Cook - Continuous

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 3,312,000 - 3,959,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Time off

Tuition benefits

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a Cook for the M Food Co. on the Twin Cities campus. The role supports residential dining halls and retail locations across East Bank, West Bank, and St.

Paul, preparing meals and ensuring high-quality food production in a busy kitchen. The position is a 9-month appointment with potential hour reductions during academic breaks. Essential designation and Teamsters representation apply.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least two years of relevant experience or education in quantity food production.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Able to read, write, understand and communicate in English.
• Able to stand for four hours at a time.
• Regular attendance is essential.

Responsibilities

• Preps food products for recipes and prepares complex recipes.
• Maintains quality and brand standards in food production.
• Operates food production equipment and knives daily.
• Completes production records and determines batch cook amounts.
• Keeps kitchen organized and supports efficient operation.
• Provides leadership and trains staff during shifts.

Skills

English proficiency

Food production knowledge

Knife handling skills

Mathematical/recipe calculations

Lead worker / supervision

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

About the Job

The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants begins 7/1/26 and 7/8/26

A Cook at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is a crucial member of the M Food Co. team for ensuring the smooth operation of the residential dining halls and retail locations across the Twin Cities campus (East Bank, West Bank, and St. Paul Campus). Cooks play a meaningful role in providing an exceptional dining experience for students, faculty, and staff.

A Cook is responsible for preparing, planning, and cooking food items to ensure high-quality food production. They are responsible to help keep the kitchen organized and running efficiently.

This position is a 9 month appointment and will run from approximately August to May. Due to the variations in the academic year, it is possible that this job will have a reduction of hours during breaks.

This position may be designated as essential. This position is represented by the Teamsters Bargaining Unit.

Location and Work Schedule: This position is a blanket position which means work assignments and hours are assigned and changed based on location and operational needs until a position is awarded.

Primary Responsibilities

• Preps food products to be used in recipes
• Prepares complex recipes a majority of the time and simple recipes as needed
• Uses independent judgment in menu presentation and food quality assessment
• Produces a whole meal by preparing multiple recipes in a meal menu, often from scratch, following brand specifications
• Identifies recipe issues and resolves or elevates to managers
• Participates in recipe file maintenance
• Completes food production records
• Determines batch cook amount and frequency
• Operates food production equipment, mechanical cutting equipment, and other manual cooking utensils, including knives, in daily duties
• Puts away food and supplies
• Completes daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning as assigned

Functions as a lead worker

• Provides oversight responsibility of a group of staff employees and handles customer service issues in the absence of a manager
• Orients employees to job area and to the facility
• Trains employees on job tasks
• Assigns and re-assigns tasks throughout the shift to effectively accomplish prescribed work
• Gives direction to employees concerning procedures
• Communicates established standards of performance to employees and assesses conformance
• Provides informal feedback on employee performance to the manager
• Models expected behaviors and standards
• Keeps manager apprised of operational issues
• The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school graduate or GED
• Must have at least two (2) years of relevant experience or education in quantity food production.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to accurately perform mathematics and recipe conversion calculations.
• Must be able to read, write, understand and communicate in English.
• Must be able to stand up for four (4) hours at a time.
• Possess safe knife-handling skills.
• Regular attendance is an essential qualification for this position.

Continued employment in this position is contingent upon

• Passing a knife skills test during the probation period.
• Passing brand training during the probation period.
• Passing the Food Safety test during the probation period.

About the Department

M Food Co. is supporting and contributing to a well rounded student experience through exclusive student internships, student worker programs, comprehensive food insecurity programming, and fueling a thriving community with healthy meals and gathering spaces.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $24.04 to $28.74 a hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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.