Cook

State of Minnesota; Moose Lake (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Pension plan

Disability insurance

Tax-free expense accounts

Job summary

The State of Minnesota is seeking two Cook positions at the Moose Lake MSOP site. You will prepare meals for regular and therapeutic diets, maintain sanitation, and support inventory. The roles require adherence to HACCP and regulatory standards, with shifts and days varying by business needs.

Applicants must have a High School Diploma or GED and be eligible to work in the United States. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, paid leave, holidays, and retirement provisions.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Knowledge of large-scale cooking methods and equipment to serve many people.
• Knowledge of nutrition to prepare items from standard recipes; ability to adjust for medical diets.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food for regular and therapeutic diets.
• Unload and store food and supplies, assist with inventory.
• Maintain HACCP sanitation and other regulatory standards.
• Follow safety policies and perform other kitchen duties as assigned.
• Comply with all health and safety rules.

Skills

Food prep

Nutrition knowledge

Health & safety

Read & follow instructions

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Industrial kitchen equipment

Job description

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/15/2026
• Closing Date: 10/28/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT Moose Lake AFSCME
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $21.78 - $29.73 / hourly; $45,477 - $62,076 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

• Job Class: Cook
• Agency: Direct Care and Treatment
• Job ID: 94604
• Location: Moose Lake
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/15/2026
• Closing Date: 10/28/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT Moose Lake AFSCME
• Division/Unit: MSOP / MSOP ML PM Kitchen
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $21.78 - $29.73 / hourly; $45,477 - $62,076 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• Work Area: MSOP ML PM Kitchen
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) is a residential, sex offense specific treatment program in a modified therapeutic community and secure setting that provides services to over 700 individuals who have been civilly committed for sexual offending. MSOP is a national leader in the industry and is committed to providing services on the leading edge of the comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and management of clients. MSOP has facilities in Moose Lake and St. Peter, MN. MSOP Moose Lake site serves clients in the earlier stages of treatment in a secure setting.

The Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) is seeking an individual to join our team for an exciting and rewarding opportunity as Cook for our Moose Lake location. The Cook provides individualized and quantified food preparation for clients on a regular and therapeutic diet by performing necessary food service duties so that regulatory standards are maintained.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Preparing food for regular and therapeutic diets so that meal production schedules are met
• Unloading and storing food/miscellaneous supplies delivered to the main kitchen loading dock and assisting with inventory when requested
• Maintain sanitation per Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program and State, Federal, and Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) regulations and guidelines
• Performing other food service related tasks as assigned by supervisor so that all dietary responsibilities are accomplished and as appropriate
• Complying with all safety and health standards, rules, regulations, policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all standards and rules

This posting is being used to fill 2 open Cook positions. One position has the working hours of Rotating 5:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m./10:30 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. with days of work varying depending on business need. One position has work hours of 10:30 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED

AND

• Knowledge of large-scale cooking methods and equipment sufficient to prepare and serve food for a large number of people and adjust recipes to accommodate different numbers of people
• Knowledge of food values and nutrition sufficient to prepare items from standard recipes. Some facilities require the ability to prepare special medical diets
• Knowledge of health and safety principles involved in food preparation operations sufficient to prepare and serve safe and healthy meals
• Ability to follow oral instructions and read and comprehend written instructions
• Ability to occasionally lift 50 pounds

Preferred Qualifications

• Food Safety Certification
• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma at time of interview OR copies of their college transcript or college degree/diploma at time of interview. Copies of the college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned.

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Alysia Orvis at [e-mail]

About Direct Care And Treatment

DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

Working together to improve the state we love.

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Annual pay increases
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.