Corrections Cook I

Pima County; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 23,928 - 28,116; Full time

Job summary

Pima County is seeking a Corrections Cook I for the Sheriff's Department in Tucson, Arizona. The role involves volume cooking, quality assurance, and leading food service duties within a corrections environment. Candidates must have experience in large-scale food preparation or culinary training.

This position offers a hiring range of $17.37 – $20.41 per hour, with comprehensive background checks and mandatory safety measures in place.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in large-scale food preparation.
• Completion of a culinary arts program or equivalent.
• Valid driver license required.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for volume cooking of entrees and special diet foods.
• Ensures meals are prepared and served on schedule.
• Monitors food quality and sanitation standards.

Skills

Large-scale food preparation

Sanitation compliance

Food service equipment operation

Team leadership

Problem-solving

Education

One year of experience in food preparation or a culinary arts program

Current ServSafe or equivalent certification

Job description

Job Description Summary

Department – Sheriff's Department
Job Type: Classified
Job Classification: 5904 – Corrections Cook I
Salary Grade: 2
Hiring Range: $17.37 – $20.41 per hour (estimated offer range)
Pay Range: $17.37 – $23.45 per hour
Position Open Until Filled

Essential Functions

• Responsible for volume cooking of entrees, baking and preparation of regular and special diet foods by following prescribed menus and recipes.
• Ensures meals are prepared, properly portioned, delivered and served on schedule.
• Checks quality and preparation by monitoring temperature and tasting foods before service.
• Operates, monitors and performs operator-level maintenance of standard food service equipment (ovens, steamers, refrigeration, slicers, mixers, etc.).
• Inspects food handling and storage procedures to ensure compliance with sanitation standards.
• Participates in cleaning of food service areas, maintaining a safe and clean working environment by following sanitary procedures for the prevention of infection and food‑borne disease.
• Leads the work of inmates and other food service employees by assigning food preparation work and ensuring compliance with procedures.
• Maintains security, order and discipline of inmates by monitoring behavior and removing agitators.
• Secures safe usage of knives, cleavers and other utensils stored in a locked cabinet; checks kitchen areas for contraband.
• Accompanies inmates in meal delivery to separate jail facilities.
• Provides input into improvement of food production, service and sanitation procedures; and into recipe formulation and menu content.
• Writes reports and may give verbal accounts of work‑area accidents and inmate misbehavior.
• Answers food‑related grievances from inmates by rectifying kitchen staff mistakes.
• May train less‑experienced food service employees and inmates in cooking techniques, safety and sanitary measures.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience in large‑scale food preparation (institutional settings such as hospital, nursing home, corrections/detention facilities, school, industrial plant cafeterias, large full‑service and fast‑food restaurants, commercial cafeterias/buffets, hotel/convention banquet facilities, or similar mass‑feeding or catering operations).
• OR completion of a culinary arts program through a career and/or technical school, community college or equivalent.
• OR current ServSafe or equivalent certification.
• Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver license required at time of application and appointment.
• Applicant will be subject to a 39‑month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review.
• All positions require satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
• Pre‑/post appointment drug screening and polygraph examinations are required.
• Position may involve exposure to blood‑borne pathogens or infectious diseases.
• Bi‑lingual abilities in English and a second language may be required.
• Loading/carriage up to 50 pounds; standing for extended periods; wearing required safety clothing; tolerating exposure to cleaning chemicals.
• Work in extremes of heat, moisture and humidity; confined spaces for prolonged periods.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.