Cook Coordinator

Working Title: Cook Coordinator
Job Class: Cook Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 92325

• 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: 03/18/2026

• Closing Date: 04/07/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources

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

• Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies

• Days of Work: Varies

• Travel Required: No

• Salary Range: $22.40 - $30.89 / hourly

• Classified Status: Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME

• Work Area: Itasca State Park

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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 year-round.

 

The DNR is currently seeking a part-time Cook Coordinator to provide lead worker duties for Food Service operations at Itasca State Park. The anticipated season dates are from beginning of May through mid-October. Work hours vary, and workdays include evenings, holidays, and weekends. Housing may be available.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as a lead worker to back of house staff in food service operations, including preparing and closing the back of house, assigning workstations, rotations, cleaning duties, and scheduling breaks. 

• Assists with providing employee training and assessing ability and knowledge of staff.

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

• Cook and work alongside staff to ensure quality and efficiency goals are met.

• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and safety in food service areas.

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

• Make recommendations to supervisor regarding the needs of the operation (inventory, equipment maintenance, staffing needs, etc.).

• Order supplies and equipment as directed and keep an accurate inventory. 

Qualifications

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

Application Details

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Tracy Mudge at tracy.mudge@state.mn.us or 218-699-7219.

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 Paige Stanius at paige.stanius@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• 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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.