Cook - Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays & time off

Low-cost medical plans

Retirement plans with employer contrib

HSA contributions

Employee Assistance Program with seven

Job summary

The University of Minnesota ITASCA Biological Station and Laboratories is hiring a Cook to prepare family-style meals for groups of 25 to 200, design diverse menus, and maintain strict sanitation and safety standards. You will help manage kitchen supplies and supervise food service workers to ensure timely meal service and clean dining areas.

The role requires lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for four hours, and working flexible hours including weekends.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• High school graduate or GED.
• Two years of relevant experience or education in quantity food.
• Ability to perform mathematic and recipe conversion calculations.
• Reads, writes, understands and communicates in English.
• Ability to stand for 4 hours at a time.
• Willing to work flexible hours and weekends, including mid-April to mid-May part-time, mid-May to early September full-time, and early September to mid-October part-time.

Responsibilities

• Prepare family style meals for groups of 25 - 200.
• Prepare a variety of menus.
• Clean work areas for food sanitation and safety.
• Appropriately prepare food in proper proportions for chilling and refrigeration of raw and cooked foods.
• Follow proper cooking procedures and prepare food items on a timely basis.
• Assist with kitchen supplies: inventory, order, and receive kitchen supplies to meet weekly demands.
• Direct Food Service Workers to ensure timely check on table setups, display of food, dining area clean-up, and dishwashing after meals.

Job description

Cook - Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories

• Prepare family style meals for groups of 25 - 200
• Prepare a variety of menus
• Clean work areas for food sanitation and safety
• Appropriately prepare food in proper proportions for chilling and refrigeration of raw and cooked foods
• Follow proper cooking procedures and prepare food items on a timely basis

10% Assist With Kitchen Supplies

• Inventory, order, and receive kitchen and food supplies to meet weekly demands

10% Direct Food Service Workers

• Work with food service workers to help ensure
  • Timely check on table setups
  • Timely display of food
  • Timely clean-up of dining area after meals
  • All dishes and cookware are washed after each meal

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
• High school graduate or GED
• Must have at least two years of relevant experience or education in quantity food
• Ability to accurately perform mathematic and recipe conversion calculations
• Reads, writes, understands and communicates in English
• Must be able to stand up for 4 hours at a time
• Willing to work flexible hours and weekends, including part-time work from mid-April to mid-May, full-time from mid-May to early September, and part-time from early September to mid-October

Pay and Benefits

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

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
• 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

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, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.