Cook I - Hospital

San Jose, CA 95116

Posted: 02/09/2026 Employment Type: Contract Job Category: Cook Job Number: 4229 Pay Rate: $30.00 per hour

Job Description


Are you an experienced cook who thrives in high-volume, large-batch meal production? A leading healthcare hospital in San Jose is hiring a Cook I to support patient and staff meal service in a fast-paced, team-driven kitchen. If you’re confident preparing 100+ portions, following standardized recipes, and maintaining strong food safety standards, this is a great opportunity to put your skills to work in a meaningful setting. Apply today!
 
About
  • Pay: $30.00 on weekdays and $32.00 on weekends 
  • Shift Days: Varying Schedule; Prescheduled 
  • Shift time: AM (5a - 1:30p, 8:30a - 5p, and 10:30a-7p); Must be flexible, includes weekends 
  • Start Date: March 2, 2026
  • End Date: 3 months initially, potential to extend 
  • Department: Food Services 
  • Location: San Jose, California
Benefits
  • Weekly Completion Bonus of $120 extra per week
  • Great working location
  • Health insurance
  • Refer-a-friend bonus
  • Weekly payroll
  • 24-hour accessibility
  • Personalized service
Required
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • Minimum 2 years' of cook experience in a high-volume food service environment 
  • Proven experience preparing 100+ portions per meal service (batch cooking) 
  • Current Food Handler's Certificate and/or ServSafe Certification 
  • Ability to follow standardized recipes, portioning, and production schedules consistently 
  • Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and temperature control (HACCP practices) 
  • Must be flexible to work a rotating schedule, including weekends and varying shift times. 
  • Ability to perform physical demands of the role (standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing carts)
Preferred
  • Cook experience in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, rehab facility, or acute care setting 
  • Experience in school district/institutional food service (large batch production)
  • Experience in a regulated environment requiring strict compliance with recipes and food safety standards 
  • Experience supporting special diets (ie: low sodium, diabetic, renal, puree/soft diets)
  • Experience working with production sheets, inventory, and high-volume meal timing 

Responsibilities
  • Under the direct supervision of a food service supervisor and/or chef, the person in this position must be able to perform all Cook I functions and other related duties as assigned. 
  • Prepare and cook large-volume meals for patients, staff, and visitors, following standardized recipes, menus, and production sheets
  • Demonstrate ability to consistently produce 100+ portions per meal service while maintaining quality, timing, and portion control
  • Ensure food is prepared according to dietary guidelines and hospital/institutional standards (including texture-modified and special diets as assigned)
  • Maintain strict compliance with food safety and sanitation standards, including HACCP principles, labeling/dating, and workstation cleanliness
  • Monitor and document food temperatures during cooking, holding, and service to ensure safety and quality
  • Measure and weigh ingredients accurately to maintain consistency, yield, and portioning requirements
  • Prioritize tasks efficiently to meet multiple meal deadlines (breakfast/lunch/dinner) in a fast-paced production kitchen
  • Assist with receiving, storing, rotating, and organizing inventory using FIFO methods to ensure freshness and reduce waste
  • Support the kitchen team with prep, plating, and service as needed to maintain smooth workflow and coverage
  • Maintain a professional, team-oriented attitude and communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers during high-volume shifts
About Us
Power Personnel has been working with healthcare professionals like you since 1994. We are the experts in healthcare staffing in Northern California. That’s why so many hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities rely on us for filling critical positions. If you want competitive pay, excellent working conditions and a team that supports you, we can help!

Refer a friend and get $250 bonus for every referral! *

*In order to get the bonus, the person referred must work at least 20 shifts.
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About San Jose, CA

Explore exciting job opportunities around San Jose, California! Known as the heart of Silicon Valley, this vibrant city offers a dynamic career landscape with countless growth prospects in tech, engineering, and beyond. San Jose boasts a thriving arts scene, with landmarks like the Tech Museum of Innovation and the San Jose Museum of Art, as well as fantastic dining options that range from trendy cafes to authentic taquerias. With its proximity to beautiful parks like Alum Rock Park and numerous entertainment options, including performances at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts and cheering for the San Jose Sharks hockey team at the SAP Center, there's no shortage of reasons to kick-start your career in this enchanting city. Discover your next big opportunity in San Jose today!