Correctional Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Correctional Cook Supervisor - Maine State Prison, Warren.
Grade 18: $26.04/hr to $33.51/hr
(rate includes$1.00 Direct Care Stipend)
Job Class Code: 5007
04000.0501
Open: June 26, 2026
Close: July 13, 2026
MDOC is destigmatizing corrections for the betterment of all Maine communities. Through the 'Maine Model of Corrections', we promote the safety of our staff and residents while reducing barriers to meaningful rehabilitative opportunities. We facilitate restorative justice practices that equip justice-involved residents and clients with the skills they need to become contributing members of society upon release, including treatment, education, and job training.
We are committed to rebuilding lives and are searching for great team players, with a professional attitude and well-developed integrity and ethics, to join us in this mission.
JOB DESCRIPTION
This is maintenance and personal services work of a supervisory nature in directing and overseeing food service operations and kitchen security for a correctional facility. Responsibilities include securing the kitchen and all kitchen equipment, overseeing cooking and kitchen operations, supervising subordinate employees and inmates, keeping administrative records, and requisitioning supplies. Work is performed under limited supervision.
Responsibilities include:

• Plans, coordinates, oversees, appraises, and directs the work activities of a large central correctional facility kitchen staff in order to ensure meals are prepared in a timely and effective manner and kitchen security is maintained.
• Plans menus which do not require the application of professional dietetic principles in order to provide nutritionally balanced meals to residents at minimum cost.
• Estimates food needs and initiates requisitions for food stuff in order to obtain items required to support the menu.
• Trains and instructs new employees and residents in their duties and coordinates cooking activities in order to ensure meals are properly prepared and ready to serve at scheduled times.
• Directs cooking activities such as cooking and carving meats and bakery operations in order to ensure coordinated food preparation and maximize cost and operational efficiency.
• Allocates required amounts of prepared food for distribution to segregation units and infirmary in order to ensure residents are provided proper nutrition.
• Oversees and inspects cleaning of kitchens and equipment in order to ensure established sanitary standards are met.
• Oversees filling of special menus such as diabetic, low calorie, and low fat in order to meet special dietary needs of residents.
• Oversees monitoring and control of residents in order to maintain discipline and security.
• Secures and controls kitchen knives, security keys, food, and other equipment in order to prevent pilferage and maintain security.
• Writes passes, escorts residents, and conducts head counts in order to ensure accountability of each resident.
• Performs shakedowns and personal searches of prisoners in order to ensure contraband is not brought into the kitchen and food, knives, and other equipment do not leave the kitchen.
• Prepares reports on resident conduct, work performance, and kitchen requirements in order to evaluate and document resident actions and work habits and inform superiors.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).
-Knowledge of materials, methods, utensils, and equipment used in food preparation.
-Knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation requirements.
-Knowledge of food values and nutrition.
-Knowledge of menu planning and food preparation methods and techniques for large institutional meals.
-Knowledge of kitchen supply needs and requisition processes.
-Ability to cook, bake, and serve meals.
-Ability to clean kitchen area and utensils.
-Ability to stand for long periods of time under conditions of high temperature.
-Ability to plan, direct, oversee, and coordinate the work of subordinate employees.
-Ability to handle confrontations with residents.
-Ability to make decisions under stress.
-Ability to delegate authority.
-Ability to recognize security breaches.
A full description of the job plus all of the knowledge, skills and abilities' necessary for this work can be found on the Bureau of Human Resources website.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
In order to qualify, you must have four (4) years of training, education, and/or experience in large-scale food preparation, including at least one (1) year of supervisory experience.
BENEFITS:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage- The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28 - $12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit- Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance- The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan- The State of Maine contributes 19% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement- Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts- Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness- The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program - Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation- Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.