Cook 50%-75%

University of Minnesota; Noyes Junction (MN); On-site; USD 27,321 - 38,913; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Training and development

Healthcare benefits

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The University of Minnesota Crookston campus is hiring a lead food service worker for a 50-75% time, 9-month position starting Fall 2027. The role involves preparing and serving high-volume food to employees, students, and the public, while meeting food safety standards and using a wide range of kitchen equipment.

Reporting to the Sodexo Dining Service’s General Manager, the position requires weekend availability, holiday and overtime flexibility, and teamwork to minimize waste and deliver

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience or education in quantity food production.
• Ability to perform mathematical and recipe conversion calculations.
• Reads, writes, understands, and communicates in English.
• Ability to life up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Willingness to stand for 4 hours at a time.
• Willingness to work afternoon/evening shifts, varying days and rotating weekends.

Responsibilities

• Accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present hot and/or cold food items for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Special/Catered Events.
• Follow complex recipes and product directions.
• Produce large and small batch goods using classical and contemporary techniques.
• May oversee production staff and train/assign tasks.
• Attend scheduled shifts on time with regularity.
• Other duties as needed by business requirements.

Skills

Food production experience

Math & recipe conversions

English proficiency

Stamina/physical fitness

Flexible scheduling

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

** The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants: 7/28/2026 - 8/4/2026 **

The pay rate is $24.04. The typical schedule will depend on the availability of the employee with an expectation of working on the weekends, not to exceed 30 hours/week. This position is in person, located on the UMN Crookston Campus, and represented by the Teamsters Bargaining Unit.

Overview

This a 50-75% time, 9-month position starting at $24.04 per hour working in the Department of Dining Services starting in Fall of 2027. This position reports to the Sodexo Dining Service’s General Manager. Must be also willing to work holidays and overtime when necessary. This position is represented by the Teamsters Local 320 Bargaining Unit.

This position is responsible for preparing and serving a high volume of food products to employees, students, and the general public while adhering to all applicable food safety and sanitation standards. As a lead worker, this role requires the ability to operate a wide variety of equipment used to produce both hot and cold foods, ensuring all production standards and timelines are met.

This position also delivers a high level of customer service. You are expected to be a team player who actively works to minimize food waste. You prepare and create nutritious dishes while keeping customer service at the center of everything you do. Your passion for food and positive attitude help create a welcoming environment and enhance the experience of those you serve. You are responsible for providing the highest quality food service to customers at all times.

Job Responsibilities

• Accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for various meal periods: to include Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Special/Catered Events.
• Follows complex recipes and/or product directions
• Produces small to large batch goods using advanced and full range of classical and contemporary cooking, plating and garnishing techniques
• May have oversight over the production staff train and assign tasks
• Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity
• Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or obtained a GED
• Must have at least 2 years of relevant experience or education in quantity food production
• Ability to accurately perform mathematic and recipe conversions calculations
• Reads, writes, understands, and communicates in English
• Ability to life up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Must be willing to stand up for 4 hours at a time
• Must be willing to work afternoon/evening shifts - varying days, and rotating weekends.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $24.04 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50%-75% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota. UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.