The Senior Institutional Cook supervises paid staff and in some assignments is required to direct or train inmates and juveniles in the preparation, cooking and serving of food. In addition, the position prepares, cooks and serves food; checks menu for items to be prepared; estimates number of persons to be served; makes substitutions on the menu when foods indicated are unavailable; determines quantities of ingredients to be used for the number of servings to be prepared; assists in ordering, receiving, checking and storing foods and supplies; reports suspected violations of institutional rules and submits reports of inmate or juvenile ward violations of rules and regulations to a designated authority; prepares records and reports; inspects food preparation areas to see that sanitary procedures are observed and ensures that proper techniques and procedures are being used by persons engaged in food service activities. The position may also perform meat cutting and baking duties.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with large volumes of food for banquets or for large groups of people in a setting such as a hospital, the military, a large restaurant, cafeteria, etc. Will have the ability to detect odors and other indicators of food spoilage, push, pull and steer food carts. Incumbents work rotating schedules including weekends, holidays, nights and on an emergency basis as needed.