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Prison Kitchen Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Correctional Officer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$63K - $95K/yr

A.) standards, and Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards relating to the confinement of ... kitchen, industrial production, stockroom, cleaning, and grounds maintenance equipment), and ...

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 Minnesota? For Prison Kitchen jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prison Kitchen jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Prison Kitchen jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Prison Kitchen job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Correctional Officer

Hennepin County

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$63K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Hennepin County rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

310th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description The Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCCR) is seeking multiple Correctional Officers for the Adult Corrections Facility (ACF) to promote public safety and provide for victim restoration by holding offenders accountable and providing opportunities for change through assessment and supervision. The ACF is a confinement center for adult offenders committed by the courts to serve a maximum sentence of one year. Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus.

For more information visit employee referral program. Find us here at upcoming career fairs. Location and hours: These positions are located at the Adult Corrections Facility at 1145 Shenandoah Lane, Plymouth, MN 55447.

The ACF is a medium level security facility, located 13 miles from downtown Minneapolis, and there is no public transportation to this facility. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.

Candidates must be available to work various 12-hour shifts, which include day, evening, overnight, holiday, and weekend hours. Anyone indicating limited availability will not be considered. A shift differential of $1.10 per hour will be paid for nights and $2.00 per hour for weekends

Meals are provided and a uniform allowance is given for qualifying positions. About these position types: This posting will be used to fill current and future full-time, Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ), and limited duration (temporary) Correctional Officer vacancies at the Adult Corrections Facility (ACF). To remain in compliance with OSHA safety requirements, candidates hired into Correctional Officer positions are required to pass an initial fit test for the use of a respirator and then pass a fit test annually during employment.

Fit testing for respirator use is a safety qualification of the job. In order to meet this job qualification, Correctional Officers must be able to comply with facial hair styles that do not interfere with the proper use and fit of a respirator (e.g., clean shaven). These positions are internally classified as Correctional Officer

Click here to view the job classification specification. In these positions, you will: Maintain a safe institution for staff and residents by building relationships, employing de-escalation techniques, using verbal commands, and using physical and mechanical restraints when necessary. Enforce Minnesota laws, American Correctional Association (A.C.A.) standards, and Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards relating to the confinement of prisoners, security regulations, rules of conduct, and work rules

Search residents and inspect cells, recreation areas, work locations, and other activity areas for unauthorized objects or materials. Respond to and manage emergency or crisis situations using communication skills to resolve volatile situations. Observe behavior of residents and utilize behavioral management techniques/skills to assist residents in self-management of their behavior and report observations of unusual behaviors to medical or social service personnel.

Escort individuals and groups of residents to work and other activities, supervise and instruct residents in work crew activities and the operation of equipment (i.e., laundry, kitchen, industrial production, stockroom, cleaning, and grounds maintenance equipment), and participate in work crew activities as needed. Write reports (e.g., disciplinary reports and incident reports) and maintain records (i.e., records of residents' funds and personal property). Need to have: One of the following: Two years or more (90 quarter/60 semester credits) of college or vocational/technical coursework in corrections, law enforcement, or a related criminal justice or behavioral/social science field

Two years or more of experience in corrections, law enforcement, or criminal justice. Active military duty with an honorable discharge. Note: Completion of an Evidence Based Practice Corrections Professional Certificate from an approved school may be substituted for one year of relevant coursework or experience.

A valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a Hennepin County driver's permit. Ability to stand, stoop, bend, reach, run, and walk both inside and outside. Nice to have: Experience: Working with customers or clients from a variety of diverse backgrounds.

As an intern, volunteer, and/or work in a correctional institution and/or similar environment where individuals are secured in a facility/area for a period of time. Working under stressful conditions and having contact with aggressive and/or confrontational individuals. Supervising, training, and/or directing individuals who are secured in a facility/area for a period of time.

Using de-escalation techniques in a situation at work where there was a disagreement or confrontation. Understanding of human relations and of bias and the impact of such to promote handling situations equitably and with a high level of respect. Ability to: Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Interpret and enforce rules and regulations. Manage difficult situations with a diverse population with a high level of objectivity, minimizing the impact of personal implicit bias. Identify suspicious behaviors/activities and take appropriate actions.

Candidates with fluency in another language in addition to English are encouraged to apply. Bilingual candidates who pass a language assessment may qualify for additional bilingual pay and duties. About the department: The Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation works to enhance community safety, promote community restoration, and reduce the risk of re-offense.

Department staff and volunteers serve Hennepin County at more than 20 service locations ranging from correctional facilities to probation reporting offices and occupational training centers, delivering sustainable correctional services to more than 26,000 adult and juvenile clients. It is the largest community corrections organization in Minnesota. Learn more at www.hennepin.us/corrections

About Hennepin County: Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive.

Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (login as Guest).

Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the elimination of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community. Your future. Made here.

This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies. Watch this video for application best practices and tips. Convictions for certain crimes will have an effect on your ability to be hired according to the disqualification schedule listed in Minnesota Statute 245C.15

Individuals convicted for any level of Criminal Sexual Conduct are disqualified from being hired into any position within the DOCCR under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Other past involvement with the criminal court system will not automatically disqualify you from working at the DOCCR; individual circumstances are reviewed and evaluated confidentially. If you do not know your exact conviction information, you can refer to your sentencing order or contact the county where you were convicted.

Invitations to interview will be based on an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates will be required to pass a drug test that includes cannabis and background check. In addition, Under Minn.

Stat. 144.445, subd. 2, an applicant or employee commissioned at the Hennepin County correctional facilities (Juvenile Detention Center and Adult Corrections Facility) are required to undergo tuberculosis (TB) testing

If you have any questions, please contact: Talent Acquisition division Hennepin County Human Resources department Submit a request at hennepin.us/ask-hr or call 612-348-7855


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