Cook - Continuous

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is one of the largest public research universities in the United States, renowned for its comprehensive academic programs and vibrant campus life. Situated in the heart of the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan area, the university offers students access to extensive partnerships with world-class health institutions, international corporations, government agencies, and numerous arts, nonprofit, and public service entities. Recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026), the University promotes a welcoming and inclusive work environment that values diversity, employee appreciation, and work-life flexibility.

Within this dynamic setting, the University’s M Food Co. plays a crucial role in supporting student life and fostering a sense of community through high-quality dining services. M Food Co. focuses on providing nutritious meals, maintaining food insecurity programming, and offering exclusive student employment opportunities such as internships and worker programs. The company is dedicated to sustaining exceptional food service operations across the campus's residential dining halls and retail outlets, contributing substantially to the overall student experience.

The Cook position at UMTC is vital for ensuring the smooth functioning and success of these dining operations. This is a 9-month appointment typically spanning from August through May with potential reduced hours during academic breaks. As an essential role within the Teamsters Bargaining Unit, the Cook is committed to preparing, planning, and cooking food items to the highest standards, ensuring quality, consistency, and safety in every meal served. The position is flexible with work assignments and hours that may vary according to operational needs across various campus locations including the East Bank, West Bank, and St. Paul Campus.

In this role, cooks are responsible not only for food preparation but also for maintaining cleanliness, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and supporting kitchen efficiency. They prepare complex recipes, often from scratch, using independent judgment in menu presentation and food quality assessment. Additionally, cooks contribute to the upkeep of recipe files, food production records, and batch cook determinations, utilizing food production and mechanical cutting equipment daily. Their duties also extend to supervising a team of staff members, providing training, assigning tasks, managing customer service issues in the absence of a manager, and ensuring team adherence to performance standards.

Candidates for this position must demonstrate safe knife-handling skills and be capable of lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally and standing for extended periods of up to four hours at a time. The role requires strong mathematical skills for recipe conversions, excellent communication in English, and reliability in attendance. Continued employment is contingent upon passing a probationary knife skills test, brand training, and a food safety exam. This is a position rooted in teamwork, operational excellence, and a commitment to enriching the university community through excellent food service delivery.

Overall, this role offers an opportunity to be part of a respected institution committed to diversity and inclusion, where employees play an integral part in shaping student experiences through culinary excellence and outstanding customer service. The University of Minnesota stands as a leader not only in education and research but also as an employer dedicated to fostering a positive, supportive, and rewarding workplace.