Corrections Food Service Instructor - SCI Forest

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Jenks Township (PA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s State Correctional Institution at Forest seeks a Corrections Food Service Instructor to guide inmate workers, teach food preparation, and ensure safe, sanitary kitchen practices. You will oversee meal production, safety training, sanitation checks, supply management, and work assignments, with a rotating shift schedule (1st and 2nd) and full-time hours.

Qualified candidates have two years' experience in institutional food service or an equivalent, completion of

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in institutional food service or equivalent.
• Completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA.
• Must pass background investigation and CJIS compliance.

Responsibilities

• Food Instruction: Teach inmates proper methods of food preparation, production, service, and baking
• Safety Training: Coach inmates on safe and sanitary use of kitchen tools, equipment, and workspace practices
• Meal Preparation: Prepare meals according to recipes and ensure timely service throughout the facility
• Sanitation Checks: Inspect food, equipment, and work areas to verify compliance with safety and sanitation standards
• Supply Management: Receive, store, and track food supplies while enforcing first-in, first-out procedures
• Work Oversight: Plan inmate work assignments, review performance, and maintain accurate records

Skills

Food preparation experience

Education

Basic training (Elizabethtown, PA)

Job description

Salary

$49,010.00 - $98,728.00 Annually

Location

Forest County, PA

Job Type

Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

Job Number

N-2026-58690

Department

Department of Corrections

Division

CR FRS Food Svcs

Opening Date

09/17/2026

Closing Date

9/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

81510

Position Number

00266948

Union

PSCOA

Bargaining Unit

H1

Pay Group

CO35

Bureau / Division Code

00113270

Bureau / Division

State Correctional Institution at Forest

Worksite Address

286 Woodland Drive

City

Marienville, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

16239

Contact Name

Wendy Mangan

Contact Phone

717.307.3225

Contact Email

[e-mail]

THE POSITION

Are you ready to motivate growth and teamwork in a structured kitchen environment? The Corrections Food Service Instructor position at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Forest offers a chance to guide meaningful learning each day. This role lets you help others build strong kitchen skills and safe food practices. You will be part of a team that values leadership, patience, and steady improvement. Bring your strengths to an agency that depends on reliable instruction and positive direction!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position guides inmate food service workers and ensures that all kitchen tasks are completed safely and correctly. It focuses on teaching important vocational skills and maintaining high standards across all food service areas. As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:

• Food Instruction: Teach inmates proper methods of food preparation, production, service, and baking
• Safety Training: Coach inmates on safe and sanitary use of kitchen tools, equipment, and workspace practices
• Meal Preparation: Prepare meals according to recipes and ensure timely service throughout the facility
• Sanitation Checks: Inspect food, equipment, and work areas to verify compliance with safety and sanitation standards
• Supply Management: Receive, store, and track food supplies while enforcing first-in, first-out procedures
• Work Oversight: Plan inmate work assignments, review performance, and maintain accurate records

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 to be determined with rotating days off. Potential shifts include:
  • 1st Shift (4:30 AM to 12:30 PM)
  • 2nd Shift (12:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
• 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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 Requirement:

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

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.