Cook / Part-Time, Day Shift

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Bemidji (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs’ Bemidji Veterans Home is seeking a part-time Cook to prepare meals for residents, ensuring nutritional needs and medical diets are met. You will adhere to strict sanitation and food-safety standards and assist with receiving and storing deliveries in a residential care setting.

The role requires flexibility with shifts (day options) and a commitment to dependable, timely service in a team environment.

Qualifications

• Large-scale cooking methods and equipment to prepare and serve food for many people.
• Knowledge of nutrition to prepare items from standard recipes.
• Health and safety principles to prepare and serve safe meals.
• Follow instructions and read written instructions.
• Prepare special medical diets.
• Maintain ServSafe Certification during probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all food items according to menus to meet nutritional/medical needs.
• Maintain standards of food safety and sanitation to prevent contamination.
• Assist with receiving and storing food and supplies safely.
• Provide good customer service at mealtimes and be dependable.

Skills

Large-scale cooking

Nutrition knowledge

Food safety

Follow directions

Read instructions

Special medical diets

Job description

Working Title: Cook

Job Class: Cook

Agency: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

• Job ID: 95321
• Location: Bemidji
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/31/2026
• Closing Date: 11/13/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Veterans Affairs Dept / Vets Home-Bemidji-Insuff Wk
• Division/Unit: Bemidji Veterans Home / Food & Nutrition Services
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 5:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Days of Work: Varies, including weekend rotation
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $21.78 - $29.73 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Prepare all food items according to menus to ensure the nutritional and medical needs of the residents can be met.
• Follow and maintain standards of food safety and sanitation to prevent contamination and foodborne illness.
• Assist with receiving and storing food and supply deliveries using safe and sanitary practices.
• Provide good customer service at mealtimes and be timely and dependable following department procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge Of

• Large-scale cooking methods and equipment sufficient to prepare and serve food for a large number of people and adjust recipes to accommodate different numbers of people
• Food values and nutrition sufficient to prepare items from standard recipes
• Health and safety principles involved in food preparation operations sufficient to prepare and serve safe and healthy meals

Ability To

• Follow instructions and read and comprehend written instructions
• Prepare special medical diets
• Complete and maintain ServSafe Certification during probationary period

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience cooking in a large healthcare facility such as long-term care or senior care facility
• Experience with inventory and stocking
• Knowledge of International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI)

Additional Requirements

• A Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) background check may be conducted on the top finalist(s) for the position. When conducted, a finalist must pass the DHS background check.
• A Tuberculosis (Mantoux) screening (or chest x-ray) is required prior to employment.
• Employment reference checks will be conducted on finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and contact with the applicant's former employer(s).

Working together to improve the state we love

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your Benefits May Include

• 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 to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining 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 encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, 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.