Working Title: Cook
Job Class: Cook
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 93504
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 : 04/14/2026
Closing Date : 09/30/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : DNR Parks & Trails Reg 1 / Itasca State Park
Work Shift/Work Hours : Rotating Shift
Days of Work : Varies
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $21.41 - $29.22 / hourly
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 203 - Service/AFSCME
Work Area : Itasca State Park
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
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.
This announcement will be used to fill multiple positions throughout the 2026 operating season at Itasca State Park.
The DNR is currently seeking multiple part-time Cooks to prepare and cook food served at Itasca State Park. Normal anticipated season dates are beginning of May to mid-October. Work hours vary, and workdays include evenings, holidays, and weekends. Housing may be available.
Responsibilities include:
Perform cooking tasks on the line at Douglas Lodge preparing fried foods, sandwiches, salads, burgers, and other menu items to specification.
Prep various food items to specification based on the needs of the operation and as instructed for use in the Douglas Lodge and Mary Gibbs kitchen.
Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of the Douglas Lodge and Mary Gibbs Café Food Service Areas as per management expectations and Health Department standards.
Arrive on time and ready to work and work scheduled shifts to completion in order to maintain smooth and exceptional service to customers and to promote teamwork among co-workers.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience in food preparation and serving in a restaurant setting.
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.
Ability to process food orders quickly and accurately.
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.
Supervisory or leadwork experience in a restaurant setting.
Experience working with inventory.
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
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
