Head Cook at Lakeland Elementary

Lead a dynamic Food and Nutrition Services team and play a key role in delivering high-quality school meals each day. In this hands-on position, you’ll prepare delicious entrées and menu items for service lines, satellite locations, and special events while ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. If you take pride in great food, consistency, and keeping operations on track, this is a rewarding opportunity to make a daily impact on students and your team.

Must have a High School Diploma or GED

Previous experience in food service required

Must have a Food Protection Manager License.

Must have mathematical skills required to complete production tasks.

Must be able to follow and give oral and written directions.

Ability to respond positively to different situations and circumstances as they arise.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in food service management or cooking preferred

All job offers from Willmar Public Schools are conditioned upon passing a pre-employment criminal background check.

August 14, 2026

Willmar Public Schools is currently seeking applicants for the position of

Head Cook.

Lead a dynamic Food and Nutrition Services team and play a key role in delivering high-quality school meals each day. In this hands-on position, you’ll prepare delicious entrées and menu items for service lines, satellite locations, and special events while ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. If you take pride in great food, consistency, and keeping operations on track, this is a rewarding opportunity to make a daily impact on

students and your team.

Position

Head Cook

Location

Lakeland Elementary School

Rate of Pay

$26.24 per hour

Hours Per Day

7.5

Schedule (Approximately)

6:15 am -1:45 pm

Working Days per Year

180 Days, 2026-2027 School Year

Benefits

Benefits may be prorated based upon start date. Information listed below is based upon a full school year in this position.

• $9,250 Health Insurance Contribution

• Pension Plan – PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association

• $15,000 Life Insurance Policy

• $750 403b Matching Contribution

• Multiple Voluntary Benefits including:

• Short Term Disability

• Long Term Disability

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment

• Supplemental Life Insurance

• Medical Bridge

• Accident Coverage

• Critical Illness

• Identity Theft

• Vision

• Flexible Spending Account (Health, Dependent Care)

• Paid Time Off

o Personal Leave – 2 Days

o Sick Leave/Earned Safe & Sick Time – 12 Days

o 8 Paid Holidays

Bargaining Unit

Food and Nutrition Services

Qualifications Required

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED

• Previous experience in food service required

• Must have a Food Protection Manager License.

• Must have mathematical skills required to complete production tasks.

• Must be able to follow and give oral and written directions.

• Ability to respond positively to different situations and circumstances as they arise.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in food service management or cooking preferred

Testing Required

All job offers from Willmar Public Schools are conditioned upon passing a pre-employment criminal background check.

How to Apply

Apply On-Line: Click Here

Closing Date

August 26, 2026