Correctional Cook Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Introduction
The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.
The Correctional Food Service Leader 2 positions are located at correctional institutions statewide. Hours and shifts for these positions will vary by institution.
Current Vacancies:

• Columbia Correctional Institution (Portage, WI)
• Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility (Chippewa Falls, WI)
• Dodge Correctional Institution (Waupun, WI)
• Green Bay Correctional Institution (Green Bay, WI)
• Jackson Correctional Institution (Black River Falls, WI)
• Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake Schools (Irma, WI)
• Oakhill Correctional Institution (Oregon, WI)
• Oshkosh Correctional Institution (Oshkosh, WI)
• Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (Milwaukee, WI)
• Racine Correctional Institution (Sturtevant, WI)
• Redgranite Correctional Institution (Redgranite, WI)
• Stanley Correctional Institution (Stanley, WI)
• Waupun Correctional Institution (Waupun, WI)
• Wisconsin Secure Program Facility (Boscobel, WI)
• Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution (Prairie du Chien, WI)
• Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution (Plymouth, WI)

Position Summary
These positions are responsible for food production lead work. General responsibilities include: the preparation and distribution of the food, including special diets, for the Persons in our Care and staff of the institution; maintenance of a safe and sanitary food service area; care for and clean kitchen equipment; plan meals and procure supplies; maintain food inventory; maintenance of security in the food service department; and training of new Persons in our Care workers and food service staff in all facets of operation.
Salary Information
The CFSL 2 is in pay schedule and range 03-12 with a starting pay of $22.63 per hour. Pay on appointment for current state employees may vary according to the applicable pay transaction provisions of the Compensations Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code. A twelve-month probationary period is required.
Employees at Green Bay Correctional Institution are eligible for a $5/hour add-on for all hours worked.
As of May 20, 2026, new applicants for select work locations with no prior permanent employment with the State of Wisconsin in the past five (5) years may be eligible to accept a sign-on bonus of $3,000. The sign-on bonus will be paid in two installments: $1,500 on the first paycheck and $1,500 with the paycheck for the pay period in which the employee attains permanent status (usually one (1) year). To receive the bonus, a candidate must sign an agreement indicating they will remain in the occupational area for one (1) year. If the candidate leaves prior to completing the one (1) year, they may be required to reimburse the initial payment.
Work locations eligible for the sign-on bonus include:

• Columbia Correctional Institution (Portage, WI)
• Dodge Correctional Institution (Waupun, WI)
• Green Bay Correctional Institution (Green Bay, WI)
• Jackson Correctional Institution (Black River Falls, WI)
• Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution (Plymouth, WI)
• Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution (Prairie du Chien, WI)
• Waupun Correctional Institution (Waupun, WI)
• Wisconsin Secure Program Facility (Boscobel, WI)

In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Insurance : Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment
• An optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan
• DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
• Our Employee Assistance Program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being

To help you understand what your benefit package would be worth, please see the Total Rewards Calculator here .
Job Details
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application.
The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.
The Department of Corrections may conduct pre-employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency of employment.
Qualifications
Qualified applicants will have knowledge, training, and/or experience in:

• Proper methods of food handling.
• Use of standardized recipes.
• Use and care of kitchen tools and equipment.
• Materials, methods, and equipment used in large-scale food preparation.
• Methods of leading food preparation activities on a large scale efficiently.
• Quantity cooking in an institutional setting.

How To Apply
To apply, click on "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer or voluntary demotion) should complete the application as described above by the stated date. Apply through the "Careers" tile on your ESS Portal.
The State of Wisconsin is proud an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds . We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.
The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program. Once determined eligible, please send a follow up email with the HR Specialist below to indicate interest in this job announcement.
Questions can be directed to Coral Nelson, Human Resources Assistant Advanced, at corals.nelson@wisconsin.gov.
Deadline to Apply
Online applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the needs of the department are met. We anticipate using this Job Opening Until: January 14, 2027, at which time we will continue recruiting with a new Job Opening. Applications are processed every week, usually on Thursdays.
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