Cook

Salary: $21.36 Hourly
Location : Buffalo, WY
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 2026-01903
Department: Department Of Health
Division: Veterans' Home
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Job Classification: ISFS05


Description and Functions
Open Until Filled
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Veterans' Home of Wyoming seeks a qualified individual to fill the position of Food Service Specialist (Cook). This position requires a person to provide a high-quality dining experience by preparing nourishing and appetizing meals for the residents living at our facility.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: wdhaginghr.wyo.gov
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.

• Working with the Food Services Assistant, this position directs, coordinates, prepares, and supervises food preparation for meals within the guidelines of the
  menu, dietary requirements, and the standards of appearance, taste, temperature, and sanitation.
• Prepares all religious and medically necessary diets and substitutions as needed.
• Directs the portioning and serving of all meals.
• Ensures that health guidelines are met in the daily preparation of food.
• Observes and records food, refrigerator, and freezer temperatures.

Qualifications
PREFERENCES:
Preference may be given to applicants who have one year of work experience in a long-term care facility.
KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of preparation of normal and therapeutic diets.
• Knowledge of large equipment operations and recipe development.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, food safety codes, and techniques.
• Knowledge of proper sanitation and nutrition.
• Skills in supervision, oral, and written communication.
• Skills in time management, working under pressure, and interpersonal relations.
• Ability to stoop, stand, bend, reach, and climb a ladder.
• Ability to plan, organize, communicate, delegate, and handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to be patient, reliable, punctual, and have a positive attitude.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience Substitution :

2-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Food Services) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Food Services Assistant
OR
Education:

Associate's Degree (typically in Culinary Arts)


Experience:

0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in Food Services) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Food Services Assistant
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None
Necessary Special Requirements
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be able to work holidays, evenings, nights, and/or weekends as scheduled.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to handle and work around all types of food, including but not limited to fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, spices, and seasonings

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-exempt
• A background check, including the taking of fingerprints, will be completed through the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Family Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for every successful applicant.
• For our residents' health and protection, annual influenza vaccination is required, and annual testing for tuberculosis.
• Employees of this facility will be expected to follow all rules and requirements established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding COVID-19.
• Pre-employment drug testing will be conducted on safety-sensitive positions (direct patient care positions are considered safety-sensitive). Drug and alcohol testing will be conducted in any position if reasonable suspicion exists.
• The Wyoming Department of Health is an E-Verify employer.

Supplemental Information
Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

Click to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL:


The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.
Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job - it's a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

Employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 11 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value.
Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.

Explore your total compensation:

WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION - Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can't find anywhere else - wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax .
Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!.
01


(AA) Which of the following best describes your highest completed level of education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• High School Diploma/GED/or Equivalent
• Some college Coursework, No Degree Received
• Associate's Degree
• Associate's Degree and additional coursework
• Bachelor's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree and additional coursework
• Master's Degree
• Master's Degree and additional coursework
• Doctorate Degree
• Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
• None of the Above

02


(AA) Which of the following Quarter/Semester credit hours best describes your completed college education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• 45+ Quarter hours/30+ Semester hours
• 90+ Quarter hours/60+ Semester hours
• 136+ Quarter hours/91+ Semester hours
• 180+ Quarter hours/120+ Semester hours
• 225+ Quarter hours/150+Semester hours
• N/A

03


(ISFS05) How many years of relevant work experience or transferable skills do you have related to the job description?

• No relevant experience, but willing to learn.
• Less than two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Two (2) to less than four (4) years of relevant experience.
• Four (4) or more years of relevant experience.

04


(AA) Describe your relevant experience below.
05


(A1) Where did you hear about this opportunity?

• Government Jobs @
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce Center
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
• Career Fair
• Human Resources Division
• Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
• Current State Employee
• Other

06


(A1) If you selected Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.
07


(A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employee's first and last name, and include the department they work for, if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral Bonus.
08


(AA) VETERANS' PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: PER WYOMING STATUTE, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for veterans' preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive veterans' preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. I have read and understand the veterans' preference disclosure.

• Yes
• No
• I am not a veteran

09


(AA) VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veteran's military service, and wish to claim veterans' preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans' preference status. By requesting veterans' preference, you are certifying that you meet the statutory requirements as described in the above disclosure.

• Current State Employee
• Veteran - DD214 Attached
• Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veteran's Disability Determination Attached
• Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
• None of the above

10


(A2) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume' is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Some State of Wyoming agencies use E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at have read and understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question