Job Overview
Compensation
Hourly
Range $22.40 - $29.94
Work Schedule
On-call
Benefits
flexible schedules
Comprehensive compensation
Training and development opportunities
paid vacation days
Paid sick leave
Paid holidays
Flexible spending account
Job Description
The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is a state government agency dedicated to improving public safety by positively changing lives. DOC leads the nation through innovative, evidence-based practices aimed at reducing recidivism and fostering rehabilitation. Its employees work closely with law enforcement officers, treatment providers, and community members to support incarcerated individuals on their path to successful reintegration into society. The agency’s diverse work environment offers employees meaningful opportunities to contribute to public service and enhance community safety. DOC provides flexible schedules, comprehensive compensation packages, training and development opportunities, and a fulfilling work experience for those committed to making a positive impact in the criminal justice system.
The DOC Reentry Division seeks a skilled and motivated On-Call Cook 2 to join the Bellingham Reentry Center team in Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA. This on-call position offers a monthly salary range of approximately $3,554.82 to $5,209.56, with hourly pay ranging from $22.40 to $29.94 depending on experience and qualifications. The Cook 2 position is an in-training role; candidates may be hired at either Cook 1 or Cook 2 level based on their credentials. This opportunity serves not only to fill immediate openings but may also be used to address future vacancies, both permanent and non-permanent.
The Cook 2 plays a vital role in supporting DOC’s mission by preparing and serving nutritious, balanced meals that comply with the Department’s certified meal plan, state and federal regulations, and budget constraints. Working in a large-scale institutional food service environment, the Cook 2 ensures that meals for residents at the Reentry Center meet nutritional standards that promote the health and well-being of individuals transitioning back to community life. This role demands precise food preparation and portion control, adherence to safety and sanitation protocols, and the ability to supervise and instruct residents involved in kitchen operations.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cooking large quantities of food, understanding of food safety and preparation best practices, and the ability to work in a secure correctional environment. They should be capable of performing mathematical conversions for recipes, managing inventory and ordering supplies, and maintaining high personal hygiene standards while modeling appropriate conduct for residents. The position involves a keen attention to food quality, waste reduction, and safe equipment use, contributing to overall operational efficiency at the Reentry Center.
The DOC Reentry Division seeks a skilled and motivated On-Call Cook 2 to join the Bellingham Reentry Center team in Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA. This on-call position offers a monthly salary range of approximately $3,554.82 to $5,209.56, with hourly pay ranging from $22.40 to $29.94 depending on experience and qualifications. The Cook 2 position is an in-training role; candidates may be hired at either Cook 1 or Cook 2 level based on their credentials. This opportunity serves not only to fill immediate openings but may also be used to address future vacancies, both permanent and non-permanent.
The Cook 2 plays a vital role in supporting DOC’s mission by preparing and serving nutritious, balanced meals that comply with the Department’s certified meal plan, state and federal regulations, and budget constraints. Working in a large-scale institutional food service environment, the Cook 2 ensures that meals for residents at the Reentry Center meet nutritional standards that promote the health and well-being of individuals transitioning back to community life. This role demands precise food preparation and portion control, adherence to safety and sanitation protocols, and the ability to supervise and instruct residents involved in kitchen operations.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cooking large quantities of food, understanding of food safety and preparation best practices, and the ability to work in a secure correctional environment. They should be capable of performing mathematical conversions for recipes, managing inventory and ordering supplies, and maintaining high personal hygiene standards while modeling appropriate conduct for residents. The position involves a keen attention to food quality, waste reduction, and safe equipment use, contributing to overall operational efficiency at the Reentry Center.
Job Requirements
- Maintain regular and reliable attendance
- complete a felony disclosure form and undergo a criminal background check
- successfully complete employee orientation and all mandatory training
- provide physical residential address and home telephone number
- comply with agency policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements
- submit to drug testing per policy
- have current food handler permit
- provide three professional references with phone numbers and emails
- ability to work with or near incarcerated or supervised individuals
- submit to tuberculosis test or screening as required
- undergo respirator medical evaluation and training if required
- provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
- be aware that this is a represented position covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees
- be prepared for potential exposure to oleoresin capsicum and animal care programs
- maintain knife and tool inventory control
- understand tool and key control protocols
- adhere to safety practices to avoid accidents
Job Qualifications
- Two years cooking experience in a large-scale food service or culinary operation or one year as a Cook 1 in State service
- current food handler permit
- ability to cook a variety of foods
- ability to follow written and oral instructions
- ability to write clearly and concisely
- able to read, understand, and estimate quantities in recipes with minimal waste
- effective verbal communication skills
- ability to schedule and organize daily work
- skilled in safe handling and operation of kitchen equipment such as mixers, ovens, choppers, slicers, grills, steam kettles
- capable of role modeling appropriate behavior to residents
- skill in supervising, coaching, training, and providing feedback to residents
- knowledge of various foods and alternate food preparation methods including cook/chill and cook/freeze
- understanding of basic arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- knowledge of food service practices, record keeping, and HACCP protocols
- understanding of weights and measures and rethermalization procedures
Job Duties
- Participate in the preparation and service of all food on a shift
- perform mathematical calculations to convert recipes and determine quantities
- ensure adherence to portion control protocols
- check food product quality and quantity during and after preparation
- apply rethermalization food processes
- practice progressive cooking techniques to control quality and reduce waste
- follow safety practices to prevent hazards
- prepare special diets as required
- maintain high personal hygiene standards
- clean work surfaces and equipment to meet sanitation standards
- maintain and track knife and tool inventory
- maintain and organize accurate food inventories
- receive, store, and distribute food products
- appropriately handle chemicals and cleaning supplies
- prepare and submit work and equipment repair orders
- execute and maintain tool control processes
- maintain key control according to policy
- ensure safe handling and cleaning of kitchen equipment
- perform other duties as assigned
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
Your Profile Is Visible To Hiring Managers Across OysterLink.
We'll match you with best jobs
Get job offers faster
Search For More Opportunities:
How Candidates Get Hired Faster
Apply to 2–3 similar roles
Complete profile & get best matches
Check new opportunities daily
