Cook Coordinator

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Minnesota; On-site; USD 30,858 - 42,554; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

Low-cost medical, dental, and vision plans

Paid parental leave

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking for a Cook Coordinator at Itasca State Park. This part-time seasonal role involves overseeing kitchen operations, ensuring food quality and staff performance, assisting with menu planning, and maintaining kitchen safety standards. Candidates should have one year of cooking experience in large-volume settings, alongside relevant culinary skills. The position offers a salary range of $22.40 to $30.89 hourly based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• One year experience as a cook in a large restaurant or equivalent environment.
• Knowledge of kitchen equipment and cooking methods.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead worker for back-of-house staff.
• Assist with employee training and assessment.
• Cook and work alongside staff.

Skills

Lead worker skills

Menu planning

Knowledge of health regulations

Customer service skills

Time management skills

Education

Certificate of Culinary Arts

Job description

Cook Coordinator – Itasca State Park

Job ID: 93427 | Part‑time Seasonal | Varies work hours, days, and shift. No travel required. Salary: $22.40 – $30.89 hourly.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead worker for back‑of‑house staff, including preparation, closing, station assignment, rotations, cleaning, and break scheduling.
• Assist with employee training and assessment of staff knowledge and ability.
• Oversee kitchen staff performance to meet or exceed quality standards.
• Cook and work alongside staff to achieve quality and efficiency goals.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and safety in food service areas.
• Ensure proper food handling and sanitation procedures are followed.
• Recommend operational needs to supervisors (inventory, equipment maintenance, staffing).
• Order supplies and equipment as directed while keeping an accurate inventory.

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) year experience as a cook in a large restaurant or equivalent large‑volume cooking environment.
• Lead worker skills to oversee day‑to‑day operations, motivate team members, delegate tasks, and monitor performance.
• Menu planning and recipe development skills to assist the Executive Chef with specialty items.
• Knowledge of quantity food preparation, cooking, presentation, and serving.
• Knowledge of kitchen equipment, materials, and methods for large‑scale food preparation, cleanup, and storage.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations for food preparation, storage, and cleaning in public settings.
• Knowledge of safety and accident prevention measures to identify hazards and make necessary repairs or alerts.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organizational and interpersonal skills suitable for teamwork.
• Conflict resolution skills to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations, and settle disputes fairly.
• Customer service and communication skills for effective communication with varied audiences.
• Time management skills to make decisions and meet deadlines under tight deadlines and pressurized circumstances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certificate of Culinary Arts or formal culinary education.
• Current Food Safety certification.
• Experience directing work of others in a large food service setting.
• Experience working with inventory.
• Experience working with food and supply vendors.
• Experience creating production plans.
• Knowledge of park rules, policies, facilities, and other local points of interest.
• First Aid and CPR training.

Additional Requirements

For positions that require driving responsibilities, an unrestricted Class D driver’s license with a clear driving record is required.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

All hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

All candidates will be subject to a background check, including:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire after working at least three years
• Employer‑paid life insurance
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Programs, Resources and Benefits Eligibility Varies

Eligibility depends on employment type, agency, funding, union agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

Equal Opportunity Employers

Minnesota state agencies are equal‑opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourage individuals of color and Indigenous communities, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status, or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, please contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.