Culinary Professional Cook II, UM Campus Dining

Description UM Campus Dining invites applications for five (5) Culinary Professional Cook II .

The Lodge Dining Center is seeking dedicated cooks to bring culinary expertise and leadership to our team. This state-of-the-art space serves our campus community of over 10,000 students, faculty, and staff year-round. In addition, it hosts visitors from prospective students to regional groups, offering a vibrant setting for dynamic food service. This position combines hands-on cooking with leadership, creating a dynamic and fulfilling role. The Lodge Dining Center is more than just a dining facility. With seven micro-restaurants, roof decks, and welcoming spaces, it’s designed to foster connection among students, faculty, and staff. Here, you’ll be part of a historic culinary team that brings diverse flavors and experiences to the University of Montana community.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Uphold the exceptional food quality, quantity, and presentation standards for menu items; using methods including batch cooking and just-in-time preparation methods
• Accurately and properly prepare all hot and cold food items required for daily menus
• Maintain a positive work environment by providing direction, effective communication, opportunity for individual growth, and leadership by example
• Enforce all ServSafe food safety procedures relating to food handling, storage, time and production techniques
• Create a positive environment for employees and guests at all times
• Continually strive to improve culinary and leadership skills
• Interact with guests and UM students in a positive and supportive manner, offering exceptional guest service

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent and one (1) year of production-cook or line-cook experience
• Experience with a variety of kitchen related equipment and remain productive in a work environment that can be intense and demanding during peak production hours
• Ability to work independently for assigned periods of time
• Capability to read and follow standard recipes
• Possess basic knife skills
• Ability to work constructively, with clear communication in a team setting
• Capability of providing excellent guest service
• Have working knowledge of sanitation and safety rules and procedures

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of production-cook or line-cook experience
• Experience in collegiate cooking or large institution
• Experience in a bakery, meat department, or similar

Additional Information

Position Number: 118780, 188300, 100640 Bargaining Unit: FOCUS-MFPE

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Hours vary due to needs of the unit, 12 months/year

All culinarians may work any of the following shifts, or a combination of these, depending on needs of business.

• 6:00am-2:30pm; 7:00am-3:30pm; 8:00am-4:30pm; 12:30pm-9:00pm; 1:30pm-10:00pm; 7 days per week.

Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum

Benefits Include : Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date of May 3, 2026 ; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. A Complete Application Includes Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience

Three (3) Professional References – names and contact information

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position. The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.

The University of Montana offers a wide variety of benefits. Please visit the Montana University System Benefits website for full information or contact our office if you have additional questions.