
Job Overview
Compensation
Hourly
Range $27.93 - $39.97
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional Development
Employee assistance program
Veteran support services
Job Description
The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) is a prominent state agency dedicated to the management and rehabilitation of offenders within Michigan. As one of the largest correctional systems in the United States, the MDOC is committed to public safety, offender reentry, and maintaining a secure, humane correctional environment. The department proudly supports and employs nearly 1,500 veterans and active military members, recognized as a Gold-Level Veteran Friendly Employer by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA). With comprehensive services and benefits tailored for veterans, military personnel, spouses, and families, MDOC fosters a supportive workplace culture that values loyalty, integrity, and high ethical standards.
The Food Service Director position at the MDOC is a critical leadership role overseeing food service operations within a correctional facility. This role is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the preparation and delivery of three meals daily, serving between 500 to 899 portions per meal. The Food Service Director ensures the timely provision of general population meals, religious meals, and therapeutic diets in strict accordance with nutritional standards, safety protocols, and departmental policies. The role involves supervising food service staff—including Food Service Supervisors, Cooks, and prisoner workers—ensuring that all food handling and sanitation practices meet regulatory and safety requirements. Collaboration with custody staff is essential to maintain the overall safety and security of the correctional environment.
This full-time position demands a high level of expertise and leadership experience, requiring at least six years managing large-scale food preparation operations with a minimum of two years at a supervisory level or equivalent experience. The Food Service Director must be adept at adhering to operational procedures, maintaining environmental and fire safety standards, and enforcing policies designed to uphold the integrity and efficiency of food service within a secure correctional setting. MDOC requires all employees to meet rigorous ethical and loyalty standards to support the mission of the state classified service. Additionally, prospective candidates must note that felony or misdemeanor convictions may affect eligibility for employment, consistent with Public Act 191 of 2017.
The department encourages applicants to submit an online application through the designated system with a detailed resume, professional references, and official transcripts if education credit is sought. New hires undergo comprehensive non-custody training and continuous professional development to ensure preparedness and alignment with department expectations. This leadership opportunity offers a chance to contribute significantly to public service by supporting the health, safety, and nutritional needs of the inmate population while upholding the department's commitment to ethical conduct and security.
The Food Service Director position at the MDOC is a critical leadership role overseeing food service operations within a correctional facility. This role is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the preparation and delivery of three meals daily, serving between 500 to 899 portions per meal. The Food Service Director ensures the timely provision of general population meals, religious meals, and therapeutic diets in strict accordance with nutritional standards, safety protocols, and departmental policies. The role involves supervising food service staff—including Food Service Supervisors, Cooks, and prisoner workers—ensuring that all food handling and sanitation practices meet regulatory and safety requirements. Collaboration with custody staff is essential to maintain the overall safety and security of the correctional environment.
This full-time position demands a high level of expertise and leadership experience, requiring at least six years managing large-scale food preparation operations with a minimum of two years at a supervisory level or equivalent experience. The Food Service Director must be adept at adhering to operational procedures, maintaining environmental and fire safety standards, and enforcing policies designed to uphold the integrity and efficiency of food service within a secure correctional setting. MDOC requires all employees to meet rigorous ethical and loyalty standards to support the mission of the state classified service. Additionally, prospective candidates must note that felony or misdemeanor convictions may affect eligibility for employment, consistent with Public Act 191 of 2017.
The department encourages applicants to submit an online application through the designated system with a detailed resume, professional references, and official transcripts if education credit is sought. New hires undergo comprehensive non-custody training and continuous professional development to ensure preparedness and alignment with department expectations. This leadership opportunity offers a chance to contribute significantly to public service by supporting the health, safety, and nutritional needs of the inmate population while upholding the department's commitment to ethical conduct and security.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- six years of relevant food service experience including at least two years of supervisory experience
- ability to work within a correctional facility environment
- must meet ethical and loyalty standards required for state classified service
- must not have felony conviction unless appropriately cleared under Public Act 191 of 2017
- willingness to complete required non-custody new employee training
- ability to collaborate effectively with custody staff
- must provide three professional references
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- six years of experience in large quantity cooking and food service management
- minimum two years of supervisory experience equivalent to Food Services Supervisor 9 or Food Services Leader-Prisoner E9
- knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
- ability to manage and supervise diverse teams
- strong organizational and leadership skills
Job Duties
- Plan and manage preparation of three meals daily with 500 to 899 servings per meal
- oversee service of general population, religious, and therapeutic meals
- supervise Food Service Supervisors, Cooks, and prisoner workforce
- ensure adherence to nutritional standards and safe food handling practices
- maintain proper sanitation and fire safety compliance
- collaborate with custody staff to ensure facility safety and security
- enforce departmental policies and procedures
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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