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Prison Kitchen Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Willcox, AZ · On-site

$48K/yr

Arizona State Prison Complex (ASPC) - Ft. Grant 15500 South Fort Grant Road Willcox, AZ 85643 ... kitchen systems, while diagnosing issues and ensuring safe, efficient operations. You'll also help ...

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Prison Kitchen information

How much do prison kitchen workers make?

Prison kitchen workers typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on the facility and location. They often require basic cooking skills and may work early morning or evening shifts in a correctional environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prison kitchen worker?

To thrive as a Prison Kitchen Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and sometimes a food handler's permit or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and sanitation protocols is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow strict procedures are crucial soft skills in this environment. These skills ensure safe, efficient meal service and help maintain order and security within the correctional facility.

What is the difference between Prison Kitchen vs Prison Cook?

AspectPrison KitchenPrison Cook
CredentialsFood handler’s permit, basic culinary skillsFood handler’s permit, culinary training preferred
Work EnvironmentLarge institutional kitchen within prison facilityPreparing meals for inmates in prison kitchen
Employer & IndustryPrison system, correctional facilitiesPrison system, correctional facilities
Job RoleOversees meal preparation, manages kitchen staffPrepares meals, assists in kitchen operations

Prison Kitchen refers to the overall facility managing meal services within a correctional institution, while a Prison Cook is an individual responsible for preparing and cooking meals. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but the Prison Kitchen encompasses the entire operation, whereas the Prison Cook focuses on food preparation tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in a prison kitchen?

Working in a prison kitchen often involves unique challenges, such as maintaining strict security protocols while preparing and serving meals. Staff must carefully account for all kitchen tools and ingredients, ensure food safety standards are met, and manage time-sensitive meal schedules for large groups. Additionally, there is close collaboration with correctional officers and, in some cases, supervision of inmate workers, requiring strong communication and conflict resolution skills. Adapting to a highly regulated environment and adhering to institutional guidelines are essential for success in this role.

What is a prison kitchen?

Prison kitchen jobs involve preparing, cooking, and serving meals to inmates and staff within a correctional facility. These roles often include tasks such as food preparation, cleaning kitchen areas, following strict safety and sanitation guidelines, and sometimes assisting with inventory or menu planning. Inmates assigned to kitchen jobs can gain valuable skills, work experience, and sometimes earn small incentives. Working in the prison kitchen also helps the facility run efficiently and ensures that all dietary needs are met. These jobs are typically supervised by correctional staff to maintain order and safety.
What are popular job titles related to Prison Kitchen jobs in Arizona? For Prison Kitchen jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Prison Kitchen jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Prison Kitchen job openings:
Infographic showing various Prison Kitchen job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

HVAC MECHANIC (REFRIGERATION MECHANIC)

The State of Arizona

Buckeye, AZ • On-site

$48K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


State Of Arizona rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 50 rated states


Job description

HVAC MECHANIC (REFRIGERATION MECHANIC)

Apply now Job No: 541268
Work Type: Full-time
Location: BUCKEYE
Categories: Facilities Management/Maintainence/Construction/Operations

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS REHABILITATION & REENTRY Our mission is to enhance public safety across Arizona through modern, effective correctional practices and meaningful engagements.
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) is committed to creating a safe, secure, and humane correctional system. With public safety top of mind, ADCRR and its more than 8,000 officers and professional staff are driven by a heart for public service and a commitment to deliver perfect effort each day. ADCRR is redefining itself as an agency whose daily work centers on transparency, accountability, and fairness.
HVAC MECHANIC (REFRIGERATION MECHANIC)
Job Location:
Address: Arizona State Prison Complex (ASPC) - Lewis
26700 South Highway 85
Buckeye, Arizona 85326
https://corrections.az.gov/
Posting Details:
Salary: $48,000.00
Grade: 17
Open Until Filled
Job Summary:

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) is hiring an experienced HVAC Mechanic to keep our facilities running smoothly. In this role, you'll perform preventive maintenance and repairs on electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, and kitchen systems, while diagnosing issues and ensuring safe, efficient operations. You'll also help plan projects, maintain equipment, and oversee the performance of inmate workers.

This is a great opportunity to build a stable career with competitive pay, retirement benefits, and the chance to make a difference in your community. Apply today and grow your future with ADCRR!

Job Duties:

- Performs preventive maintenance tasks as required and scheduled, such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, kitchen equipment repairs, and general building maintenance as it relates to servicing, repairing, or installing cooling/refrigeration equipment and associated heating/ventilation systems
- Diagnosing problems or malfunctions
- Schedules and plans maintenance-related projects to include pricing material lists, equipment needs, and time frames
- Conducts inspections and evaluates inmate workers' performance
- Inspects, maintains, and accounts for tools and equipment as required
- Maintains records and completes documentation/reports as required by policy
- Drives on State business
- Performs other duties appropriate to the assignment

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:
- Operating principles of various types of cooling, refrigeration, and ventilation equipment and systems
- Test equipment, tools, and procedures associated with diagnosing problems and/or malfunctions
- Procedures for inspecting, servicing, repairing, and installing a wide variety of cooling and refrigeration equipment and associated heating ventilation systems, including large-scale commercial systems
Skill in:
- Basic reading and interpreting sketches and schematics
- Estimating costs and ordering materials
- Written and verbal communication
- Common safety practices
- Maintaining records and preparing reports
Ability to:
- Establish and maintain interpersonal relationships
- Adhere to all Department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
- Adapt to changing priorities
- Work in a prison environment
- Lift/Carry 50lbs
- Push/Pull 50lbs
- Walk/Run 0.25 miles

Selective Preference(s):

- Four (4) years of journey-level experience inspecting, servicing, repairing, and installing cooling/refrigeration equipment/systems
- Any combination of training and experience that meets the knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted

Pre-Employment Requirements:

HVAC certification at time of appointment.
Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing a background investigation, a drug test, and a medical/physical examination.
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
In an effort to maintain a safe environment, all employees are required to take a Tuberculosis (TB) test during their New Employee Orientation and every year thereafter.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

We offer an excellent and affordable comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees:
- Vacation and sick days with 10 paid holidays per year
- Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
- Robust and affordable insurance plan to include medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability options
- Exceptional retirement program
- Optional employee benefits such as deferred compensation plans, credit union membership, and a wellness program
- An incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

Positions in this classification participate in the Correctional Officer Retirement Plan (CORP).
As a condition of participation in the CORP, you will be required to undergo a medical evaluation.
Current ADCRR Employees: Consult with your respective Human Resources Liaison if you are in a different retirement plan than the one indicated above.

Contact Us:

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 255-2430. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

Advertised: 29 May 2026 US Mountain Standard Time
Applications close:

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About State of Arizona

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of Arizona is not a conventional company, but the governmental structure presiding over the U.S. state of Arizona, headquartered in Phoenix, AZ. The State of Arizona operates within the industry of government administration and public services across various sectors including education, health, public safety, transportation, and economic services. These services are aimed to ensure the security, prosperity, and well-being of the Arizona citizens and communities. Founded on February 14, 1912, when Arizona became the 48th state to join the Union, the State of Arizona is committed to providing people-centric, efficient, and effective government. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for all Arizonans by providing a secure environment and advancing the state's economy.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

Year founded

1912