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Prison Chef Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Tucson, Arizona Tucson is a place where talented artists, chefs, and craftspeople have taken ... About the Facility - FCC Tucson Prison The Federal Correctional Institution may need services in ...

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Casa Grande, AZ · On-site

$49K/yr

Arizona State Prison Complex - Eyman Arizona Correctional Industries (ACI) 4374 East Butte Avenue ... The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) is seeking a master chef or ...

Prison Chef information

See Arizona salary details

$26.6K

$59.6K

$88.5K

How much do prison chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for prison chef in Arizona is $59,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,600.00 and $69,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a prison chef do?

A Prison Chef is responsible for preparing and overseeing meals for inmates and staff within a correctional facility. Their duties include planning menus that meet nutritional guidelines, managing kitchen staff (often including inmates), ensuring food safety standards are met, and maintaining inventory of kitchen supplies. They play an important role in the daily operations of the prison by ensuring meals are prepared efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. Additionally, Prison Chefs may help teach inmates valuable culinary skills that can be used after release.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a prison chef?

To thrive as a Prison Chef, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a food handler’s certification or relevant culinary qualification. Familiarity with large-scale kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and institutional menu planning tools is typically required. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial for managing diverse teams and maintaining order in a secure environment. These skills ensure safe, nutritious meal preparation under strict regulations, promoting safety and efficiency within the correctional facility.

What are common challenges faced by a prison chef, and how can they be addressed?

Prison Chefs often face challenges such as working with limited budgets, adhering to strict dietary regulations, and managing large-scale food preparation for diverse inmate populations. Additionally, there is a need to maintain high standards of food safety and security within a controlled environment. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong organizational skills, being resourceful with available ingredients, and fostering effective communication with both kitchen staff and correctional officers to ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Prison Chef vs Correctional Cook?

AspectPrison ChefCorrectional Cook
CredentialsFood safety certifications, culinary trainingFood safety certifications, culinary training
Work EnvironmentPrison kitchens within correctional facilitiesPrison kitchens within correctional facilities
Employer & IndustryCorrectional institutions, government agenciesCorrectional institutions, government agencies
Job DutiesPreparing meals for inmates, managing kitchen staffPreparing meals for inmates, managing kitchen staff

Prison Chef and Correctional Cook roles are similar, both working within correctional facility kitchens and requiring culinary certifications. The main difference lies in terminology; 'Prison Chef' is often used in media and public references, while 'Correctional Cook' is the official job title in many institutions. Both positions focus on preparing nutritious meals for inmates in secure environments.

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Prison Chef jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Prison Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Prison Chef job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,636 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Kitchen Manager (KITMGR-01)

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$2.0K - $10K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the kitchen, ensuring food quality, safety, and efficiency.

  • Lead, train, supervise, and evaluate kitchen staff to maintain high performance and a positive work environment.

  • Manage inventory, including receiving deliveries, rotating stock, and ensuring proper storage and sanitation.


Job description

Join New Freedom – Where Second Chances Become Bright Futures

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About Us:

At New Freedom, we don’t just believe in second chances—we help people thrive because of them. We are a dynamic, compassionate, and peer-driven community dedicated to empowering justice-involved and formerly incarcerated individuals to successfully rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

Our approach blends empathy with action—offering tools, mentorship, and unwavering support that transforms lives, families, and communities. When you join New Freedom, you join a movement that creates personal, societal, and economic change every single day.

If you’re driven by purpose, passionate about people, and ready to make a lasting impact, this is where you belong.

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Why You’ll Love Working Here:

We take care of the people who take care of others. At New Freedom, you’ll enjoy:

  • Competitive pay – because your impact matters
  • Enhanced health insurance- wellness shouldn’t be a burden
    • $0 Medical Plan available and other majority paid by company options
    • $0 primary care co-pay
    • $2,000 - $10,000 FREE Health Reimbursement Account (Plan Type Varies)
  • Flexible Spending Account- medical and dependent care options
  • Low-cost dental, vision, & supplemental coverage- to further support your health
  • Company-paid life insurance & short-term disability – for unexpected needs
  • Employee Assistance Program – confidential support for life’s challenges
  • Voluntary Pet Insurance – medical assistance for your furry family
  • 401(k) with company match – invest in your future while you invest in others
  • Generous paid time off – including sick days, holidays, vacations, and more
  • Free meals, snacks, drinks, & gym access – fuel your body and mind
  • Free onsite training & certifications – CPR, Safety Care, Peer Support, and more

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About the Position

Under the supervision of the Executive Chef/Sous Chef, the Kitchen Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the kitchen, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and efficiency. This role involves directing the kitchen staff, maintaining inventory, and upholding all health and safety regulations. The Kitchen Manager is responsible for creating a productive and positive work environment, upholding company policies and procedures, and focusing on staff training and development

Your Impact Will Include:

  • Lead, train, supervise, and evaluate kitchen staff to ensure high performance, skill development, and a positive work environment.
  • Support Executive Chef(s) in planning, preparing, and executing standard and modified menus that meet dietary needs, restrictions, and allergy requirements.
  • Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, taste, presentation, and consistency across all meal services.
  • Oversee inventory management, including receiving deliveries, rotating stock, labeling products, and monitoring safe storage of food and cleaning chemicals.
  • Ensure full compliance with County/State/Federal food safety and sanitation regulations and uphold all daily operational procedures and kitchen logs.
  • Maintain kitchen equipment in safe working conditions and lead the team effectively during emergencies to ensure safety and continuity.
  • Address and resolve member concerns regarding food quality or service in alignment with organizational values and confidentiality expectations.
  • Collaborate with Chef(s) on menu development, staff performance evaluations, conflict resolution, and continuous improvement of kitchen operations.
  • Performing additional duties as assigned to support our mission.

______________________________________________________________________

Where You’ll Work:
  • Requires satisfactory visual and auditory abilities to safely operate vehicles and communicate effectively
  • Requires use of standard office equipment including but not limited to computer-use, monitors/screen, desk, chair, etc.
  • Requires frequent use of hands for typing, handling equipment, and reaching
  • Requires prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, etc.
  • Requires the ability to lift, carry, or move objects up to 30 pounds

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Equal Opportunity Statement

New Freedom Ops LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, a drug-free workplace, and compliant with Veteran and ADA regulations.

"Every day, someone walks out of a prison gate with nothing but a bag of belongings and a hope for a better future. At New Freedom, we meet them at that moment—with open arms, real opportunities, and the belief that their past does not define their potential."