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Temporary Cook (Continuous Recruitment)

Universities of Wisconsin · Stevens Point, WI · $16.00–$18.00 an hour

Posted Aug 15, 2025 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about your experience cooking in large quantities, like for a cafeteria or banquet.

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the volume of a university dining operation.

The schedule includes every third weekend. How does that work for you?

What they are checking: Whether they can reliably work the rotating weekend schedule.

The job requires lifting up to 50 pounds and standing most of the day. Are you comfortable with that?

What they are checking: Whether they can meet the physical demands the posting lists.

Tell me about a time you made a mistake with food prep. How did you fix it?

What they are checking: Whether they own mistakes and fix them before food reaches students.

What would you do

A student asks if a dish is safe for their nut allergy. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they take allergies seriously and check ingredients instead of guessing.

You'll work with student managers and student employees. How would you help a new student worker learn the kitchen?

What they are checking: Whether they can teach and work well with students, which the posting mentions.

You're running behind and the lunch rush starts in 15 minutes. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm, communicate with the team and focus on what matters most.

About the work

How do you follow a recipe when you need to make five times the amount?

What they are checking: Whether they can scale recipes correctly while keeping taste and food safety the same.

What temperatures do you keep hot and cold food at, and how do you check them?

What they are checking: Whether they know basic food safety rules that protect students from getting sick.

How do you keep your station clean and organized during a busy shift?

What they are checking: Whether they work clean, which helps safety and speed in a busy kitchen.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Universities of Wisconsin from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Temporary Cook (Continuous Recruitment) Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Temporary (Fixed Term) Job Profile: Cook Job Duties: Under general supervision, this position reports to the University Dining Management Team Members and Sous Chefs. This Lead position ensures that dining standards are attained so customers have an enjoyable dining experience in any of our dining facilities including Residential, Food Court, C-Store, Satellite and Catering locations of University Dining. Among the standards are efficient, courteous service, proper sanitation procedures, proper use and care of equipment, and the production of quality, wholesome, and properly prepared foods according to standardized menus and recipes. These standards are maintained through a corps of student employees and full-time staff who receive training and leadership from this position. This position will lead the activity of 1-5 employees on any one shift. The ability to work alternate hours as needed is required. University Dining is a unit under the Student Affairs Division of campus and is closely linked with the University Centers and Residential Living. Key Job Responsibilities: • Performs routine and non-routine food preparation activities including cook to order and specialty foods • Cleans, inspects, and maintains kitchen equipment and work areas • Greets customers, answers questions, and provides information regarding food preparation and associated activities • Trains and guides student workers • Adheres to federal, state, campus, and local food safety regulations, policies, and procedures Department: University Dining Compensation: $16-$18 per hour, based on experience FTE: 75% (Full time during academic year; option for summer hours) Required Qualifications: • Ability to work occasional extended hours up to 12 hours on some days. • Ability to push or pull wheeled carts weighing up to 200# • Ability to lift cases of food products weighing up to 50# • Knowledge of efficient and safe use of food service equipment such as ovens, choppers, slicers, fryers, etc. • Ability to bend, stoop and lift up to 50# when storing, stocking, and rotating. • Knowledge of food production methods and procedures including sanitation • Knowledge of equipment cleaning methods and procedures. • Ability to read and interpret recipe information and production sheets from menu management system. • Knowledge of weights and measures. • Thorough knowledge of and experience in the use of materials, methods, and equipment used in large scale cooking. • Thorough knowledge of food products and quality standards for foods. • Ability to independently coordinate and guide preparation activities on a large scale. • Considerable knowledge of sanitation and health precautions in food preparation and service. Preferred Qualifications: • Ability to work occasional extended hours up to 12 hours on some days. • Ability to push or pull wheeled carts weighing up to 200# • Ability to lift cases of food products weighing up to 50# • Ability to work cooperatively with all staff members and the larger university community. • The work environment requires that the incumbent communicate courteously, following customer service standards to vendors, supervisors, customers, and co-workers, often under stressful circumstances. The work must be performed within time constraints meeting quality standards, schedules, and deadlines. • Working knowledge of ServSafe, ServSafe certification necessary within 3 months of hire, recertification within 3 months of expiration. Terms of Employment: This is a temporary University Staff position, non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position is required to serve a six-month probation period. The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position. How to Apply: TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Application materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete application materials may not receive consideration. Submission in PDF format is preferred for optional attachments. Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding workplace misconduct, sexual violence and sexual harassment. Contact Information: For additional information regarding the position, please call or email: Marty Kalepp Email: mkalepp@uwsp.edu Phone: 715-346-3054 If you have any questions regarding the application process or need special arrangements, please call or email: Human Resources Email: human.resources@uwsp.edu Phone: 715-346-2606 Special Notes: Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point. To learn about the Stevens Point (aka Point) area fun, jobs, housing, education, quality of life, and bragging rights, visit www.EverythingPointsHere.com. Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources and Affirmative Action at 715-346-2606 or hr@uwsp.edu. The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain the complete report at https://www3.uwsp.edu/protsv/Pages/Clery.aspx The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. EEO Statement: Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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