What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cook / Chef - Intermittent position position at State of Minnesota?
Cook / Chef - Intermittent position
Job ID96208
Location
Fergus Falls
Full/Part TimeIntermittent
Regular/TemporaryUnlimited
Graphic of Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
Join a team with a national reputation for excellence! Our mission is to serve Minnesota Veterans and their families. We do this by delivering quality health care, helping to secure benefits, and providing programs and services in higher education, claims, burials, outreach and Veterans’ preference. At the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), we not only consider it our duty to provide the highest level of care to those who answered our nation's call, we believe it is an honor.
MDVA recognizes that a culturally competent workforce is critical to meet the needs of all Minnesotans. MDVA is committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility at our workplace to support employees as they grow in their careers with the State of Minnesota.
Job Details
Working Title: Chef
Job Class: Cook
Agency: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
Job ID: 96208
Location: Fergus Falls
Telework Eligible: No
Full/Part Time: Intermittent
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: 08/21/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Veterans Affairs Dept / Vets Home-Fergus Falls
Division/Unit: Fergus Falls Veterans Home / Food & Nutrition Services
Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies
Days of Work: Varies
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $21.78 - $29.73 / hourly PLUS $2.25/hour shift differential for all hours worked after 6:00pm and before 6:00am.
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.
Job Summary
Current State of Minnesota employees will not be considered for concurrent appointments at this time due to overtime considerations and the irregular work schedule requirements of this position.
This announcement will be used to fill one (1) intermittent vacancy at the Minnesota Veterans Home-Fergus Falls. An intermittent employee works an irregular and uncertain schedule as the needs of the facility require. Intermittent employees must be available to work all shifts and some weekends. Shifts may be: day or evening shift. The day shift is 6:00am-2:30pm and the evening shift is 11:00am-7:30pm. The position is not initially eligible for health and dental insurance benefits.
To prepare food of high quality and maintain standards of hygiene, safety, and sanitation for residents, staff, volunteers and guests of the Minnesota Veterans Home-Fergus Falls.
Please see a message from Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner, Brad Lindsay. Select Link
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Large-scale cooking methods and equipment sufficient to prepare and serve food for a large number of people and adjust recipes to accommodate different numbers of people
Food values and nutrition sufficient to prepare items from standard recipes
Health and safety principles involved in food preparation operations sufficient to prepare and serve safe and healthy meals
Ability to:
Follow instructions and read and comprehend written instructions
Prepare special medical diets
Complete and maintain ServSafe Certification during probationary period
Preferred Qualifications
Experience cooking in a large healthcare facility such as long term care or senior care facility
Experience with inventory and stocking
Knowledge of International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI)
Additional Requirements
A Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) background check may be conducted on the top finalist(s) for the position(s). When conducted, a finalist must pass the DHS background check.
A Tuberculosis (Mantoux) screening (or chest x-ray) is required prior to employment.
Employment reference checks will be conducted on finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and contact with the applicant's former employer(s).
Application Details
How to Apply
Select “” 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 careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Salena Ness at salena.ness@state.mn.us or 612-214-9921.
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 Salena Ness at salena.ness@state.mn.us.
Per M.S. 43A.111, MDVA will give priority consideration to certain qualified disabled Veterans. To be considered, you must be included on a US armed forces permanent disability list with a disability rating of at least 30% or been rated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs as having a compensable service-connected disability of at least 30%.0fficial written documentation of this disability dated no more than one-year preceding the date of application must be submitted. Please e-mail the documentation, your DD214, and the job posting ID number to Salena Ness at salena.ness@state.mn.us no later than the job posting closing date.
Working together to improve the state we love.
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
Benefits
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.
Your benefits may include:
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
Support to help you reach your career goals:
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)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.