Working Title: Food Service Lead
Job Class: Cook Coordinator
Agency: Corrections Dept
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Job ID: 95843
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Location: Moose Lake and Willow River
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Telework Eligible: No
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 07/25/2026
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Closing Date: 09/01/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Corrections
- Division/Unit: Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF) - Moose Lake
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Division Unit: Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF) - Willow River
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift or Evening Shift/Varies
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Days of Work: Varies
- Days off: Varies
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Travel Required: No
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Salary Range: $22.79 - $31.43 / hourly; $47,585 - $65,625 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
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FLSA Status: Nonexempt
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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.
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.
Up to five (5) positions may be filled by consideration of all applicants to this job posting. Four (4) positions are available at MCF-Moose Lake and one (1) position is available at MCF-Willow River. Applicants will have the option to designate their preference(s) at the time of interview.
MCF- Moose Lake is in the small town of Moose Lake, MN, with a city population of 2,565. The facility is a major employer in the area, originating as a state hospital in 1937 before transitioning to a Minnesota Correctional Facility in 1988. We boast about having a small-town atmosphere that is welcoming to all, whether from the area or commuting. Our desire is to train and empower our staff to find their passion within the confines of the facility or work done for the DOC. Whether it’s to provide safety and security, teach, train, or provide a service to staff and those incarcerated within our care, staff can expect to be accepted and well-trained, in return for hard work and professionalism. Shifts available at MCF-Moose Lake include:
- 4:30 am - 12:30 pm | Sunday - Thursday with Friday/Saturday days off
- 11:30 am - 7:30 pm | Sunday - Thursday with Friday/Saturday days off
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4:30 am - 12:30 pm | Tuesday - Saturday with Sunday/Monday days off
- 11:30 am - 7:30 pm | Tuesday - Saturday with Sunday/Monday days off
MCF – Willow River is home to the Challenge Incarceration Program (CIP). CIP is a minimum-security boot camp program that allows non-violent individuals who qualify to earn early release. The culture of CIP is that of a therapeutic, purpose-driven boot camp where all staff regularly interact with the participant population, which CIP Administration encourages. The warden and administrative staff support institution staff in interacting with the institution population in a firm, fair, and consistent manner. The senior staff routinely mentor new staff, ensuring their success in their new positions. The staff value collaboration and endeavor to work together for the success of the program. Shifts available at MCF-Willow River include:
- 5:00 am - 3:00 pm | Friday - Monday with Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday days off
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.
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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
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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.
The following qualifications are strongly desired of applicants seeking consideration for this position:
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High School Diploma or GED.
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Valid Driver’s License
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Experience working in a correctional or secured environment.
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Experience directing the work of others sufficient to direct incarcerated workers.
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Experience directing the work of others in a large food service setting.
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Two or more years of work experience in a large restaurant, cafeteria, school, hospital, or equivalent experience in large volume cooking and food preparation.
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Knowledge of food values, nutrition, and therapeutic diets
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Bilingual in a Spanish, Asian, or African dialect
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 [email protected]
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.
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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about this position, contact Tracy Larsen at [email protected]
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 [email protected].
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.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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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.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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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)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
