Job Overview & Benefits

The Cook/Baker I – Correctional Facility role offers a strong hourly wage between $33.73 and $42.75 while providing employment security and benefits.

This is a full-time, union-represented job with a 40-hour workweek, overtime eligibility, paid medical, dental, and vision coverage, and retirement programs.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and a food handler’s permit, making it accessible if you have basic food service qualifications.

Additional advantages include paid parental leave, vacation, sick days, professional development, and premium pay for bilingual skills.

Applicants should be 21 or older and capable of standing long hours and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Daily Responsibilities

Your main focus will be cooking, baking, and preparing three meals daily for residents and staff, requiring efficiency, organization, and time management.

Tasks include planning menus, estimating meal quantities, preparing ingredients and portions, and maintaining health and safety standards consistently.

You will supervise and train resident workers, offer clear instructions, and ensure quality service is delivered in a fast-paced institutional kitchen.

Part of the role is tracking inventory, filing reports on food usage and waste, and substituting menu items when necessary.

Direct contact with resident workers requires excellent communication and a focus on maintaining a secure work environment daily.

Advantages of the Position

One significant pro is job stability, thanks to full-time, union-secured status and continuous employment opportunities for eligible candidates.

The compensation is highly competitive, and the benefits package goes above standard offerings—particularly valuable for those seeking long-term security.

Role Drawbacks

It is a physically demanding job, requiring consistent lifting, movement, and long periods of standing each day.

The correctional environment may present stressful situations, and flexibility for working holidays, nights, or weekends is often needed.

Verdict

If you bring food service experience, enjoy structured roles with reliable pay and benefits, and thrive within teams, this is a solid career path to pursue.

The combination of excellent compensation, benefits, and structured support makes this role a compelling option for a secure future.