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Job Description
The Bureau of Prisons is hiring a Cook Supervisor (Cook Foreman) at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners (MCFP) in Springfield, Missouri.
This full-time, permanent position (WS-08) is responsible for supervising and instructing 25-30 inmate workers assigned to cooking, baking, butchery, dining service, vegetable preparation, and pot and pan washing.
The role combines food service management with correctional security duties, including key control, yeast control, knife and blade control, inmate accountability, and routine contraband searches.
The incumbent ensures all food production meets standardized recipes, special diet requirements (high protein, low cholesterol, calorie restricted, etc.), and sanitation standards.
This position is ideal for experienced cooks or food service supervisors who are comfortable working in a correctional environment and are committed to public safety and inmate rehabilitation.
Salary & Compensation
Salary: $32.36 - $37.66 per hour.
Qualification
To qualify for this WS-08 Cook Supervisor position, you must meet the screen-out elements: Ability to Supervise and Aptitude for Work with Prisoners at the Barely Acceptable level. You must also possess an approved Food Protection Manager Certification from an ANSI-accredited provider and upload it with your application.
- Sufficient training and experience to perform the duties of the position, as determined by the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations, WS-7404 series.
- Must meet the Barely Acceptable level on both screen-out elements: Ability to Supervise and Aptitude for Work with Prisoners.
- Must receive at least half of the total possible points on the assessment.
- Must furnish detailed information on your resume to support assessment responses.
- Selective Factor: Must possess an approved Food Protection Manager Certification from an ANSI-accredited provider. Upload certification with application.
- Current BOP employees in the Cook Supervisor, WS-7404 position are considered to have met the selective factor.
- Level of Work: Independently prepare all types of meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, fruits, sauces, and gravies for regular and modified diet menus.
- Knowledge of special and modified diets such as high protein, low cholesterol, low fat, calorie restricted, and sodium restricted diets.
- Thorough knowledge of full range of food preparation principles, including techniques to develop new or revise current recipes.
- Knowledge of procedures related to cooking in large quantities.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Supervise and instruct 25-30 inmate workers in cooking, baking, butchery, dining service, vegetable preparation, and pot and pan washing.
- Provide continual training to inmate workers to update their knowledge in food production, presentation, and sanitation.
- Oversee receiving, storing, and issuing of all food and non-food items.
- Responsible for security operations: key control, yeast control, knife and blade control, inmate accountability, and routine contraband searches.
- Maintain security of the institution; correctional responsibilities precede all others.
- Independently prepare all types of meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, fruits, sauces, and gravies for regular and modified diet menus.
- Prepare, cook, season, and portion food for all meals following standardized recipes.
- Plan and prepare or coordinate preparation of entire meals.
- Make substitutions and adjustments in food preparation procedures and seasoning.
Conditions & Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Maximum entry age of 36 for original appointment to a BOP institution (exceptions for prior federal law enforcement coverage or qualified preference eligible veterans).
- Satisfactory completion of pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.
- Must pass National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.
- Must complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence to be authorized to carry a firearm.
- Successful completion of the 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia.
- Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Telework not eligible; remote work not available.
Benefits
- Complete benefits package as a federal employee, including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.
- Access to a range of benefits designed for a rewarding federal career.
- Eligibility depends on position type (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).
- Contact the hiring agency for specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
- Your application will be evaluated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures.
- Based on assessment responses, you will be placed into one of three categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified.
- Applications are reviewed from the top quality category.
- Resume and supporting documentation are compared to assessment responses.
- Veterans preference eligibles receive selection priority within their category.
- Preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the highest quality category.
- Job elements evaluated: Ability to Supervise (screen-out), Aptitude for Work with Prisoners (screen-out), Work Practices, Technical Practices, Ability to Interpret Instructions, Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment, Knowledge of Materials, Dexterity and Safety.
Required Documents
- Resume limited to 2 pages, including name, contact information, and relevant experience (cover letter optional). Must include start/end dates (MM/YYYY) and hours worked per week.
- Proof of Food Protection Manager Certification from ANSI-accredited provider (upload with application).
- Veterans' Preference Documentation: DD-214 (member copy 4) or equivalent, SF-15 if claiming 10-point preference, and supporting documents as identified on SF-15.
- If on active duty, a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty showing expected discharge date and character of service.
- SF-50 for proof of prior law enforcement coverage if applicable.
- Proof of ICTAP/CTAP eligibility if applicable (agency notice, most recent performance appraisal, and most recent SF-50).
- Education transcripts if relying on education to meet qualifications (accredited institutions only).
How to Apply
- To apply, go to www.the official application portal and open the vacancy announcement. with your the official application portal/Login.gov account. Complete the online application and answer all assessment questions. Attach your federal resume (limited to 2 pages) and all required documents, including your Food Protection Manager Certification. Review your application for completeness and submit before the closing d…
Additional Information
- This is a Delegated Examining Announcement open to all U.S. citizens.
- Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate.
- Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government and upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.
- Applicants will be notified via email after each step of the application process.
- The referral certificate or list of eligibles will be issued to the selecting official.
- Final job offer expected within 80 days after the closing date.
- Applicants referred on a certificate may receive an Inquiry as to Availability (OF-5) and must complete and return it, and also telephone the Human Resource Department to schedule an interview.
- Failure to return the OF-5 or contact HR will result in loss of consideration.
- Contact: Consolidated Staffing Unit, 346 Marine Forces Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75051, Phone: 972-352-4200, Email: [email protected].
About Company
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates.
BOP operates institutions nationwide, including the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners (MCFP) in Springfield, Missouri, which provides medical and mental health services to male inmates.
This Cook Supervisor position is integral to the institution's food service operations, ensuring nutritious meals are prepared safely and securely while providing vocational training to inmates. Working for BOP offers a unique opportunity to serve public safety and contribute to inmate rehabilitation in a structured, public service environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common applicant questions about this position, eligibility and the application process.
What is the maximum entry age for this position?
The maximum entry age for original appointment to a Bureau of Prisons institution is 36. However, qualified preference eligible veterans may be exempt, and applicants with prior federal law enforcement coverage may also be exempt if they submit an SF-50 to verify coverage.
Do I need a specific certification to apply?
Yes, you must possess an approved Food Protection Manager Certification from a provider accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). You must upload a copy of this certification with your application. Current BOP employees in the Cook Supervisor, WS-7404 position are considered to have met this requirement.
What training is required after hiring?
If selected, you must successfully complete the 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia. This course covers correctional procedures and is mandatory for all new BOP institution staff.
Can I substitute education for experience?
This position is in the Trades and Labor Occupations series (WS-7404), and qualifications are based on training and experience, not education. Education is not a substitute for experience for this role. However, if you are relying on education to meet other qualification requirements, it must be from an accredited institution.
What is the work environment like?
This position is located at a federal prison medical center. You will work directly with inmates in a kitchen environment, supervising food preparation and service. Security is a primary concern, and you will be responsible for key control, tool accountability, and contraband searches. The role requires a comfort level with correctional settings and a commitment to maintaining a secure and humane environment.