What are the responsibilities and job description for the Corrections Chief Cook position at Minnesota Department of Corrections?
Working Title: Corrections Chief Cook
Job Class: Corrections Chief Cook
Agency: Corrections Dept
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-Shakopee and directs food service operations whenever the supervisor is absent.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
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.
Qualifying applicants must meet ONE of the following Food Service requirements:
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:
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 Cindy Xiong at cindy.xiong1@state.mn.us
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.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Cindy Xiong at cindy.xiong1@state.mn.us or 651-539-6167.
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 Cindy Xiong at cindy.xiong1@state.mn.us.
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?
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:
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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Job Class: Corrections Chief Cook
Agency: Corrections Dept
- Job ID: 89095
- Location: Shakopee
- Telework Eligible: No
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 09/23/2025
- Closing Date: 10/06/2025
- Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Corrections
- Work Location: Minnesota Correctional Facility - Shakopee
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift/5:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Days Off: Rotating
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $24.79 - $35.21 / hourly; $51,761 - $73,518 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
- FLSA Status: Nonexempt
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
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-Shakopee 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.
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.
Qualifying 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.
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.
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 Cindy Xiong at cindy.xiong1@state.mn.us
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.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Cindy Xiong at cindy.xiong1@state.mn.us or 651-539-6167.
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 Cindy Xiong at cindy.xiong1@state.mn.us.
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
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
- 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)
- 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
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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Salary : $51,761 - $73,518
