Required Qualifications:

• High school graduate or GED
• Must have at least two (2) years of relevant experience or education in quantity food production.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to accurately perform mathematics and recipe conversion calculations.
• Must be able to read, write, understand and communicate in English.
• Must be able to stand up for four (4) hours at a time.
• Possess safe knife-handling skills.
• Regular attendance is an essential qualification for this position.

Continued employment in this position is contingent upon:

• Passing a knife skills test during the probation period.
• Passing brand training during the probation period.
• Passing the Food Safety test during the probation period.

The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants begins 7/1/26 and 7/8/26

About the Job:
A Cook at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is a crucial member of the M Food Co. team for ensuring the smooth operation of the residential dining halls and retail locations across the Twin Cities campus (East Bank, West Bank, and St. Paul Campus). Cooks play a meaningful role in providing an exceptional dining experience for students, faculty, and staff.

A Cook is responsible for preparing, planning, and cooking food items to ensure high-quality food production. They are responsible to help keep the kitchen organized and running efficiently.

This position is a 9 month appointment and will run from approximately August to May. Due to the variations in the academic year, it is possible that this job will have a reduction of hours during breaks.

This position may be designated as essential. This position is represented by the Teamsters Bargaining Unit.

Location and Work Schedule: This position is a blanket position which means work assignments and hours are assigned and changed based on location and operational needs until a position is awarded.

Primary Responsibilities:
The following list of duties does not include all possible tasks and responsibilities, nor limits the assignment of additional related tasks including tasks typically performed by a lower classification.

• Preps food products to be used in recipes
• Prepares complex recipes a majority of the time and simple recipes as needed
• Uses independent judgment in menu presentation and food quality assessment
• Produces a whole meal by preparing multiple recipes in a meal menu, often from scratch, following brand specifications
• Identifies recipe issues and resolves or elevates to managers
• Participates in recipe file maintenance
• Completes food production records
• Determines batch cook amount and frequency
• Operates food production equipment, mechanical cutting equipment, and other manual cooking utensils, including knives, in daily duties
• Puts away food and supplies
• Completes daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning as assigned

Functions as a lead worker:

• Provides oversight responsibility of a group of staff employees and handles customer service issues in the absence of a manager
• Orients employees to job area and to the facility
• Trains employees on job tasks
• Assigns and re-assigns tasks throughout the shift to effectively accomplish prescribed work
• Gives direction to employees concerning procedures
• Communicates established standards of performance to employees and assesses conformance
• Provides informal feedback on employee performance to the manager
• Models expected behaviors and standards
• Keeps manager apprised of operational issues
• The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position

About the Department:
M Food Co. is supporting and contributing to a well rounded student experience through exclusive student internships, student worker programs, comprehensive food insecurity programming, and fueling a thriving community with healthy meals and gathering spaces.

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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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