Cook

Location: Park Rapids

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* Working Title:

Cook*
* ** Job Class:
Cook*
* ** Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources*
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** Job ** : 93504

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** Location** : _Itasca State Park

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** Telework Eligible** :
No

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** Full/Part Time** :
Part-Time

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** Regular/Temporary** :
Seasonal

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** Who May Apply** :
Open to all qualified job seekers

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** Date Posted** : 04/14/2026

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** Closing Date** : 09/30/2026

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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** :
Rotating Shift

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** Days of Work** :
Varies

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** Travel Required** :
No

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** Salary Range:**  $21.41 - $29.22 / hourly

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** Classified Status** :
Classified

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** Bargaining Unit/Union** : 203 - Service/AFSCME

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** Work Area** :
Itasca State Park

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** FLSA Status** :
Nonexempt

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./connect
700/) :
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…