Jail - Cook

Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard career section to apply for this position.Employee Type:

Regular

Department:

Detention Services

Salary:

$48,339.20 - $67,329.60 Annually / $4,028.27 - $5,610.80 Monthly / $23.24 - $32.37 Hourly

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Overtime Eligibile:

Yes

Job Posting Date Range:

08/17/2026 - Until Filled

Job Summary:

Please note: This position entails working in a 24-hour/seven day-a-week operation; this includes working day/night shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or overtime, as required.

The position allocated to this class is responsible for the preparation of all food on a shift in the kitchen in either of the County's Correctional Facilities. Work involves cooking, and supervising inmates in food handling, preparation, sanitation and service.

Job Description:ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supervises inmate workers and participates in cooking, baking and other food preparation as a cook on shift.
• Participates and performs preliminary preparation necessary for next day's meals; ensures that food is of good quality and is served on time.
• Bakes pies, cakes, cookies, biscuits and prepares other desserts.
• Assists in preparing menu items and determining amount of food to meet menu requirements; and adjusts recipes for fluctuation in inmate population.
• Inspects food being prepared to ensure proper quantity, quality, and handling; instructs and trains employees and details kitchen help in sanitation, cooking, preparing, and handling food.
• Controls waste and theft of food by inmates.
• Operates mixers, ovens, steamers, grills, food processors, steam kettles, and other food equipment.
• Receives food and nonfood related orders, and responsible for proper rotation of product.
• Directly supervises inmate workers in cleaning trays and utensils, cookware, kitchen and food storage areas.
• Maintains facility security in the kitchen operations and accounts for inventory of all kitchen utensils and equipment.
• Supervises up to 20 inmate workers assigned to kitchen duties.
• Participates in inmate worker training; confers with supervisor regarding behavioral problems and progress of inmates under their supervision.
• Transports food and or supplies from one facility to another facility operating a County vehicle.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• One (1) year of related experience.
• Must have the ability to obtain a current Washington State Food Handler’s Permit within two (2) weeks of hire.
• Possession of a valid Washington Driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of food management and the preparation and serving of large-scale food service for 900 or more individual.
• Knowledge of personal hygiene, food handling, sanitation, and safety precautions.
• Knowledge of care and use of kitchen utensils and equipment.
• Knowledge of adjustment of ingredients in large-scale recipes to meet changing needs.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with jail inmates, jail staff and other department personnel.
• Skilled in preparation and cooking of starches, vegetables, meats, poultry, baking.
• Skilled in keeping accurate records of food use and maintaining inventory control including proper rotation of supplies.
• Skilled in operation of all food equipment listed above.
• Ability to perform above examples of duties.
• Ability to supervise the jail kitchen and maintain sanitation, care of equipment, and safety of personnel.
• Ability to establish and maintain control of 8 to 20 inmate workers according to Jail policies and procedures.
• Ability to inspect food being prepared to insure proper quantity, quality and handling.
• Ability to instruct and train new employees and detailed kitchen help in sanitation, cooking, preparing and handling food.
• Ability to establish work methods and supervise and instruct others in cooking and kitchen work
• Ability to provide constructive atmosphere for inmate corrections.

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS

All County employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the County values in their daily work and interactions:

• Respect: Appreciating and valuing customers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness. Communicating in a productive and professional manner.
• Accountability: Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us.
• Integrity: Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards.
• Innovation: Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.

Total Compensation:

$61,874 - $86,182 Annually

Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

Please select the link below to view Spokane County Benefits:

• Benefits | Spokane County, WA