Lead Cook/Head Chef - Concordia Language Villages

If you need assistance with the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@cord.edu or 218-299-3339, or visit the Human Resources Home Page.

Position Details

Position Title:
Lead Cook/Head Chef - Concordia Language Villages

Position Type:
Staff, Full-Time

Location:
Bemidji, Minnesota

Employment Type:
Hourly Non-Exempt

Benefit Eligible:
Yes

Open Until Filled:
Yes

General Employment Period:
Year-round

General Work Schedule (days of week):
Varies

General shift hours:
Varies

Why Concordia Language Villages?

Share the World Through Food.

At Concordia Language Villages, food is more than something we serve—it is part of the immersive cultural experience. From researching authentic recipes to preparing traditional dishes from around the world, our Culinary Arts team helps learners experience language and culture through every meal.

Whether you're an experienced chef or a talented cook looking to grow into a leadership role, you'll join a collaborative culinary team that values creativity, cultural curiosity, teamwork, and continuous learning.

If you're passionate about great food, meaningful work, and creating unforgettable experiences, we'd love to have you on our team.

About the Role

As a member of the Culinary Arts team, you'll help prepare and serve culturally authentic meals that support the immersive educational mission of Concordia Language Villages. Depending on your experience and qualifications, you may contribute through food preparation, menu planning, kitchen leadership, staff training, scheduling, or other culinary responsibilities.

Successful candidates may be hired into either a Lead Cook or Head Chef position based on experience, qualifications, and organizational needs.

What You'll Do
Support the mission and vision of Concordia College and Concordia Language Villages and demonstrate the competencies as defined for this position.

• Food Production
  • Prepare and serve culturally authentic meals.
  • Maintain food quality, safety, and sanitation.
  • Support menu preparation and production planning.
  • Help create memorable dining experiences.
    
• Team Support
  • Collaborate with fellow culinary staff.
  • Train and support team members as appropriate.
  • Contribute to a positive kitchen culture.
  • May provide leadership responsibilities based on experience and assigned role.
• Cultural Immersion
  • Help bring cultures to life through authentic food.
  • Collaborate with language communities.
  • Support immersive educational programming.
• Operations
  • Maintain inventory.
  • Support ordering and production.
  • Keep kitchen organized.
  • Complete records.
    
• Other Duties as assigned
  
  • Preform other duties based on the needs of other departments within Concordia Language Villages and Concordia College as assigned.

You'll Thrive Here If You:

• Love preparing great food and sharing it with others.
  
• Are curious about cultures, traditions, and cuisines from around the world.
  
• Enjoy working as part of a collaborative team.
  
• Like balancing creativity with organization.
  
• Take pride in maintaining high standards of food quality and safety.
  
• Enjoy mentoring others or are excited to grow into greater leadership responsibilities.
  
Want to create memorable experiences through food.

Qualifications:

We're hiring for multiple culinary positions. Candidates may be considered for either a Lead Cook or Head Chef role based on their experience, skills, qualifications, and organizational needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least six months of related culinary experience.
• Ability to read and write.
• Ability to work a varied schedule, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Quantity cooking experience.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience working with diverse populations and communities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Supervisory experience and/or demonstrated leadership abilities.

Additional Qualifications for Head Chef Consideration

• Four or more years of related culinary experience.
• Menu planning and ordering experience.
• Experience supervising or leading kitchen staff.
• Culinary degree, bachelor's degree, or other food industry certifications.
• Extensive commercial or large-volume cooking experience.

Benefits and Salary:

Concordia College is proud to offer a competitive total compensation package:

• Health Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Preventative Chiropractic Program
• Retirement Plan
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (full-time only)
• Life Insurance (full-time only)
• Eligible for Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave
• 13 Paid holidays including the time off between Christmas and New Year's
• Up to 100% tuition with discounts and scholarships for yourself and dependents at Concordia College and Concordia Language Villages
• Up to 50% tuition discount for dependents with Oak Grove Lutheran Schools
• Up to 100% tuition discounts for dependents with participating partners: CIC-TEP, ELCA schools, and Tuition Exchange Inc.
• Extras: access to athletic facilities, library, fitness classes, athletic events, theatre events, purchase dining on campus, free MATbus rides
• Salary – 17.00 - 20.72 USD Hourly Wage

The final salary will be determined based on factors such as education, experience, skills, certifications, and alignment with the position's requirements. Other considerations may include internal equity and market conditions.

Employment Contingencies:
Background Check

Special Instructions to Applicants:
This position is located in Bemidji, MN. This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

Documents Needed to Apply

• 
  Required Documents
  • None

• Optional Documents

  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover Letter
  • List of References
  • Licensure
  • Certification
  • Training
  • Other

Nondiscrimination Statement

Concordia College does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status. The College is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

Inquiries regarding this policy may be directed to the Office of Human Resources, Concordia College, 901 8th Street South, Moorhead, MN 56562, 218-299-3339.