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Correctional Officer/Cook - Downeast Correctional Facility - Machiasport.
Pay Grade 16: $26.56/hr to $31.89/hr (rate includes a $1.00/hour Direct Care Stipend)
Job Class Code: 5207
03800.0092
Open: July 29, 2026
Close: August 12, 2026
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Maine Department of Corrections is destigmatizing corrections for the betterment of all Maine communities. Through the ‘Maine Model of Corrections’, we promote the safety of our staff and residents while reducing barriers to meaningful rehabilitative opportunities. We facilitate restorative justice practices that equip justice-involved residents and clients with the skills they need to become contributing members of society upon release, including treatment, education, and job training.
We are committed to rebuilding lives and are searching for great team players, with a professional attitude and well-developed integrity and ethics, to join us in this mission.
We’re hiring moral, ethical, and dedicated individuals to join our team as a Correctional Officer/Cook at Downeast Correctional Facility, Machiasport, ME. Through the Maine Model of Corrections, we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and residents. We believe that hiring dedicated individuals with a strong sense of compassion and professionalism is crucial to achieving this goal.
Duties Include:
As a Correctional Officer - Cook, your work will involve preparing and serving approximately 2200 meals per day. Responsibilities include monitoring security of assigned areas, instructing and training residents in kitchen sanitation and basic food preparation and serving food. This position requires exposure to chemical agents (OC Spray).
Pay Grade: 16 $26.06 - $31.28 hourly ( This rate includes $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: $26.06 per hour.
Base pay with experience: up to $31.28 per hour.
Annual range: $54,204.80-$65,062.40 when averaging 40-hours per week, not including shift differentials or Premium Overtime rate.
Work/Life Balance:
A base schedule of working 7 out of 14 days per pay period ADDS UP TO HALF
OF THE YEAR OFF!
We are a 24/7/365 secured facility with 12-Hour shifts, Night, Weekend, and Shift Differentials, Premium Overtime Pay, and Merit and Longevity Increases. The workweek in a two-week pay period includes:
NO MANDATED OVERTIME ON YOUR SCHEDULED DAYS OFF unless in extremely rare, emergency cases.
Minimum Requirements to Apply:
At least 18-years-old.
Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent (HiSET, GED, etc.).
Hold a valid driver's license.
Two (2) years’ experience in food preparation, serving and/or cleanup is required.
Background check is required. Must have no serious criminal or extensive motor vehicle records. Not all infractions are automatic disqualifiers. Find Automatic Disqualifiers at https://www.maine.gov/dps/mcja/attending/training/basic-corrections/standards .
Benefits Summary (further details below):
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurances.
Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Sick leave.
6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for new parents.
20 days of paid Military Leave for active-duty soldiers.
Employee Assistance Program offering free support on work/life, financial, legal, and confidential counseling matters.
Gym Membership Reimbursement up to $40 per month.
We are an eligible employer in the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
Uniforms provided.
Free meals when service is during your shift.
Responsibilities Include:
Observe, monitor, direct, oversee, and evaluate the activity and movement of residents within a specified area.
Participate in the development and implementation of residents’ treatment strategies.
Ensure observance of institutional rules, security, and safety.
Counsel, support, and advise residents regarding personal matters, institutional rules and regulations, health and safety standards, and treatment strategies.
Assist residents in adjusting to institutional life.
Evaluate potential problems and emergencies through intervention and behavior management.
Utilize pro-social communication, de-escalation techniques, and other methods to maintain safety and security.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
To successfully perform the assigned work once hired, one must possess certain knowledge, skills, and abilities. These can be learned on the job and through top-of-the-line education and training that is provided by Maine Department of Corrections. These include:
Knowledge of:
Resident motivation and psychology, problems associated with institutional life, and rehabilitation and treatment programs.
Correctional institution rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of large-scale meal preparation methods and techniques.
Knowledge of food service sanitation practices.
Knowledge of Serve Safe regulations.
Ability to:
Ability to cook, bake and serve meals.
Understand and follow instructions and interpret and enforce correctional center rules.
Perform strenuous duties such as climbing stairs and escorting residents.
Stand for long periods of time.
Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
Handle high-pressure situations.
Read and perform basic math functions.
Observe situations and behavior in detail, make decisions, and act quickly in emergency situations.
Model appropriate pro-social behavior, attitude, ethics, and morals
Utilize standard desktop computer technology (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, databases, Internet, e-mail) is also required.
Paid Education, Training, & State Certification
Successful Correctional Officers come from all walks of life. Bring your desire and commitment to be a positive role model and we will provide you with the best training and education to begin a stable and rewarding career.
Six-Week paid ‘Basic Corrections Training Program’ (BCTP) w/State Certification.
Classroom instruction and hands-on scenario training in the secured facility.
Interested but unsure if Corrections is for you? Ask about our Job Shadow program when contacted by HR.
Learn More:
How to Become a Correctional Officer: https://www.maine.gov/corrections/careers/co
Preparing for Your Interview: https://www.maine.gov/corrections/careers/interview
Basic Corrections Training Program (Video): https://www.maine.gov/corrections/careers/bctp
State of Maine Benefits:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and well-being with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive the personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($13,231.40-$15,566.46 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72. annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes up to 18.86% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee. *Will vary based on job class.
- Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
- Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
- Parental Leave – is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who welcome a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additionally, unpaid leave may also be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodation is provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply for jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.
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