Cook

True Friends; Minnesota; On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Free meals

Employee referral program

Merchandise discounts

Cabin rental discounts

Organization events

Job summary

True Friends in Minnesota is seeking (Part-time) Cook – Prep & Lead to support our Foodservice team. You will prepare meals, keep the kitchen clean and organized, and ensure safety standards are followed.

Depending on location, responsibilities may vary and leadership opportunities exist for Lead Cook roles. Whether you are building experience or pursuing a leadership role, this position offers meaningful work in a camp and community setting, with flexible shifts and a supportive team

Qualifications

• Experience in foodservice is preferred.
• Ability to lead a team.
• Knowledge of proper food handling and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals according to established menus and production requirements.
• Assist with meal preparation, execution and clean-up.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen and dining areas.
• Follow food safety procedures and inventory management.
• Communicate needs and updates to the Supervisor.
• Lead Cook responsibilities include coordinating staff and kitchen operations.

Skills

Foodservice experience

Leadership

Safety procedures

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma preferred

Job description

Cook – Prep & Lead

Join us in our mission to provide life-changing experiences that enhance independence and self-esteem for children and adults with disabilities!

About The Role

As a Cook with True Friends, you’ll help prepare nutritious meals and create a positive dining experience for guests. You’ll work as part of our Foodservice team to prepare meals, maintain a clean and organized kitchen, and help ensure food is prepared safely and according to established menus and procedures.

Your specific role and level of responsibility will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, interests, and the needs of the location where you are hired.

Whether you’re building your foodservice experience or are ready to take on a leadership role, this is an opportunity to use your skills in a unique environment where your work directly supports the guest experience.

Where You Could Work

• Camp Friendship | Annandale, MN
• Camp Eden Wood | Eden Prairie, MN
• Camp Courage | Maple Lake, MN

Please note: Specific positions and openings vary by location and staffing needs. Prep Cook and Lead Cook positions may not be available at every location. You’ll be able to indicate your preferred location(s) during the application process, and we’ll consider your preferences based on current needs.

What You’ll Do

Your responsibilities may include:

• Prepare meals according to established menus, recipes, and production requirements
• Assist with meal preparation, execution, and clean-up
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen and dining areas
• Follow proper food handling, sanitation, and safety procedures
• Maintain food and kitchen inventory
• Communicate foodservice needs, updates, and concerns to the Supervisor
• Work collaboratively with other Foodservice team members
• Perform opening and/or closing duties as assigned
• Complete production sheets and other required documentation
• Help identify appropriate food substitutions when needed due to shortages or availability
• Participate in committees, task forces, or other organizational activities as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Lead Cook Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and guidance to Foodservice staff
• Help coordinate food preparation and kitchen operations
• Make decisions regarding appropriate menu substitutions when needed
• Support opening and closing of the kitchen
• Monitor production and help ensure meals are prepared according to established requirements
• Communicate staffing, foodservice, and operational needs to the Supervisor

Why You’ll Love It

• Make a difference: Your work helps provide guests with the meals and care they need to have a successful experience
• Be part of something meaningful: Work in an environment focused on creating life-changing experiences for individuals of all abilities
• Grow your skills: Build or strengthen your foodservice, organization, communication, and leadership skills
• Take on leadership: Lead Cook opportunities provide additional responsibility and experience guiding a team

What You’ll Gain

• Foodservice experience: Build practical experience in meal preparation, food safety, kitchen operations, and inventory management
• Leadership skills: Lead Cook opportunities provide experience supervising, coaching, and supporting other staff
• Transferable skills: Strengthen organization, time management, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
• Meaningful experience: Gain experience working in an environment that supports individuals of all abilities
• A unique work experience: Work in an environment that is different from a traditional restaurant or foodservice setting

True Friends Benefits

• Retirement Savings Plan with the opportunity for a 3% employer match
• Work in a scenic setting while contributing to experiences that make a difference
• Free meals
• Employee Referral Program
• Merchandise and cabin rental discounts
• Organization-wide events and activities

Schedule

• Flexible shifts scheduled between 6am and 12 midnight
• Specific schedules and time commitments vary by assignment and location
• Work schedules may include weekdays, weekends, and/or other hours based on camp and Foodservice needs
• Part-time, year round

What You’ll Bring To The Table

We’re looking for people who are reliable, organized, safety-conscious, and comfortable working in a busy foodservice environment.

Depending on the position, you may bring:

• Must be able to pass the required organizational background study
• Previous foodservice experience is preferred
• Knowledge of proper food handling and food safety procedures
• Strong organization and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors
• Ability to read and communicate in English
• High school diploma preferred
• For Lead Cook positions: Stronger foodservice experience and the ability to provide leadership and guidance to other staff
• For Lead Cook positions: Hold or be willing to obtain a Minnesota Department of Health Food Manager License

Not sure which level is right for you? That’s okay. During the application and prescreen process, we’ll learn more about your foodservice experience, skills, interests, and availability and use that information, along with current staffing needs, to determine the best fit.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This is an active position in a kitchen and camp environment. Cooks should be prepared to:

• Walk, sit, stand, bend, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and move throughout the workday
• Stand and work for extended periods
• Work in a busy kitchen environment
• Work both indoors and outdoors as needed
• Hear and communicate verbally with coworkers and supervisors
• Use hands and fingers to operate kitchen equipment, tools, and controls
• Lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Work around campers, staff, guests, and other members of the camp community

Specific physical demands and environmental conditions may vary based on the assignment.

Compensation

Compensation varies based on the position, experience, and assignment.

• Prep Cook: $14.60/hour
• Lead Cook: $17.71/hour

Returning staff may be eligible for a higher rate based on previous True Friends experience.