Food Service Lead - Cook Coordinator

Minnesota Department of Corrections; Rush City (MN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Low-cost medical, dental, vision

Disability insurance

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Corrections seeks a Food Service Lead for the Minnesota Correctional Facility, Rush City. Working evenings (10:30 am – 6:30 pm), you will provide guidance and direction to incarcerated workers in meal preparation, presentation, and sanitation to meet quality and nutrition standards.

You will monitor safety and sanitation, maintain a secure environment, and ensure daily meals are served on time.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older and able to pass a criminal history check.
• Minimum 9 months of full-time food production experience or 6 months in a correctional/secured environment, or completion of a vocational program in commercial cooking.
• ServSafe Food Manager Certification required unless obtained by appointment and probation.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and direction to incarcerated workers in meal preparation, presentation, handling, serving and clean-up.
• Monitor safety and sanitation standards and maintain a secure food service environment.
• Ensure facility meals meet quality, nutrition, and service timelines.

Skills

English literacy

Reading and writing

Shift supervision

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

ServSafe Food Manager Certification

Job description

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/11/2026
• Closing Date: 09/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Corrections
• Division/Unit: Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF) - Rush City
• Days of Work: Tuesday - Saturday or Thursday - Monday
• Days off: Sunday/Monday or Tuesday/Wednesday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $22.79 - $31.43 / hourly; $47,585 - $65,625 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Food Service Lead

Job Class: Cook Coordinator

Agency: Corrections Dept

• Job ID: 96938
• Location: Rush City
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/11/2026
• Closing Date: 09/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Corrections
• Division/Unit: Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF) - Rush City
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Evening Shift/10:30 am - 6:30 pm
• Days of Work: Tuesday - Saturday or Thursday - Monday
• Days off: Sunday/Monday or Tuesday/Wednesday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $22.79 - $31.43 / hourly; $47,585 - $65,625 / 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.

Up to two (2) positions may be filled by consideration of all applicants to this job posting. Applicants will be able to designate their shift preference at the time of interview.

Have a passion for food and helping people?

• Start a career with excellent benefits and opportunity for advancement!
• Work dependable hours with a schedule that doesn't fluctuate!
• Retire early at the age of 55!
• Receive a pension when you retire!

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 to ensure facility meals provided meet quality and nutrition standards and service timelines. Responsible to monitor and adhere to safety and sanitation standards within the food services area, while maintaining a secure environment.

This position has direct contact with incarcerated individuals

Minimum Qualifications

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.

To be qualified for and considered for this position, applicants must meet one (1) 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.

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

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 directing the work of others sufficient to direct incarcerated workers.
• Experience directing the work of others in a large food service setting.
• Two or more years of work experience in a large restaurant, cafeteria, school, hospital, or equivalent experience in large volume cooking and food preparation.
• Knowledge of food values, nutrition, and therapeutic diets
• Bilingual in a Spanish, Asian, or African dialect

Physical Requirements

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

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.