Dining Services Cook

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

This is a LR Teamsters position. The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants begins 11/12/2026 and ends 11/19/26.

Organization Overview

UMD Dining Services provides diverse and high-quality dining options across campus, including Superior Dining, our all-you-care-to-eat residential dining center, and a Food Court with five unique concepts-Subs & Wraps, Burgers, Pizza, Burritos, and Grab & Go. We also operate Northern Shores Coffee Shop, two dining kiosks, and a full-service restaurant, along with catering services for campus events. Dining Services focuses on providing diverse food options, sustainability efforts, and quality service to the campus community.

Job Duties

• 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.

These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this work and do not limit the assignment of related responsibilities in any position of this class or assignment of responsibilities performed by a lower classification.

Dining Services retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position to assist in all areas of Dining Operations based on business needs.

This position is categorized as an essential employee role. In situations of reduced or closed operations this position is still required to report to work at the employer's discretion. Examples of reduced operations include inclement weather and power outages.

Position Duration: This is a 9 month position. Break is from Mid-May to mid-August.

Shift and Hours of Work: 40 hours a week, 9-months per year. Schedule is based on business needs and may include evenings and weekends as necessary to meet production schedules. This position is eligible for overtime.

Work Environment: In-person.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience or education in quantity food production
• Read, write, understand, and communicate in English
• Must be able to stand up for 4 hours at a time
• Possess safe knife handling skills
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally

Preferred Skills

• Experience in supervising or leading teams
• 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.

Pay Range: $24.04 - $28.74 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment, 9-Month

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:

• 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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 jobcentr@umn.edu.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.