HEAD COOK, REGIONAL FOOD SERVICE

Code: 44656 State Competitive Range: R17 (FY 2027)

Salary: $55,690.52 - $81,007.52/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under general supervision of an Assistant Supervisor of Regional Food Service in the Department of Corrections, has the responsibility for the supervision, preparation, and cooking of a major portion of a meal in a correctional setting; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Prepares and supervises the preparation of meals according to the scheduled menus.
• Assures that menus are followed and that proper quality and established standards are maintained in the preparation of food.
• As required, instructs apprentices in the art of food preparation, sanitation, and dining hall supervision.
• As required, instructs inmates in food service prorams, teaching sanitation, food preparation, and other related food service practices and procedures.
• Supervises the cutting of meats, baking, dessert, and vegetable preparation; may personally cut meats, bake, and prepare and cook food.
• Supervises food preparation by use of the regothermic method assuring that food is prepared by the regothermic guidelines to assure safe food preparation.
• Prepares requisitions for food and other kitchen equipment and supplies and sees that these are properly stored, distributed, prepared, recorded, and used.
• Assumes responsibility for the security of supplies, equipment, and property, and reports unusual occurrences immediately to proper authority; acts for the Department Head or Assistant Department Head in their absence.
• Makes simple reports and keeps records.
• Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information system used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Five (5) years of experience as a cook involved in the preparation of all kinds of food in large quantities in the kitchen of a club, hotel, restaurant, hospital, or institution of which shall have included two (2) years of supervisory experience in a position embracing the responsibility for all phases of kitchen management.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the materials, methods, equipment, and procedures used in preparing food in large quantities.
• Knowledge of the regothermic method of food preparation.
• Knowledge of food quality standards and methods for maintaining them in large quantity for food preparation and service operations.
• Knowledge of the methods of supervising a staff of cooks and food service personnel engaged in preparing meals for large numbers of persons.
• Ability to instruct apprentices in the modern methods of food preparation.
• Ability to assume responsibility for the interpretation of menus and the preparation of meals for large numbers.
• Ability to plan work, to make appropriate assignments, and to properly utilize personnel, equipment, and supplies.
• Ability to assume responsibility for the safety and welfare of people and for the safeguarding of property, equipment, and supplies.
• Ability to prepare reports and keep records.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODES: 16/R56 LJG 5/9/95