Cook (Casual)

This is a Casual (not to exceed 14 hours per week) position located onsite at the University of Minnesota's Minnesota Landscape Arboretum located in Chaska, MN. Any of the assigned duties may take place at various dining locations across the Arboretum campus (i.e. Farm at the Arb, Eatery Cafe, etc.). Regular attendance is an essential qualification for this position.

Duties/Responsibilities:
This position has the responsibility of providing large quantity food products for University employees, students and the general public following appropriate food safety and sanitation standards. This is a lead worker position that must be capable of operating a wide variety of equipment that produces both hot and cold food, organizing a work group to meet production standards and time lines. This position also provides a high level of customer service.

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.

• Cooks in the kitchen and various areas of the grounds depending on the event.
• Preps food product to be used in recipes
• 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
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Weekend morning availability is preferred

The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Required Qualifications

• 1 year in fast paced professional restaurant kitchens.
• Basic knowledge of food handling and safety.
• Basic Knife skills.
• Basic food vocabulary knowledge (i.e. know roasting / steaming / braising / etc.).
• Possess safe knife handling skills
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds occassionally
• High school graduate or GED
• Must have at least 2 years of relevant experience or education in quantity food production
• Ability to accurately perform mathematical and recipe conversion calculations
• Reads, writes, understands, and communicates in English
• Must be able to stand up for 4 hours at a time

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years in professional restaurant kitchens.
• Strong ability to work independently and quickly.
• Strong knife skills, experience with butchery / portioning / fine detail work.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a community outreach unit of the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences. The Arboretum is located west of Minneapolis/St Paul and its 1,200 acres traverse the municipalities of Chaska, Chanhassen and Victoria. As a member of the American Public Garden Association and an accredited museum through the American Alliance of Museums, the Arboretum is a tremendous public asset. Visitors engage with gardens, collections, natural areas, a farm, research demonstrations, youth and adult education, events and exhibits. For more information please visit us at: https://arb.umn.edu/

Rootstock is the Arboretum's new cafe! Open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. this cafe offers quality, farm-fresh dishes that are plant-forward and meat-supported. You'll find vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options to accommodate all appetites.

Pay Range: $23.50 - $25.00 a hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and 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.

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.