Food Service Worker / Part-time, Day Shift

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA); Bemidji (MN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Training & development

Job summary

The Minnesota Veterans Home in Bemidji is seeking a part-time Food Service Worker to perform routine food service tasks, including meal preparation, cooking, serving residents, and maintaining clean work areas.

Two identical part-time day-shift positions are available. The role requires following established food service policies, adhering to safety standards, and supporting the dining program for residents. Benefits include health insurance options, retirement plans, and paid leave.

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation and serving in a care setting.
• Ability to follow food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Ability to read and interpret diet cards.
• Willingness to work day shift and weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine food service tasks including meal prep and serving to residents.
• Dishwashing and cleaning of food service areas.
• Maintain clean and organized kitchen and dining areas following policies.

Skills

Food preparation

Cooking on large scale

Dishwashing

Diet cards

Job description

• Job ID: 97434
• Location: Bemidji
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/06/2026
• Closing Date: 10/19/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Veterans Affairs Dept / Vets Home-Bemidji-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Bemidji Veterans Home / Food & Nutrition Services
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Varies, including weekend rotation
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $20.87 - $25.88 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Food Service Worker

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

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.

It pays to consider a rewarding career with the Minnesota Veterans Home (MVH) in Bemidji! You may be eligible for a new hire bonus of $2,500! Earn a competitive wage, have affordable and comprehensive insurance benefits, a retirement plan, paid time off, and more!

Two identical part‑time, day shift positions will be filled by consideration of applicants to this posting. As a Food Service Worker for the MVH‑Bemidji, you will perform routine food service tasks including food preparation, short order cooking, serving meals to residents, dishwashing and cleaning the food service areas while following established food service policies and procedures.

The work schedule will include at least 32 hours per 2‑week pay period and may include additional work hours, based on business needs. The positions are not initially eligible for health and dental insurance benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume/application clearly describes your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Knowledge of:

• Materials and methods used in preparing food
• Care and use of cooking utensils and equipment
• Food values and nutrition

Ability to:

• Perform simple cooking on a large scale
• Plan and prepare small meals on a household scale
• Perform cleaning and food service tasks
• Read diet cards and follow instructions

Preferred Qualifications

• Food service-related experience specifically with prepping, plating, and serving food
• Knowledge of basic sanitation standards
• ServSafe Food Certificate
• 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 finalists 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).

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Peter Paquette at [e-mail] or 218-364-8903.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Peter Paquette at [e-mail].

Per M.S. 43A.111, MDVA will give priority consideration to certain qualified disabled Veterans. To be considered, you must be included on a US armed forces permanent disability list with a disability rating of at least 30% or been rated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs as having a compensable service‑connected disability of at least 30%. Official written documentation of this disability dated no more than one‑year preceding the date of application must be submitted. Please email the documentation, your DD214, and the job posting ID number to Peter Paquette at [e-mail] no later than the job posting closing date.

Working together to improve the state we love.

• 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. 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.