Food Service Lead - Cook Coordinator

Minnesota Department of Corrections · Forest Area, MN · 1 mo ago

Management$22.79–$31.43/hrFull-time

This position provides guidance, instruction, and direction to incarcerated workers in the preparation, presentation, handling, serving, and clean-up of daily meals in the food services area. Responsibilities include ensuring facility meals meet quality and nutrition standards and service timelines, monitoring and adhering to safety and sanitation standards, and maintaining a secure environment.

Up to five (5) positions may be filled: four (4) at MCF-Moose Lake and one (1) at MCF-Willow River. Applicants may designate their location preference(s) at the time of interview.

Locations

MCF-Moose Lake is in the small town of Moose Lake, MN (population 2,565). The facility originated as a state hospital in 1937 and transitioned to a correctional facility in 1988. Shifts available:

4:30 am – 12:30 pm | Sunday – Thursday (Friday/Saturday off)
11:30 am – 7:30 pm | Sunday – Thursday (Friday/Saturday off)
4:30 am – 12:30 pm | Tuesday – Saturday (Sunday/Monday off)
11:30 am – 7:30 pm | Tuesday – Saturday (Sunday/Monday off)

MCF-Willow River is home to the Challenge Incarceration Program (CIP), a minimum-security boot camp for non-violent individuals. Shifts available:

5:00 am – 3:00 pm | Friday – Monday (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday off)

Responsibilities

Supervise incarcerated workers in meal preparation, presentation, handling, serving, and clean-up.
Ensure meals meet quality, nutrition, and timeline standards.
Monitor and enforce safety and sanitation standards in the food services area.
Maintain a secure environment while performing food service duties.

Requirements

At least 18 years old and able to pass a criminal history check.
Ability to read, write, and communicate verbally in English.
Physical ability to stand, walk, bend, carry, push, and handle items for the majority of the shift.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following minimum qualifications:

Nine months of full-time food production experience in a high-volume cafeteria, school, hospital, fast food, restaurant, or catering setting.
Six months of full-time cooking and food preparation experience in a correctional or secured environment.
Completion of a full-time vocational/technical school program in commercial cooking or commercial food preparation.

Required Training

Applicants without a ServSafe Food Manager Certification (or equivalent) at the time of appointment must obtain certification to successfully pass probation.

Preferred Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED.
Valid Driver’s License.
Experience working in a correctional or secured environment.
Experience directing the work of others, including incarcerated workers.
Two or more years of experience in large-volume cooking and food preparation (e.g., restaurant, cafeteria, school, hospital).
Knowledge of food values, nutrition, and therapeutic diets.
Bilingual in Spanish, Asian, or African dialects.

Physical Requirements

The selected candidate must review and sign a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) for this position and may be required to complete a tuberculosis screening prior to hire.

Additional Requirements

Top candidate(s) must pass a criminal history check, including compliance with all sentencing/restitution requirements.
Employment history, reference checks, and review of job performance/discipline records may be conducted.
New employees will be fingerprinted within the first 30 days of employment.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections does not sponsor work visas or participate in E-Verify.

Pay

$22.79 – $31.43 per hour ($47,585 – $65,625 annually).

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave.
12 paid holidays per year.
Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
Fertility care (including IVF) and diabetes care.
Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
Pension plan providing retirement income after three years of service.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support (mental health, relationships, grief, finances, legal issues).
Daily living/convenience services (chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care).
Training, classes, and professional development opportunities.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility (for qualifying positions).