Working Title: Food Service Lead
Job Class: Cook Coordinator
Agency: Corrections Dept
Job ID : 95843
Location : Moose Lake and Willow River
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 07/25/2026
Closing Date : 08/14/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Corrections
Division/Unit : Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF) - Moose Lake
Division Unit: Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF) - Willow River
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift or Evening Shift/Varies
Days of Work : Varies
Days off: Varies
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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
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
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
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 tracy.c.larsen@state.mn.us (elizabeth.m.loken@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.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
