Correctional Officer/Cook - Maine State Prison

State of Maine Department of Corrections; Warren (ME); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading correctional facility as a Correctional Officer/Cook, responsible for meal preparation and ensuring safety within the institution. This role offers comprehensive training and benefits, with a focus on rehabilitation and professional growth. Enjoy a balanced work schedule with significant time off while contributing to a safe environment for residents.

Benefits

Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurances

Paid Vacation, Holidays, Sick leave

25-year MainePERS Retirement

Paid Parental Leave

Gym Membership Reimbursement

Uniforms and free shift meals

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old.
• Two years’ experience in food prep, serving, or cleanup.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve approximately 2200 meals per day.
• Monitor residents’ activity and movement.
• Ensure rules, security, and safety compliance.

Skills

Cooking

Effective communication

Basic math

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Correctional Officer/Cook - Maine State Prison

Join to apply for the Correctional Officer/Cook - Maine State Prison role at State of Maine Department of Corrections

Correctional Officer/Cook - Maine State Prison

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Correctional Officer/Cook - Maine State Prison role at State of Maine Department of Corrections

Pay Grade 16: $24.97/hr to $30.09/hr (rate includes a $1.00/hour Direct Care Stipend)

Job Class Code: 5207

04000.1471

Opening Date: May 12, 2025

Closing Date: May 27, 2025

We’re hiring dedicated individuals to join our team as a Correctional Officer/Cook at Maine State Prison, Warren, ME. Through the Maine Model of Corrections, we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for staff and residents. We believe that hiring compassionate and professional individuals is crucial to achieving this goal.

Duties Include

As a Correctional Officer - Cook, your responsibilities involve preparing and serving approximately 2200 meals per day, monitoring security, instructing residents in kitchen sanitation and food prep, and serving food. Exposure to chemical agents (OC Spray) is required.

Pay Grade: 16, $24.97 - $30.09 hourly, including a $1/hr institutional stipend.

No experience necessary; paid training with State Certification provided. Lateral credit considered for experienced Correctional Officers.

• Base pay with no experience: $24.97/hr.
• With experience: up to $30.09/hr.
• Annual range: $51,938 - $62,587 when working 40 hours/week, excluding shift differentials or overtime.

Work/Life Balance

Work 7 out of 14 days per pay period, which adds up to half the year off! Our facility operates 24/7 with 12-hour shifts, including night and weekend shifts, with differentials and overtime pay. The schedule typically includes:

• 3 days on, 4 days off one week
• 4 days on, 3 days off the next week

NO mandated overtime on scheduled days off unless in rare emergencies.

Minimum Requirements

• At least 18 years old
• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSET)
• Valid driver’s license
• Two years’ experience in food prep, serving, or cleanup

Background check required. Must have no serious criminal or extensive motor vehicle records. Not all infractions are automatic disqualifiers; see details at https://www.maine.gov/dps/mcja/attending/training/basic-corrections/standards.

Benefits

We offer comprehensive benefits including:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurances
• 25-year MainePERS Retirement
• Paid Vacation, Holidays, Sick leave
• 6 weeks Paid Parental Leave
• 17 days Military Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Gym Membership Reimbursement
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Uniforms and free shift meals

Responsibilities

• Monitor residents’ activity and movement
• Participate in treatment strategies
• Ensure rules, security, and safety compliance
• Support and counsel residents
• Assist residents’ adjustment to institutional life
• Evaluate emergencies and intervene appropriately
• Use de-escalation and communication techniques for safety

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

To succeed, candidates should have knowledge of:

• Resident motivation, psychology, and rehabilitation programs
• Correctional rules and procedures
• Meal prep and sanitation practices
• Serve Safe regulations

Skills include:

• Cooking, baking, serving
• Following instructions and enforcing rules
• Performing strenuous duties and standing long periods
• Effective communication
• Handling high-pressure situations
• Basic math and observation skills
• Using computers (word processing, spreadsheets, email)

Training & Certification

Includes a six-week paid Basic Corrections Training Program with State Certification, held at Maine Correctional Center in Windham. Interested candidates can inquire about our Job Shadow program.

Learn More

• How to Become a Correctional Officer: https://www.maine.gov/corrections/careers/co
• Job Shadow Program: https://www.maine.gov/corrections/careers/jobshadow
• Preparing for Your Interview: https://www.maine.gov/corrections/careers/interview
• Training Video: https://www.maine.gov/corrections/careers/bctp

About Maine Correctional Center

A modern, $147 million facility opened in June 2023 in Windham, ME. It houses male and female residents and offers various career opportunities in security, education, social services, and more. Windham offers a community with diversity and proximity to Portland.

About Maine Department of Corrections

We promote safety, rehabilitation, and restorative justice through the Maine Model of Corrections. Our mission is to rebuild lives and foster a professional, ethical workforce.

State of Maine Benefits

Our benefits include:

• Paid time off, holidays, and leave
• Health and dental insurance with premiums paid by the state
• Retirement contributions
• Flexible spending accounts
• Student loan forgiveness
• Wellness and support programs

We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive workplace. Reasonable accommodations are provided upon request.