitchenperson/Chef’s Helper. 
• Fries, grills, sautés, roasts, bakes, braises and steams food products as directed. 
• Heats soups, sauces and prepared products ensuring product has reached appropriate temperature before serving. 
• Carves or slices meat for service both in back-of-house setting and at carving stations in front-of house setting when necessary. 
• Demonstrates a "Clean as you go" philosophy maintaining sanitary and organized work space and equipment.
• Leaves work station clean and re-stocked. Recycles products per policy and procedure. 
• Accurately records portion amount of food used during meals on service records. 
• Cools, refrigerates, labels and properly stores food according to HACCP procedures. 
• Accurately fills out sanitation and temperature logs and food service records as required. Informs person in charge when corrective action is needed. 
• Follows sanitation standards in compliance with all regulatory agencies including Harvard.

Environmental Health and Safety regulations. 

• Communicates effectively and works cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management team and guests.
• Complies with State of Massachusetts and Dining Services’ "Food Employee Illness Policy". 
• Represents HUDS to students, faculty, staff and guests in a positive and professional manner. 
• Works to meet the mission and core values of Harvard University Dining Services with enthusiasm and a spirit of cooperation. 
• Attends all trainings as assigned. 
• Maintains current certifications as required. 
• Performs other duties as assigned 

Working Conditions:
Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to routinely lift 50 lbs. without restrictions 
• Continuous:           standing, manual dexterity, reaching, walking, lifting, handling.
• Frequent:               push/pull, bending.
• Occasional:            climbing, squatting, sitting. 

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent. 
• Must have proficiency with the English language (speaking, reading and writing). 
• Minimum four years of related food preparation experience in hospitality industry. 
• Some related supervisory experience. 
• Experience working with large volume cook-chill process and commissary production. (CSG) 
• Experience working in a high-end off-site catering environment.  (Catering) 
• Must have culinary ability to execute recipes with the technical understanding of all cooking methods and ensure culinary team is also executing recipes accurately. Must have knife skills necessary to perform the job. 
• Must be able to follow directions. 
• Must be neat in appearance and comply with proper dress code as designated by HUDS. 
• Must have proficiency with kitchen tools and equipment without restrictions. 
• Must have basic math skills and ability to analyze digital and analog thermometers, scales, and other measuring devices. 
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Must have strong multi-tasking skills. 
• Must have excellent communication skills. 
• Must be able to work cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management and guests. 
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced diverse environment.
• Must be customer service oriented. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Culinary Arts degree preferred. 
• ServSafe certification required within one year of employment. 
• Previous experience working in a University environment preferred. 

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Tuesday - Friday 10:30am - 7:30pm & Saturday 6:00am - 3:00pm
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): 29.07 - 31.08
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Drug Test
• Other Information:

   

  Emergency Status Designation:  Essential 

   

  Note: This job description may vary, or change based on the needs of the business. 
  
  #LI-SP1  

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

About Harvard University

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

Connections working at Harvard University