Working Title: Itasca Food Services General Manager
Job Class: NR Parks Douglas Lodge Supervisor
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
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Job ID: 95258
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Location: _Itasca State Park
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Telework Eligible: No
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Full/Part Time: Full-time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 07/09/2026
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Closing Date: 07/29/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
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Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Reg 1 / Itasca State Park
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies
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Days of Work: Varies
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Travel Required: No
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Salary Range: $31.08 – $45.01 / hourly; $64,895 – $93,981 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 – Middle Management Association
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FLSA Status: Exempt-Administrative
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
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.
Itasca State Park is seeking one (1) Food Services General Manager. This position will oversee all food service operations in the park, including the historic Douglas Lodge Restaurant and Mary Gibbs Café which are major attractions integral to the Itasca visitor experience. In the summer, Itasca provides 7-day a week breakfast, lunch, and supper operations with a seasonal staff of more than 50 food service workers, cooks and shift leads. This position also supervises the Back of House and Direct Services Supervisors. Restaurant operations are seasonal, while the Café operates year-round. Days of work vary and include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
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Direct and supervise the activities of food services staff so that employees perform assigned job duties, and an efficient and effective food services operation is achieved.
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Direct the preparation and efficient expenditure of the Itasca food service operational budget including labor, supplies, and equipment.
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Research, compile and analyze performance data and adjust strategies to optimize revenue while maximizing the guest experience.
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Identify and establish the unique brand and offerings for the Douglas Lodge Restaurant, Mary Gibbs Café, and catering operations as they fit within the larger Itasca State Park operations and goals.
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Develop and maintain service standards and processes to efficiently manage food service operations throughout Itasca State Park.
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Three (3) years’ experience overseeing restaurant, resort, or hospitality operations, including supervisory experience. Experience should demonstrate leadership abilities in customer service, point-of-sale management and/or inventory costs and controls as well as leading in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, directing, scheduling, and training employees.
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A bachelor's degree in hospitality management, business, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience. An associates degree in the fields listed above may substitute for six (6) months of experience.
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Experience administering a safety program in accordance with applicable laws, policies, rules, and regulations.
- Experience preparing annual budgets for supplies, services, and personnel needs.
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Project management experience coordinating multiple tasks simultaneously and managing frequent change, delays, or unexpected events by adapting, recommending, and/or developing appropriate alternative solutions.
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Leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to direct, develop, and engage staff, address complex and confidential human resource issues, and work as a productive member of teams.
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Communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences and meet expectations and requirements of staff and customers.
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Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations, and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.
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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.
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Skill sufficient to lead and develop strategic planning for an operation.
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Ability to treat employees inclusively in the areas of accommodation, scheduling, expectations, individualized resource needs, training, and development.
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A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, or closely related field.
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Experience developing a brand strategy or implementing a marketing plan.
- Experience supervising employees in a union environment.
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Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
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Current Food Safety certification.
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Skill in collecting, preparing, and reporting statistics related to multiple operationally related elements such as cost, revenue, and customer satisfaction.
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record. Per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
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. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
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:
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Conflict of Interest Review
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Criminal History Check
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Education Verification
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Employment Reference / Records Check
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License / Certification Verification
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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about this position, contact Nettie Cole at [email protected] or 218-699-7202.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [email protected]. 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 Layla Daleiden at [email protected].
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
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.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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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)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
