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Senior Living Cook

Merrill Gardens
Merrill Gardens Salary
Santa Cruz, CA Part Time
POSTED ON 5/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/21/2026
Merrill Family of Senior Living Communities , a privately-owned family company with a proud history of success, is currently hiring a Cook at Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community in Santa Cruz, CA.

If you want a career with kindness and are a team-focused individual with a deep commitment to customer service, please start the online application process to become part of the Merrill family!

We offer our full-time employees:

  • Highly competitive pay and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance).
  • Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid time off – 7 holidays, and 11 vacation days.
  • Free daily meal every shift.
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting!
  • Tuition reimbursement for career growth.
  • Company-paid short & long-term disability insurance.
  • Pet insurance and team member discounts.
  • Advance Pay benefit – access wages before payday.
  • A stable, growing company with opportunities for advancement!


We offer our part-time employees:

  • Free daily meal every shift.
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting!
  • Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition reimbursement for career growth.
  • Pet insurance and team member discounts.
  • Advance Pay benefit – access wages before payday.
  • A stable, growing company with opportunities for advancement!


Our Cooks are responsible for:

  • Preparing all food items in a timely fashion.
  • Visually inspecting all food to ensure readiness for proper plating.
  • Maintaining kitchen sanitation according to safety standards.
  • Always practicing correct food handling and food storage procedures.


If you are someone with:

  • A High School Diploma or GED
  • Culinary Training Certification or Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience in quality food preparation
  • The ability to obtain ServSafe Certification as required by local or state agencies (within 60 days)
  • Flexibility with schedule and availability to work early morning and evening shifts as well as weekends and holidays


Actual pay rate within stated pay range is determined based on relevant factors in compliance with state and local wage laws. This range reflects what we reasonably expect to pay upon hire.

Physical Requirements:

This role requires frequent standing, walking, and manual handling of materials up to 50 lbs. Regular bending, lifting, and reaching are also part of daily responsibilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Consider applying to become a Cook with the Merrill Family of Senior Living Communities!

Yes, You Can have a meaningful Career!

Our mission is to provide an inspiring environment for our residents, families, and team members where every life is defined by the possibilities.

Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $22 - $26

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