Job Description

Posting number: N-2026-57723

Department: Department of Corrections

Division: CR MER Fd Svcs

Job classification: Corrections Food Service Instructor

Posting type: NCS External

Categories: Corrections

Summary

Are you an energetic and enthusiastic individual who thrives on self-motivation and has a genuine passion for food service? If you are looking for a meaningful position where you have ability to utilize your culinary skills to make a positive impact, the Department of Corrections (DOC), State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Mercer has an exciting opportunity for you.

As a Corrections Food Service Instructor you will share your expertise as you help inmates acquire valuable vocational skills they can use upon release. Take a leap into public service by joining us today!

inmates acquire valuable vocational skills they can use upon release. Take a leap into public service by joining us today!

Examples of duties

This role supports the daily operation of the kitchen and provides hands-on instruction to inmate workers at SCI Mercer.

As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:

• Food Instruction: Teach inmates how to prepare, produce, and serve food according to recipes and standards
• Safety Training: Train inmates in safe use of tools, equipment, cleaning methods, and sanitation requirements
• Area Inspection: Inspect food areas, equipment, and ingredients to ensure compliance with safety and sanitation rules
• Supply Management: Order, receive, store, and rotate food and supplies using first in first out practices
• Work Oversight: Assign and review inmate work tasks and maintain accurate records of performance
• Custody Control: Maintain care, custody, and control of inmates during all work activities

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 will be either 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM or 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Schedule and off days will be determined during the hiring process.
• 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 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.
• 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.