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: 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.
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
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 Tracy Mudge at [email protected] 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 Layla Daleidan at [email protected].
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
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
-
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
-
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)
-
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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
