Correctional Officer/Cook - Downeast Correctional Facility, Machiasport.

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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Correctional Officer/Cook - Downeast Correctional Facility, Machiasport.

Pay Grade 16: $26.56/hr to $31.89/hr (rate includes a $1.00/hour Direct Care Stipend)

Job Class Code: 5207

03800.0092

• Open: October 19, 2026
• Close: November 02, 2026
• ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Maine Department of Corrections is destigmatizing corrections for the betterment of all Maine communities. Through the ‘Maine Model of Corrections’, we promote the safety of our staff and residents while reducing barriers to meaningful rehabilitative opportunities. We facilitate restorative justice practices that equip justice-involved residents and clients with the skills they need to become contributing members of society upon release, including treatment, education, and job training.

We are committed to rebuilding lives and are searching for great team players, with a professional attitude and well-developed integrity and ethics, to join us in this mission.

We’re hiring moral, ethical, and dedicated individuals to join our team as a Correctional Officer/Cook at Downeast Correctional Facility, Machiasport, ME. Through the Maine Model of Corrections, we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and residents. We believe that hiring dedicated individuals with a strong sense of compassion and professionalism is crucial to achieving this goal.

Duties Include:

As a Correctional Officer - Cook, your work will involve preparing and serving approximately 2200 meals per day. Responsibilities include monitoring security of assigned areas, instructing and training residents in kitchen sanitation and basic food preparation and serving food. This position requires exposure to chemical agents (OC Spray).

Pay Grade: 16 $26.56 - $31.89 hourly ( This rate includes $1/hr. institutional stipend) No experience necessary. Paid training with State Certification provided. Lateral credit considered for experienced Correctional Officers.

• •Base pay with no experience: $26.56 per hour.
• •Base pay with experience: up to $31.89 per hour.
• •Annual range: $55,244.80-$66,331.20 when averaging 40-hours per week, not including shift differentials or Premium Overtime rate.

Work/Life Balance:

A base schedule of working 7 out of 14 days per pay period ADDS UP TO HALF

OF THE YEAR OFF!

We are a 24/7/365 secured facility with 12-Hour shifts, Night, Weekend, and Shift Differentials, Premium Overtime Pay, and Merit and Longevity Increases. The workweek in a two-week pay period includes:

• •3 days on and 4 days off one week
• •4 days on with 3 days off the next week

NO MANDATED OVERTIME ON YOUR SCHEDULED DAYS OFF unless in extremely rare, emergency cases.

Minimum Requirements to Apply:

• •At least 18-years-old.
• •Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent (HiSET, GED, etc.).
• •Hold a valid driver's license.
• •Two (2) years’ experience in food preparation, serving and/or cleanup is required.

Background check is required. Must have no serious criminal or extensive motor vehicle records. Not all infractions are automatic disqualifiers. Find Automatic Disqualifiers at https://www.maine.gov/dps/mcja/attending/training/basic-corrections/standards .

Benefits Summary (further details below):

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• •Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurances.
• •Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Sick leave.
• •6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for new parents.
• •20 days of paid Military Leave for active-duty soldiers.
• •Employee Assistance Program offering free support on work/life, financial, legal, and confidential counseling matters.
• •Gym Membership Reimbursement up to $40 per month.
• •We are an eligible employer in the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
• •Uniforms provided.
• •Free meals when service is during your shift.

Responsibilities Include:

• •Observe, monitor, direct, oversee, and evaluate the activity and movement of residents within a specified area.
• •Participate in the development and implementation of residents’ treatment strategies.
• •Ensure observance of institutional rules, security, and safety.
• •Counsel, support, and advise residents regarding personal matters, institutional rules and regulations, health and safety standards, and treatment strategies.
• •Assist residents in adjusting to institutional life.
• •Evaluate potential problems and emergencies through intervention and behavior management.
• •Utilize pro-social communication, de-escalation techniques, and other methods to maintain safety and security.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To successfully perform the assigned work once hired, one must possess certain knowledge, skills, and abilities. These can be learned on the job and through top-of-the-line education and training that is provided by Maine Department of Corrections. These include:

Knowledge of:

• •Resident motivation and psychology, problems associated with institutional life, and rehabilitation and treatment programs.
• •Correctional institution rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• •Knowledge of large-scale meal preparation methods and techniques.
• •Knowledge of food service sanitation practices.
• •Knowledge of Serve Safe regulations.

Ability to:

• •Ability to cook, bake and serve meals.
• •Understand and follow instructions and interpret and enforce correctional center rules.
• •Perform strenuous duties such as climbing stairs and escorting residents.
• •Stand for long periods of time.
• •Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
• •Handle high-pressure situations.
• •Read and perform basic math functions.
• •Observe situations and behavior in detail, make decisions, and act quickly in emergency situations.
• •Model appropriate pro-social behavior, attitude, ethics, and morals
• •Utilize standard desktop computer technology (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, databases, Internet, e-mail) is also required.

Paid Education, Training, & State Certification

Successful Correctional Officers come from all walks of life. Bring your desire and commitment to be a positive role model and we will provide you with the best training and education to begin a stable and rewarding career.

• •Six-Week paid ‘Basic Corrections Training Program’ (BCTP) w/State Certification.
• •Classroom instruction and hands-on scenario training in the secured facility.
• •Interested but unsure if Corrections is for you? Ask about our Job Shadow program when contacted by HR.

Learn More:

• •How to Become a Correctional Officer: https://www.maine.gov/corrections/careers/co
• •Preparing for Your Interview: https://www.maine.gov/corrections/careers/interview
• •Basic Corrections Training Program (Video): https://www.maine.gov/corrections/careers/bctp

State of Maine Benefits:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and well-being with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• •Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. When you or immediate members of your family are ill, utilize 12 days of sick leave per year.
• •Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60-$13,650.48 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium cos