Cook

State of Montana

Agency: State of Montana
Location: MT
Type: full-time
Work arrangement: onsite
Posted: 2026-09-22

Job Description

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a Cook career opportunity at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, MT.
The Montana Veterans' Home (MVH), located in Columbia Falls, Montana, is a Medicare/Medicaid and Veterans Administration-certified facility with 105 intermediate/skilled-care beds and 12 domiciliary beds. The nursing facility includes a 15-bed Dementia Care unit. MVH has been providing services to Veterans since 1896. The Montana Veterans' Home is located next to the Flathead River, just minutes away from Glacier National Park. A large pavilion, walking paths, and protected courtyards provide ample opportunities for outdoor access. The facility offers individual and group activities, spiritual services, support group services, and social services. The skilled and rehabilitative services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and dietitian services.
Why Join DPHHS?
Our mission at DPHHS is to serve Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.
The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities, whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.
Job Overview:
This position is a Dietary Cook.

The Cook prepares large quantities of food items & nutritional supplements for residents, following prescribed therapeutic diets in order to maintain nutritional health.

Other responsibilities include:

Serving food to residents; and 2) Cleaning and sanitizing food supplies and work areas.

Position:
Cook
Location:
Montana Veterans Home, 400 Veterans Drive, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Schedule:
Friday - Tuesday, 5:00 am - 1:30 pm.
How To Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.
Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Effective June 29, 2026, DPHHS is participating in E-Verify at this hiring location to confirm employment eligibility. After you accept a job offer and complete Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here: https://www.e-verify.gov.

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Must be able to operate commercial kitchen equipment in a safe manner. Work closely with co-workers in a limited space & maintain positive work relations. Lift 15 lbs. frequently/50 lbs. occasionally. Carry 15 lbs. occasionally. Push/Pull force 25lbs frequently, up to 80 lbs. Reach forward & down frequently/above the shoulders occasionally. Remain on your feet (stand or walk) for extended periods on tile floors. Handle/grasp up to 80% of a shift, with repetitive hand motions. Must be able to tolerate extreme heat & humidity. Regular exposure to odors, fumes, & noise from equipment. Possible exposure to verbal & physical abuse from residents.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):
• Working knowledge of kitchen sanitation, safety & equipment.
• Ability to establish & maintain effective working relationships with co-workers/residents.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to effectively communicate with others.
• Ability to maintain a clean and safe environment.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• One year of job-related work experience in food service operations.
• Nursing home or hospital setting preferred.

Applicant Pool Statement
:

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Training Assignment
:

Not Applicable

Salary: $

21.30

Hourly

Telework Eligibility
:

Not Telework Eligible

Benefits Package Eligibility
:

Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings
:

Employee Status
:

Regular

Schedule
:

Full-Time

Job Type
:

Standard

Shift
:

Day Job

Travel
:

Primary Location
:

Columbia Falls

Agency
:

Department of Public Health & Human Services

Union
:

Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date
:

Sep 21, 2026, 6:34:33 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)
:

Ongoing

Required Application Materials
:

Letter of Interest (Internal Position)

Contact Name
:

Stacey Wright

Contact Email
:

Stacey.Wright@mt.gov

Contact Phone
:

406-897-6073

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711.
Montana Job Service Offices
also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• One year of job-related work experience in food service operations.
• Nursing home or hospital setting preferred.