Title: 4-H State Fair - Food Service Manager

Department: Youth Development

Location: Remote & Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Appointment: May 1, 2024 - (no end date... 14 hours/week)

Hourly rate: $22.00 - 25.00 DOQ

Apply by: May 24, 2024 (new deadline)

From the beginning of August through the beginning of September, the Food Service Manager will work from the 4-H Building on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul. This role will work mainly remotely outside of these months.

The Food Service Manager plans and operates the kitchen and dining area in the 4-H Building before and during the Minnesota State Fair. This position oversees a staff of up to 30 people to offer 24,000 high-quality meals and services. This position reports to the 4-H Director of State and County Fairs Programs. Hours vary throughout the year from 1-14 hours/week (non-fair time) to more than 40 hours/week in August and the beginning of September. This position will also become a State Fair employee during August and most hours will be reported as a State Fair employee. Room and board are available and provided while working at the Minnesota State Fair; located at the 4-H building on the fairgrounds. Former food service manager will be available to help with onboarding.

This position is responsible for planning and implementing the food service process for 4-H at the Minnesota State Fair.

Before the fair they will recruit food service staff, plan menus, open the kitchen and check equipment, work with other 4-H State Fair staff to plan for food service needs, attend 4-H State Fair Key Player's Meetings and requests and order food, equipment and supplies.

During the fair they will schedule, manage, supervise and communicate with the food service staff, order and inventory food and supplies, ensure meals are prepared and served on time, fulfill special food service requests, be a team player with the rest of the 4-H State fair staff and provide overall management of the 4-H State Fair kitchen.

After the fair they will close down the kitchen, track the leftover food returns and donations, submit reports for invoicing of special food requests, submit reports for food service programs, and submit final food service reports as some of the responsibilities.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Finance

• Maintain a food and supply budget
• Keep records of all food and supply purchases for the event, including quantities used and food returned or donated after event
• Submit any invoices or receipts in a timely manner and in accordance with the University of Minnesota policies and procedures
• Prepare for, implement and file reports for the Summer Food Service Program with the MN Department of Education and the Milk Grant

Food Safety and Planning

• Inventory, clean and maintain kitchen and equipment
• Contact food service suppliers as needed to order appropriate amount of food and coordinate delivery or pick up of food order
• Coordinate with staff on number of meals, meal times and food allergens
• Ensure special dietary needs meals are available
• Plan menus; prepare and serve high quality meals with other kitchen staff
• Supervise portion control and qualities of preparation to minimize waste
• Follow and enforce all sanitary standards based on the Minnesota Department of Health standards

Guest Service

• Respond to health and safety concerns and address improper behavior of kitchen workers
• Recruit, train and manage kitchen staff on kitchen operations and safety procedures
• Ensure kitchen and dining area are open and closed at the stated times
• Ensure positive guest service in all areas

Supervise 4-H food service staff

• Recruit food service staff and work with 4-H Facilities Coordinator to complete hiring process/paperwork for food service staff
• Create and communicate work schedules to staff
• Train staff

1. Cannot be a current UMN employee
2. Food Service Manager will report to the Director of State and County Fairs Programs who will oversee the work and schedule for this position.
3. Reimbursement for travel expenses is available. Must provide own means for traveling throughout the assigned area.
4. Wage rate is $22.00 - 25.00 per hour. Payroll is processed each pay period according to submitted timecards.
5. Each hire is contingent on a State Criminal Background check clearance, Safety of Minors, and/or other checks as appropriate.
6. Additional training courses will be required once hired, including purchasing card usage, University and State Fair required courses, etc.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Current Minnesota food service license
• Must have management experience with food service and cooking for large groups
• Experience working with hot, cold, and hazardous kitchen equipment
• Ability to work with and support youth and adults from a diverse range of experiences, cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to initiate and complete programs and projects as outlined
• Managerial and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently
• Flexibility and dependability
• Willingness to learn new skills and ability to give and receive feedback
• Access to reliable internet and ability to work remotely
• Skills in verbal and written communication and strong organizational skills

• Completed degree/certificate from a college/culinary school and/or current food industry experience equivalent to two years of full-time experience
• Experience working with school-aged youth and volunteers
• Previous experience in the 4-H Youth Development program or state fair

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance, or make individual arrangements for job-related transportation (picking up supplies, food products and transporting to and from locations, etc).. Mileage reimbursement provided in accordance with University policy
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends prior to and during the MN State Fair; must be able to work more than 40 hours a week (could be up to 100 hours during the fair) from the beginning of August through the second week of September.
• Experience using computer software technology
• Must have the ability to lift, carry, pull and push 20 pounds frequently and occasionally up to 40 pounds.
• While working at the MN State Fairgrounds, most days will require hours of standing. Position requires prolonged standing, bending, twisting, pulling, lifting products and supplies and repetitive hand and wrist motion.
• While working at the MN State Fair, you will be working in a hot kitchen/dining room with no air conditioning.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement

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. See full instructions, .

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

For questions about this position contact:
Amber Greeley, Search Chair,

For questions about applying online, contact:

Lisa Brownstein, Extension HR,

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.

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