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Posted: January 14, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Corrections Food Service Instructor - SCI Somerset

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Corrections

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$47,925 - $96,538

per year

Closes

January 19, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves teaching inmates at a Pennsylvania state prison how to prepare and serve meals, while managing daily food operations to ensure safety and efficiency.

You'll mentor workers in practical skills like cooking, cleaning, and waste management to help them succeed after release.

It's ideal for someone with hands-on experience in large-scale food service who enjoys leadership and making a positive impact in a structured environment.

Key Requirements

  • Two years of experience in food preparation, production, or service in institutional, catering, restaurant, or large-scale operations
  • Ability to teach vocational skills including food preparation, baking, service, and safe use of equipment
  • Knowledge of sanitation, safety standards, and compliance inspections for food service areas
  • Skills in menu planning, recipe adjustment, and minimizing food waste through recycling
  • Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA
  • Pass a background investigation and meet CJIS compliance requirements
  • Ability to work full-time shifts starting at 4:00 AM or 11:00 PM, with no telework option

Full Job Description

Are you driven by a passion for the food service industry and a commitment to making a meaningful difference?

The Department of Corrections is seeking energetic and self-motivated Food Service Instructors to share their talent with our meal service team at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset.

In this key role, you will guide and mentor inmate workers, overseeing daily food service operations while helping them develop valuable skills that will nurture their future success.

Bring your knowledge, leadership, and compassion to a career where your expertise makes a real difference. Apply today and discover a rewarding opportunity where your work truly matters!


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Requirements

In this position, you will oversee food service tasks and provide vocational training to inmates. Your responsibilities include teaching food preparation, production, service, and baking.

You will guide them on the safe and sanitary use of tools and equipment, including proper cleaning, maintenance, and storage practices.

Additionally, you will instruct inmates on meal preparation according to recipes, ensuring timely preparation and serving of meals.

Duties involve inspecting food service areas, equipment, and food to ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards.

You will also review census and menu data, adjust recipes as needed, and manage leftover food to minimize waste by recycling it into usable products.


Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.


Work Schedule and Additional Information:

  • Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
  • Work hours are 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM or 11:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
  • Your work schedule will be determined by open shifts at the time of hire.
  • This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
  • Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
  • Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

  • Two years of experience in food preparation, production, or service of a variety of complete meal menus in an institutional food service operation, food catering service, restaurant, or in a similar large-scale food production operation; or
  • An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirements:

  • Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
  • You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

  • You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

  • If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
  • Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

  • Veterans:

    • Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

    Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

    • 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

    If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.


    The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

    The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.

    The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

    All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 1/14/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/14/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5194627