Cook - Continuous (100% Appointment) - M Food Co.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is one of the largest and most prestigious public research universities in the United States. Situated in the vibrant metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, UMTC offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, providing students with exceptional opportunities for academic growth and research. The university prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for students and staff from various backgrounds. The campus is distinguished by its extensive partnerships with renowned health centers, corporations, government agencies, and cultural institutions, enhancing the educational and professional experiences of its community members.

The University of Minnesota is currently seeking a dedicated Cook to join the M Food Co. team, which oversees the residential dining halls and retail locations across the Twin Cities campus, including East Bank, West Bank, and the St. Paul campus. This 9-month appointment role (approximately August 24 to May 15) is integral to maintaining high-quality food production and delivery to students, faculty, and staff. The Cook position plays a crucial role in food preparation, recipe execution, kitchen organization, and ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards. This is a blanket position, meaning work assignments may vary based on location and operational needs until a specific position is assigned.

Cooks at UMTC are expected to prepare and plan food items with precision, often working with complex recipes and multiple meal components to produce whole meal offerings from scratch in line with brand specifications. They use independent judgment to assess food quality and presentation, maintain recipe files, complete food production records, and determine batch cook amounts and schedules. Handling kitchen equipment, including mechanical cutting tools and knives, is a daily task, all executed with safety in mind.

In addition to individual duties, this role also functions as a lead worker at times, providing oversight to groups of staff employees, managing customer service issues in the absence of the manager, and offering direction and training to new employees. Effective communication, leadership, and the ability to model expected workplace behaviors are essential qualities for success in this position.

The position requires physical stamina and the ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, and execute safe knife-handling techniques. Regular attendance and the successful completion of several tests during the probation period, including a knife skills test, brand training, and a Food Safety test, are mandatory for continued employment. Pay for this role starts at $20.31 per hour, with variable work hours and days determined by operational needs. The position may be designated as essential and is represented by the Teamsters Bargaining Unit. The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and accessible environment for all employees.