Campus Cafeteria Chef: Scratch Cooking & Service

Nova-Tech Engineering, LLC; Willmar (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova-Tech Engineering, LLC, headquartered in Willmar, MN, operates a public lunch program on the MinnWest Technology Campus. We are seeking a Cafeteria Cook who will prepare meals from scratch, maintain high food safety standards, and ensure excellent service in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

The role emphasizes menu planning, cost-to-plate awareness, and collaboration with colleagues and vendors to deliver nutritious and appealing daily offerings.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of commercial kitchen, cafeteria, restaurant, catering, or food service experience.
• Experience in menu planning, inventory control, and budgeting.
• A customer-focused mindset with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally and work collaboratively with employees, vendors, and guests.
• ServSafe certification required, or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Ability to understand and apply food service budget principles, including cost-to-plate, portion control, inventory levels, waste reduction, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh, high-quality meals from scratch while maintaining consistency, presentation, and flavor.
• Plan and prepare daily menu offerings that are nutritious, appealing, and responsive to customer preferences.
• Help manage food costs through thoughtful menu planning, portion control, waste reduction, and cost-to-plate awareness.
• Prepare and fulfill catering orders for meetings and company events.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen while following all food safety regulations and company standards.
• Order, receive, and organize food and kitchen supplies to support daily operations.
• Ensure food stations remain stocked and ready throughout service while providing an excellent customer experience.
• Monitor kitchen operations, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend ideas that enhance quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Safely operate and maintain commercial kitchen equipment.
• Support front-of-house operations by assisting with cashier duties and customer service as needed.
• Work independently while collaborating effectively with others to support daily food service operations.
• Demonstrate a commitment to cleanliness, food safety, continuous improvement, and the overall employee dining experience.

Job description

Nova-Tech Engineering, LLC, headquartered in Willmar, MN, operates a public lunch program on the MinnWest Technology Campus. We are seeking a Cafeteria Cook who will prepare meals from scratch, maintain high food safety standards, and ensure excellent service in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

The role emphasizes menu planning, cost-to-plate awareness, and collaboration with colleagues and vendors to deliver nutritious and appealing daily offerings.