Corrections Chief Cook

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Lino Lakes (MN); On-site; USD 53,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave

Holidays

Health insurance

Pension

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Corrections seeks a Corrections Chief Cook to lead food service operations at MCF-Lino Lakes, directing Cook Coordinators and incarcerated workers to prepare daily meals and maintain safety standards.

Responsibilities include staff development, scheduling, and ensuring adherence to health codes, while stepping in for the supervisor when needed. Strong leadership and food service background preferred.

Qualifications

• Two years of lead work experience in a large restaurant, cafeteria, school, healthcare, or equivalent setting with oversight for high-volume cooking or food prep.
• One year of full-time lead/supervisory food service experience with health and food safety responsibilities.
• Vocational/technical program in restaurant or dietary management with hands-on training.

Responsibilities

• Provide lead worker directions to Cook Coordinators and incarcerated workers to ensure tasks meet policy and procedure.
• Hire, train, schedule, orient, and evaluate incarcerated workers and manage payroll.
• Oversee daily meal preparation and inmate kitchen worker program operations.
• Assist security staff to ensure facility rules and inmate conduct are followed.
• Perform duties of the Corrections Food Services Supervisor in their absence.

Skills

Lead worker

English communication

Bilingual (Spanish/Asian/African)

Computer literacy

Food safety knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Vocational/technical program in restaurant or dietary management

Job description

Posting Details

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants
• Date Posted: 09/18/2026
• Closing Date: 09/24/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Corrections
• Division/Unit: Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF) - Lino Lakes
• Days of Work: Sunday - Thursday
• Days off: Friday/Saturday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $25.22 - $35.83 / hourly; $52,659 - $74,813 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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 Corrections Chief Cook provides guidance and lead work direction to Cook Coordinators, other food service employees, and incarcerated individuals assigned to food service. This position oversees the preparation and cooking of meals at the MCF-Lino Lakes and directs food service operations whenever the supervisor is absent.

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Provide directions/guidance as a lead worker to Cook Coordinators and incarcerated individual workers, so that assignments and duties are completed in accordance with department policy and procedure.
• Select, develop, and instruct an effective, efficient, and safe incarcerated individual workforce including hiring, scheduling, orientation, training, work assignments, payroll, and quarterly evaluations of incarcerated individuals.
• Oversee, direct, and maintain the incarcerated individual kitchen worker program in the preparation of daily meals.
• Assist security staff so rules regarding incarcerated individuals' behavior and facility regulations are followed.
• Carry out other duties as assigned by supervisor so that the institution needs are met. Competently perform necessary duties of the Corrections Food Services Supervisor in their absence.

This position has direct contact with incarcerated individuals.

Minimum Qualifications

To be qualified for and considered for this position, applicants must meet all of the minimum qualifications listed below. Ensure that your resume contains descriptions of your work experiences sufficient for comparison against the requirements stated below and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to pass a criminal history check. For your success, you must be able to read, write, and communicate verbally in English and be able to stand, walk, bend, carry, push, and handle items the majority of shift.

Qualified applicants must meet ONE of the following Food Service requirements:

• Two years of lead work experience in a large restaurant, cafeteria, school, healthcare, or equivalent setting which included oversight for high-volume cooking, or baking, or food preparation, OR
• One year of full-time experience in a food service lead work/supervisory role that required at least partial responsibility for meeting health and food safety codes, OR
• Completion of a vocational/technical school program in restaurant, dietary management or related field that required hands‑on training.

Required Training

Applicants who do not possess a ServSafe Food Manager Certification (or equivalent) at the time of appointment must obtain certification as a requirement to successfully pass the required probation.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are strongly desired of applicants seeking consideration for this position:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Driver's License
• Experience working in a correctional or secured environment
• Experience directly overseeing and evaluating the work of others in a residential meal service setting.
• Experience with orientation, training, scheduling, and payroll functions
• Ability to navigate computer programs for food orders, menu software, security reports, tracking documents, and email communication.
• Knowledge of recipe yields, pan and scoop volume quantities, and commercial equipment.
• Knowledge of food values, allergens, nutrition principles, religious and therapeutic diets.
• Bilingual in a Spanish, Asian, or African dialect.

Physical Requirements

The completion of pre-placement physical components may be required for this position. These components consist of a tuberculosis screening. The selected finalist is required to review and sign a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) for this position. For a copy of the PDA, please email Tracy Larsen at [e-mail].

Additional Requirements

The selection process may include screening the top candidate(s) on their criminal history, predatory offender registration, offender associations and/or other applicable background information in accordance with Department of Corrections’ policy. Top candidate(s) must pass a criminal history check which includes successful completion of all sentencing and/or restitution requirements of law enforcement jurisdictions, including probation. Employment history/reference checks, including incidents of sexual harassment, will also be conducted on the top candidate(s) in accordance with Department of Corrections’ policy. This may include a review of job performance and discipline records. New employees will be fingerprinted within the first 30 days of employment.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) does not participate in E-Verify. The DOC will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Tracy Larsen at [e-mail] or 651-361-7200.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Tracy Larsen at [e-mail].

About Corrections Dept

Go from a job to a meaningful career with the Minnesota Department of Corrections where we work to transform lives for a safer Minnesota! We hold people responsible for the offenses they commit while giving them the tools they need to succeed as they transition back to our communities. These people may be incarcerated in our correctional facilities or be under our supervision in the community. No matter a person’s custody status, our mindset is the same: a person’s path to rejoining the community starts on the day they begin serving their sentence. Become part of this mindset by joining our team! With the DOC you will find many promotional opportunities, great State of Minnesota benefits, competitive pay, free parking, and workout facilities at most locations.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• 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
• 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

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

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.