Food Service Worker

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Minnesota; On-site; USD 28,254 - 35,032; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

Health insurance options

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

A state resource agency in Minnesota is seeking a part-time Food Service Worker for Itasca State Park. The role involves preparing various food items, maintaining cleanliness in food service areas, and providing customer service. Candidates should have basic knowledge of food preparation and strong communication skills. The position operates on a seasonal basis and offers a flexible work schedule suitable for various individuals looking to contribute to Minnesota's natural parks.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of materials and methods used in food preparation and care of cooking equipment.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate kitchen equipment and prepare food items as instructed.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of food service areas.
• Assist customers and provide exceptional service at Douglas Lodge/Mary Gibbs Café.

Skills

Knowledge of food preparation

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Conflict resolution skills

Time management skills

Job description

Job Details

• Job Class: Food Service Worker
• Job ID: 92316
• Location: Itasca State Park
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Seasonal
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
• Days of Work: Varies
• Salary Range: $20.51 – $25.43 per hour
• Hiring Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Overview

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Established in 1891, Itasca is the oldest state park in Minnesota and one of the first state parks in the country. Home to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, the park is one of the top tourism attractions in the Upper Midwest. Itasca State Park operates 7 days a week with visitors on‑site 24 hours a day year‑round.

This announcement will be used to fill multiple positions throughout the 2026 operating season at Itasca State Park.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of kitchen and food preparation equipment.
• Prepare various food items to specification based on the needs of the operation and as instructed for use in the Douglas Lodge and Mary Gibbs kitchen.
• Assist on the line at Douglas Lodge/Mary Gibbs Café preparing fried foods, sandwiches, salads, burgers, and other menu items as directed.
• Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of the Douglas Lodge and Mary Gibbs Café Food Service operations as per management expectations and Health Department standards.
• Assist customers of Douglas Lodge Restaurant/Mary Gibbs Café in order to provide customer service, process reports, act as a cashier, and prepare the tills for day‑to‑day operations.
• Serve as a guest services representative for Itasca State Park at Douglas Lodge/Mary Gibbs Café in order to provide visitors with an exceptional overall experience of not only Douglas Lodge Restaurant/Mary Gibbs Café, but Itasca State Park as a whole.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of materials and methods used in preparing food, and the care and use of cooking utensils and equipment.
• Knowledge of safety and accident prevention measures sufficient to identify safety hazards, make necessary repairs, and/or alert appropriate personnel.
• Organizational and interpersonal skills sufficient to work as a productive member of teams.
• Oral, written, and customer service communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences and meet expectations and requirements of staff and customers.
• Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations, and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.
• Time management skills sufficient to make decisions and meet deadlines sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines, and pressure by unforeseeable events and/or emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of experience in food preparation, serving, cleanup, and storage.
• First Aid and CPR training.
• Knowledge of park rules, policies, facilities, and other local points of interest.

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.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• All candidates are subject to a background check. The background check may include a conflict of interest review, criminal history check, education verification, employment reference/records check, and license/certification verification.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail]. For additional information about the application process, visit http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact: Cynthia Holleman, [e-mail] or 218-699-7219.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID, working title, and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Paige Stanius at [e-mail].

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.

• 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 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 encourage 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. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.