Job Description

Posting number: N-2026-55961

Department: Department of Corrections

Division: CR MAH Fd Srvs

Job classification: Corrections Food Service Instructor

Posting type: NCS External

Categories: Corrections, Food Services, Safety

Are you an experienced food service professional who is looking for a rewarding opportunity to showcase your knowledge and talents to help inmate workers learn your trade? Join the Department of Corrections (DOC) as a Corrections Food Service Instructor and help guide inmates at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Mahanoy towards gaining practical skills for future success. This role allows you to shape daily food service operations while building structure and confidence in the inmate workforce. Here, you will make a real impact by teaching safe, efficient, and reliable food service practices. Apply today to begin a career where your guidance supports growth and positive change!

Examples of duties

This position leads inmate workers and supports daily food service activities within SCI Mahanoy. The primary focus of this role is to ensure that meals are prepared correctly, work areas remain safe, and training opportunities support vocational growth. As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:

• Food Preparation: Teach inmates proper techniques for preparing, cooking, and serving meals according to recipes
• Kitchen Inspection: Check food, equipment, and work areas for safety and sanitation compliance
• Inventory Handling: Receive, store, and manage food supplies using first-in, first-out procedures
• Work Assignment: Plan tasks, evaluate inmate performance, and maintain accurate work records
• Safety Oversight: Maintain care, custody, and control of inmates during kitchen operations
• Meal Planning: Review census and menu information to adjust recipes and reduce waste

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours/week
• Work schedule to be determined.
• 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:Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $49,010.00 (before taxes).
• 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 dateLate 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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.