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Correctional Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pima County Government

Corrections Cook I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$17.90 - $24.16/hr

The Corrections Cook I performs work in food production and service in a corrections/detention facility, performing volume cooking and preparation of regular and special diet foods according to ...

County of Merrimack

Cook (Corrections)

Concord, NH

$22.90 - $33.21/hr

Our policy is to meet or exceed the standards set by the American Correctional Association, the ... As a Cook at the Merrimack County Department of Corrections you will prepare and assist with ...

Merrimack County, NH

Cook (Corrections)

Boscawen, NH · On-site

$22.90 - $33.21/hr

Our policy is to meet or exceed the standards set by the American Correctional Association, the ... As a Cook at the Merrimack County Department of Corrections you will prepare and assist with ...

State of Michigan

Cook

Manistee, MI · On-site

$22.76 - $27.53/hr

Corrections - Oaks Correctional Facility Opening Date: 05/04/2026 Closing Date: Continuous ... Experience Two years of experience in quantity cooking and food preparation, including one year ...

Pimacounty

$17.90 - $19.46/hr

Under the supervision of the Support Services Management staff, the Corrections Cook prepares and delivers food to detained youth in a safe, efficient, and healthy manner consistent with procedures ...

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Correctional Cook information

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How much do correctional cook jobs pay per month?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average monthly pay for correctional cook in the United States is $4,600.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $4,041.67 and $4,875.00 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Correctional Cooks, and how can they be managed on the job?

Correctional Cooks often face unique challenges such as preparing meals for large groups while adhering to strict security protocols and dietary guidelines. Managing time effectively is crucial, as meals must be served on schedule and within budget constraints. Additionally, Correctional Cooks work closely with correctional staff and may supervise inmates who assist in the kitchen, requiring strong communication and leadership skills to maintain safety and order. Adapting to limited resources and maintaining food safety standards are essential for success in this environment.

What is the difference between Correctional Cook vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCorrectional CookFood Service Worker
CredentialsFood handler permits, culinary trainingFood handler permits, basic training
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, secure environmentRestaurants, cafeterias, various settings
Employer & IndustryCorrectional institutions, governmentHospitality, healthcare, education

Correctional Cooks and Food Service Workers both prepare food and require food safety certifications. However, Correctional Cooks work specifically within correctional facilities, handling secure environments and specialized protocols, while Food Service Workers operate in diverse settings like restaurants and cafeterias. The roles overlap in skills but differ mainly in environment and employer context.

What Does a Correctional Cook Do?

As a correctional cook, you prepare and serve meals to inmates in the kitchen of a correctional facility. Your responsibilities include cooking meals using commercial culinary equipment, supervising inmate workers that assist with food preparation, and fulfilling basic cleaning and sanitation duties. You help order, receive, check, and store food supplies, maintain security in the kitchen, enforce disciplinary measures if needed, and help train inmate workers on food service and equipment operation. You are also required to prepare reports and records and submit incident reports as needed.

What are Correctional Cooks?

Correctional Cooks are culinary professionals who prepare and cook meals for inmates, staff, and visitors in correctional facilities such as prisons or jails. They are responsible for following strict guidelines to ensure food safety, proper nutrition, and security protocols. Correctional Cooks often work as part of a team and may also supervise inmate kitchen workers, manage inventory, and maintain cleanliness in the kitchen. Their role is vital in maintaining daily operations and supporting the well-being of individuals within the facility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Correctional Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Correctional Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial kitchen equipment, large-scale food preparation, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm and professional in a secure environment are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, efficient meal service while maintaining order and upholding security protocols within correctional facilities.
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Correctional Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correctional Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $55,205 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Corrections Cook I

Pima County Government

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$17.90 - $24.16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Description Summary
Department - Sheriff's DepartmentJob Description
REVISED
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Job Type: Classified
Job Classification: 5904 - Corrections Cook I
Salary Grade: 2
Pay Range
Hiring Range: $17.90 - $21.03 Per Hour
Pay Range: $17.90 - $24.16 Per Hour
Range Explanation:
  • Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
  • Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

The first review of applications will be on 02/13/2026.
The Corrections Cook I performs work in food production and service in a corrections/detention facility, performing volume cooking and preparation of regular and special diet foods according to prescribed menus and recipes; oversees inmates in food service work.
Essential Functions:
As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department's need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.
  • Responsible for volume cooking of entrees, baking and other preparation of regular and special diet food, by following established preparation procedures and presentation standards and making production adjustments as needed;
  • Ensures that meals are prepared, properly portioned, delivered and served on schedule;
  • Checks quality and preparation by monitoring temperature and tasting foods before service;
  • Operates, monitors and performs operator-level maintenance of standard food service equipment including ovens, steamers, refrigeration, slicers and mixers, etc.;
  • Inspects food handling and storage procedures to ensure compliance with sanitation standards;
  • Participates in the cleaning of food service areas, maintaining a safe and clean working environment by following organizational and regulatory sanitary procedures for the prevention of infection and food-borne disease;
  • Leads the work of inmates and other food service employees by making food preparation work assignments and ensuring compliance with preparation procedures and methods;
  • Maintains security, order and discipline of inmates by continually monitoring inmate behavior and removing agitators from the workplace;
  • Secures and assures safe usage of knives, cleavers and other utensils stored in a locked cabinet;
  • Checks kitchen areas for contraband;
  • Accompanies inmates in meal delivery to separate jail facilities;
  • Provides input into the improvement of food production, service and sanitation procedures;
  • Provides input into recipe formulation and menu content;
  • Writes reports, following standard format, and may give verbal accounts of work area accidents and inmate misbehavior;
  • Answers food-related grievances from inmates by rectifying kitchen staff mistakes in meal preparation;
  • May train less-experienced food service employees and inmates in food preparation techniques, safety and sanitary measures including compliance with procedures for the prevention of infection and food-borne diseases, and the use, care and maintenance of equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:
One year of experience in large-scale food preparation.
(Large-scale food preparation includes food preparation in an institutional setting, e.g., hospital, nursing home, corrections/detention facilities, school or industrial plant cafeterias, large full-service and fast-food restaurants, commercial cafeterias/buffets, hotel/convention banquet facilities, military feeding facilities (ashore or afloat) or similar mass-feeding or catering operations.)
OR:
Completion of a culinary arts program through a career and/or technical school, community college or equivalent OR current ServSafe or equivalent certification.
Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.
Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.
Supplemental Information:
Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant's suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination.
Special Notice Items: All positions require satisfactory completion of a background investigation due to need for access to law enforcement, corrections or courts facilities, property, communication systems and associated confidential and sensitive information, documents, databases and evidentiary materials. Pre-/post appointment drug screening and polygraph examinations are required of all positions in this classification due to need for access as described above. U.S. Department of Labor Regulation CFR 1910.1030 requires notification that some positions in this classification may have a high or moderate risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens or infectious diseases, due to contact with the public, evidence, detainees and/or inmates. Any required immunizations, personal safety and protective equipment and training will be provided. Some positions may require bi-lingual abilities in English and a second language, as determined by the department. The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.
Physical/Sensory Work Requirements: Lifts/carries up to 50 pounds; stands for extended periods of time; properly wears required safety clothing and/or equipment; tolerates exposure to cleaning chemicals. Reacts to physical confrontations and emergency situations quickly and effectively; hears and understands speech and radio transmissions.
Working Conditions: Works in extremes of heat, moisture and humidity. Works in confined spaces for prolonged periods of time.
EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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