Cook

**This is a 9 month position

Position Summary:

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Cook to join our team. This position is responsible for producing large quantities of food for University employees, students, and the general public while ensuring adherence to food safety and sanitation standards. As a lead worker, you will be responsible for overseeing a group of staff, operating a variety of kitchen equipment, and ensuring the efficient production of meals. You will also provide high-quality customer service and be expected to handle menu preparation, recipe execution, and task delegation.

Key Responsibilities:

Food Preparation & Cooking:

• Prep ingredients and prepare complex and simple recipes, ensuring high-quality presentation and taste.
• Operate food production equipment and manual utensils, including knives and mechanical cutting tools.
• Produce meals by combining multiple recipes, often from scratch, in compliance with brand and recipe specifications.
• Identify and resolve recipe issues, or elevate concerns to management as needed.
  Maintain food production records and track inventory for batch cooking.
  Complete daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning duties as assigned.
  Organize and store food and supplies efficiently.

Leadership & Team Coordination:

• Serve as a lead worker in the absence of a supervisor or manager, providing oversight to a team of staff members.
• Assign tasks, monitor progress, and ensure work is completed in a timely manner to meet production standards.
• Train new employees on job responsibilities, safety protocols, and food preparation procedures.
• Offer informal feedback to staff on performance, ensuring adherence to established standards.
• Handle customer service issues in the absence of a manager and provide excellent customer service to students, staff, and visitors.

Recipe & Menu Development:

• Independently assess food quality and make adjustments to enhance flavor, texture, and overall presentation.
• Participate in recipe file maintenance and contribute to menu planning.
• Assist in the application of moist or dry heat to protein and non-protein products, ensuring proper doneness and safety standards are met.

Compliance & Safety:

• Follow established food safety and sanitation standards to ensure the highest level of cleanliness and food quality.
• Monitor kitchen activities and ensure proper use and maintenance of kitchen equipment.
• Ensure adherence to food safety protocols and report any issues to management.

Work Environment:

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand for long periods and work in a kitchen environment with varied temperatures.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Use of kitchen tools and equipment, including sharp knives and mechanical machinery.

Work Hours:

• Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as necessary to meet production schedules.
• 9 month appointment
  

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience or education in quantity food production preferred.
• Experience in supervising or leading teams is a plus.

Skills & Abilities:

• Proficient in safe knife handling and food preparation techniques.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Strong math skills for recipe conversions and batch cooking calculations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 4 hours).
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to make independent decisions regarding food quality and preparation.
• Must demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively manage a team and work collaboratively with others.

UMD Dining Services is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of our students and staff. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of background or experience. If you have a passion for cooking, leadership, and excellent customer service, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity!

Pay Range: $22.44 - $26.83; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).