Cook Pool MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility

Overview

Cook Pool - Part-Time and Full-Time at Mac Laren Youth Correctional Facility, Woodburn, OR. The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) is seeking dedicated and skilled Cooks to join our team to provide nutritious, balanced meals for youth. The role involves food preparation, meeting dietary requirements, and maintaining high standards of food safety. You will supervise and train youth in cooking and kitchen tasks while preparing and serving meals, contributing to life skills development.

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Cook

Location: Mac Laren Youth Correctional Facility, Woodburn, OR

Salary Range: $3,705.00 - $5,066.00

• Supervise and train youth in custody in the preparation of meals, food safety and sanitation practices, and use of kitchen tools and equipment.
• Work independently while cooking, preparing, and coordinating nutritious and appealing meals from OYA menus and standardized recipes.
• Perform daily cooking tasks and meal preparations using a variety of kitchen equipment.

• OYA facilities are tobacco free environments.
• Shift work in a 24-hour operation, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• Adhere to the dress code of the work site.
• Exposure to verbal abuse, threats, and interacting with youth in a correctional setting.
• Use of commercial cooking equipment and computer software for menu development and recipe standardization.
• May require reasonable force in the performance of duties or during emergencies.
• Physical standards for vision, hearing, dexterity, and fitness; transport youth as requested.

• One year of experience as a cook in a food service facility OR
• Possession of a Certificate of Completion in culinary arts and/or Foods and Hospitality Service from a certified community college or technical school.

This position requires a food handler's card and the ability to obtain the appropriate county food handler's card within 30 days of hire.

If you have these qualities, let us know. It’s how we will choose whom to move forward. Not all qualities are required.

• Strong communication skills
• Reliability, punctuality, accountability
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Food safety and sanitation knowledge
• Positive role modeling
• Adaptability

• Resume is required. Ensure your resume reflects relevant skills, experience (including dates of employment and duties) for this position.
• Complete the questionnaire.
• Respond to public records request authorization and gender identity questionnaire as applicable.
• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard service members may receive candidate preference. See Veterans Resources for details.
• Do not attach DD214 unless requested later in the process.
• Note:
  
  Incomplete or late applications may be disqualified.

This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU/OPEU). Benefits may include life insurance, disability coverage, and other plans as described by SEIU Local 503.

• Effective Feb. 1, 2026, compensation will reflect a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA); salary listed may be adjusted.
• Open Until Filled. First screening occurs on a specified date; applications after this date may not be considered.
• Bilingual applicants encouraged; intermediate English proficiency required for this role.
• OYA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All aspects of employment are based on merit and business need.
• Pre-employment checks include criminal record, driving record, and other checks as required. All information is confidential. Mandatory reporter of child abuse.
• Visa Sponsorship:
  No visa sponsorship available. I-9 verification and E-Verify will be used.

If you have questions about this job announcement, email OYAJobsgon.gov.