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Correctional Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Casa Grande, AZ · On-site

$49K/yr

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS REHABILITATION & REENTRY Our mission is to enhance public safety across Arizona through modern, effective correctional practices and meaningful engagements. The ...

Event Cook - Next Door by Wegmans

Pittsford, NY · On-site

$3.8K - $4.6K/mo

As a lead cook, you'll be part of a passionate team delivering an authentic yet innovative dining experience with global inspiration. This is your opportunity to work with world-class ingredients ...

New

MD · On-site

$42K - $55K/yr

... Correctional Dietary Officer Trainee Cooking is the entry level of work involving the custody, security and supervision of incarcerated individuals in food preparation and serving of meals at ...

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Correctional Cook information

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$2.6K

$4.6K

$6.3K

How much do correctional cook jobs pay per month?

As of Sep 14, 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 is a correctional cook?

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 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 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.

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 cities are hiring for Correctional Cook jobs?

Cities with the most Correctional Cook job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Correctional Cook jobs?

The top employers for Correctional Cook jobs are:

What states have the most Correctional Cook jobs?

States with the most job openings for Correctional Cook jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Correctional Cook jobs?

For Correctional Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Correctional Cook job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $55,205 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

*Extra-Help* Mental Health Cook

Eureka, CA • On-site

$18.73 - $24.03/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Participate in the preparation, cooking, and portioning of meals for patients.

  • Ensure food preparation areas, equipment, and utensils are clean and sanitary, and store leftover food properly.

  • Maintain inventory of food and supplies, and complete related recordkeeping and paperwork.


Job description

DEFINITION *Extra-Help* Mental Health Cook Department of Health and Human Services Are you interested in making a difference. If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the Department of Health & Human Services. Please note: This position is for a non-benefited Extra Help assignment.

Job Highlights: This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including; Need California Food Handler's Certificate within 30 days of hire Cook meals for patient's that align with prescribed nutritional needs Kitchen clean up that meets California regulations Inventory and date kitchen supplies, stocking inventory Be able to fill out paperwork & complete mandatory online trainings Able to work independently & communicate clearly in a team environment Work Location: This position is located at Sempervirens - 720 Wood Street, Eureka, CA, 95501. Work Hours: This position has a varied schedule that may include evenings and weekends. *This is a continuous recruitment and Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.* DEFINITION Under general supervision, participates in the preparation, volume cooking and portioning of meals for patients in a psychiatric facility; performs related work as assigned

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This skilled, working level class is responsible to properly prepare nutritional meals in a large volume, institutional setting. This class is distinguished from Director of Dietary Services in that the latter is the first full supervisory level, responsible for all food preparation and planning activities and for directing the work of others. It is further distinguished from Correctional Cook in that the latter is found only in a locked correction setting.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Personally participates in the preparation, cooking and portioning of meals; prepares vegetables and fruits; cooks meats, soups and other foods; prepares sauces, gravies, breads and pastries; performs similar preparation tasks. Orders and/or purchases required food items. Prepares and oversees the preparation of a full range of meals, including special diets.

Ensures that food preparation equipment, cooking and serving utensils, kitchen work areas and the dining area are orderly, clean and sanitary. Uses, cleans, adjusts and performs minor maintenance to a variety of large institutional cooking equipment. Stores leftover food appropriately, maintains stocks of food and supplies; receives food and supplies, unpacks and stores in the appropriate location.

Maintains records of food and supplies used and meals served. Instruct aides in methods of basic meal preparation QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principles, methods and equipment used in high volume meal preparation in an institutional setting. Safe work practices and sanitation related to food preparation and service.

Basic business arithmetic. Basic inventory and recordkeeping principles. Skill in: Preparing meals in a large scale, institutional setting.

Overseeing and prioritizing the work of others. Operating, cleaning and performing minor maintenance to large institutional food preparation and cooking equipment. Maintaining accurate records and preparing work related reports.

Instructing others in work procedure. Making accurate arithmetic calculations. Reading, understanding and following recipes and oral and written directions.

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. Other Requirements: Must routinely stand and walk for extended periods. Desirable Education and Experience: A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is: Two years of experience in large scale institutional food preparation and volume cooking experience WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ADDITIONAL INFORMATION HOW TO APPLY A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for.

Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca. Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess

Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Please read the job requirements section of the announcement.

Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process. Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process.

Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How long does it take to fill out the application. You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it. No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final.

Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application. You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification

To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam. Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam. OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application.

The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position

In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position. If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities.

The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions.

If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment. OTHER EXAMINATIONS Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation. LICENSES Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses.

Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license. PROBATIONARY PERIOD Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year.

All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period. EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States.

For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status. DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109)

Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.

THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.