Our Ability Jobs

Working Title: Cook Coordinator

Job Class: Cook Coordinator

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 85372

• Location : _Itasca State Park

• Telework Eligible : No

• Full/Part Time : Part-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Seasonal

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 04/11/2025

• Closing Date : 09/30/2025

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : DNR Parks & Trails Reg 1 / Itasca State Park

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Rotating Shift

• Days of Work : Varies

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $22.07 - $30.43 / hourly

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 203 - Service/AFSCME

• Work Area : Park Rapids, MN FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

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.

Job Summary

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides outdoor recreation activities and manages Minnesota’s natural resources to create economic opportunity and a sustainable quality of life. We are driven to find talented, innovative employees to help us carry out this mission. 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 during peak operations.

The DNR is currently seeking multiple part-time Cook Coordinators to serve as a back of house staff coordinator as well as provide oversight and perform kitchen lead worker duties. The anticipated season dates are from approximately May 7th through October 31st. Work hours vary, and workdays include evenings, holidays, and weekends. Housing may be available.

Responsibilities include:

• Oversee kitchen staff's day-to-day performance to ensure quality of food meets or exceeds accepted standards.

• As directed by the Manager, help to develop back of house scheduling, and utilize that scheduling to administer daily section assignments and ensure breaks are given.

• Assist kitchen staff during times of high volume.

• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and safety at Douglas Lodge/ Mary Gibbs.

• Oversee proper food handling and sanitation procedures for kitchen staff.

• Provide feedback to Manager regarding the needs of the operation (inventory, equipment maintenance, staffing needs, etc.).

Minimum Qualifications

One (1) year experience as a cook in a large restaurant, or equivalent experience in large volume cooking and food preparation.

Lead worker skills sufficient to oversee day-to-day operations, motivate team members, delegate tasks, and monitor team performance.

Menu planning and recipe development skills sufficient to assist the Executive Chef with creating items in line with chef specialties and restaurant concepts.

Knowledge of quantity food preparation, cooking, presentation, and serving.

Knowledge of kitchen equipment, materials, and methods used in large scale food preparation, clean-up, and storage.

Knowledge of health and safety regulations pertaining to food preparation, storage, and cleaning in a public food service setting.

Knowledge of safety and accident prevention measures sufficient to identify safety hazards, make necessary repairs, and/or alert appropriate personnel.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Organizational and interpersonal skills sufficient to work as a productive member of a team.

Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations, and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.

Customer service and communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences and meet expectations and requirements of staff and customers.

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

Certificate of Culinary Arts or formal culinary education.

Current Food Safety certification.

Experience directing the work of others in a large food service setting.

Experience working with inventory.

Experience working with food and supply vendors.

Experience creating production plans.

Knowledge of park rules, policies, facilities, and other local points of interest.

First Aid and CPR training.

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.

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Criminal History Check

• Education Verification

• Employment Reference / Records Check

• License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.