Head Cook- Corrections
County of Penobscot
Job Description
| Job Title: Correctional Head Cook | Hours: M-F, 8:00am – 4:30 pm (40 hrs) |
| Department: Sheriff’s Office | FLSA Status: Non-exempt (hourly) |
| Assignment: Sheriff’s Office-Corrections | Pay Scale: $31.58-$33.66/hour |
POSTING DATE: August 4, 2025
CLOSING DATE: August 12, 2025 by 8:00 a.m.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit letter of intent or application to:
Penobscot County
Attn: Human Resources
97 Hammond Street
Bangor, ME 04401
Applications can be found at: https://www.penobscot-county.net/employment or the Administration Office located on the 1st floor of the County Administration Building, 97 Hammond Street or by calling (207) 942-8535 x2200. Applications and letters of intent can be emailed to jsnow@penobscot-county.net.
Job Summary:
The primary function of the Head Cook is the supervision and training of Corrections Officers and inmates (trustees) in an organized and professional manner by maintaining standards of quality and control, utilizing master menus to prepare meals which contribute to a well-balanced diet.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
- Prepare all meal menus.
- Prepare all schedules for kitchen cooks.
- Completes all ordering for kitchen supplies.
- Deals with all sales personnel.
- Supervises all subordinate cooks and Inmate Helpers.
- Takes care of all budgetary items and makes sure spending is within the budgets.
- Maintains and keeps all necessary logs.
- Completes employee evaluations when requested.
- Maintains standards compliance.
- Must be able to read, write, and comprehend the English language, to include performing basic math functions.
- Ability to understand, follow, and provide written and/or oral instructions.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations applicable and enforced by the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.
- Knowledge of Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Policies and Standard Operating Procedures.
- Knowledge of laws regarding inmate’s rights.
- Knowledge of general cooking methods (measurements, special diets, cooking menus, temperatures, etc.).
- Must ensure DOC standards for caloric/nutritional content are met
Knowledge/Skills/Experience required:
High School diploma or equivalent required. Prefer candidates with Sanitation and Special Diet certifications. Experience in institutional cooking preferred. Supervisory/Management experience preferred. Cooking experience with knowledge of commercial sized kitchen equipment, sanitation practices, special diet certifications and institutional food preparation techniques preferred. Corrections certification is preferred. Ability to work in a team setting with commitment to high level of customer service is required. Must be able to pass pre-employment background investigation.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School Diploma/G.E.D.
- Successful completion of departmental testing, screening, and oral boards
- Must have a valid motor vehicle driver’s license
- Successfully complete physical assessment
Requirements:
- Successfully pass a full personal, criminal, and motor vehicle background check
- Successfully complete a Polygraph
- Successfully pass pre-employment drug screening
- 21 years of age or older
Physical Demands/Conditions/Requirements:
While performing the duties of this position, employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard. Light to moderate lifting is required (up to 25 lbs.)
Penobscot County provides equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
