Closing Date

26-Jul-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice is responsible for the administration and operation of community and custody-based programs and services for adults and young persons. Within the Correctional Services core business area there are two programs: community corrections and correctional facilities. Each of these program areas is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the program’s target group. Community Corrections has 22 offices across the province from Yarmouth to Sydney and is responsible for the supervision of both adult and young persons serving community-based sentences. The sentences include probation, conditional sentence, custody and supervision, conditional supervision and Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision. Probation officers also supervise those released from custody on conditional releases and prepare pre‑sentence investigations to assist the Courts in the sentencing process. Evidence‑based program facilitation and supports to specialized courts in areas of domestic violence, mental health and wellness are also part of the role of a Probation Officer as well as restorative justice casework and collaboration with community justice agencies. Four adult correctional facilities and one youth centre provide the safety and security of persons in custody while providing programs that address agile criminogenic factors to assist with their successful reintegration back into the community. Nova Scotia Correctional Services utilizes an evidence-based approach in both Community Corrections and custodial facilities. Core Correctional Practices (CCP) is the foundational practice that drives reintegration and rehabilitation practices deployed within Correctional Services. Utilizing CCP, Correctional Services staff can effectively interact, manage behavior, and help facilitate change, within target populations.

About Our Opportunity

Under the supervision of the Kitchen Manager, the Cook is responsible for food preparation and the delivery of food services to persons in custody, staff, patients and visitors of the correctional facility. The Cook is responsible for operating within the budget for the food services program. The position is responsible for the supervision and direction of inmates working in the kitchen program; security of the kitchen; sanitary procedures and inspections; care, control and storage of equipment and materials.

Primary Accountabilities

- Provide persons in custody, staff, patients, and visitors with nutritional meals that are approved by the Kitchen Manager
- Provide guidance and instruction to cooks helpers working in the kitchen
- Maintain security of the kitchen, including regular equipment inspection,



utensil counts, knife security, and other safety measures
- Follow a system of inspections and quality checks of the food products, kitchen cleanliness, and security procedures
- Inspect the quality of food and supplies entering the production area
- Maintain record‑keeping including daily menu plans, substitute meals served and reasons, number of meals served to offenders, staff, patients, and visitors
- Comply with waste and cost control policies and procedures
- Ensure cleanliness of the equipment and food prep area and the safe/secure storage of food in special temperature storage
- Ensure kitchen workers adhere to safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene standards

Qualifications And Experience

Successful completion of a Journeyman Certificate (Red Seal) and at least four years of experience as a cook is required. Consideration may be given to an acceptable equivalent of training and experience. A Food Handler’s Course is required. Previous experience working in a secure workplace would be a definite asset. During the interview, the successful candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with staff members and offenders. Strong judgment and decision-making abilities must also be displayed as the incumbent may face a variety of stressful situations. Certification in First Aid & CPR would be an asset. We will assess the above qualifications using written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Working Conditions

- Relief employees fill gaps in the schedule and replace full‑time employees when operational requirements demand as determined by the Employer – there is no guarantee of hours
- Shift work is mandatory for this position
- Majority of work is performed while standing, walking, and lifting heavy objects
- Will be required to closely supervise the kitchen worker offenders and notify security staff of any potential risks for conflict or inappropriate behaviours
- The kitchen preparation areas may be hot and noisy with hazards of cuts and burns present
- Risk of physical or verbal abuse from a patient or offender
- Must be constantly aware of surroundings and ensure close proximity to other employees and/or a 2‑way radio in case of emergency

Additional Information





Relief employees fill gaps in the schedule and replace full‑time employees when operational requirements demand as determined by the Employer – there is no guarantee of hours. Candidates are required to provide proof of all stated education and training. The facility is a 24‑hour operation and is a tobacco‑free environment. This position will require an enhanced level of security screening for external applicants. If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan; contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more information.

What We Offer

- Career Development: access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
- Engaging workplace: Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. Forward‑thinking policies and strategies are in place.
- Countless career paths.

Pay Grade

ACC 07 Hourly

Salary Range

$27.86 - $31.97 Hourly

Employment Equity Statement

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under‑represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self‑identify on your electronic application.

Accommodation Statement

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact

Recruitment Note

A relief employee is an employee who is not regularly scheduled by the Employer, but who works relief assignments on an as‑needed basis as operational requirements demand. As such, a relief employee does not have guaranteed hours of work. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information. Please note: when competing for vacancies, a successful temporary, term or permanent relief employee who is currently employed with the Province will maintain their bargaining unit status, seniority and benefit level at the new workplace.

Offer of Employment

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to

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📌 Cook (Relief) (Dartmouth)
🏢 Government of Nova Scotia
📍 Dartmouth