Corrections Food Service Instructor - SCI Mercer

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Corrections Food Service Instructor at the State Correctional Institution Mercer to lead inmate workers as they develop food service skills. You will promote teamwork, responsibility, and safe kitchen practices to support daily operations while guiding inmates toward growth and steady progress.

The role focuses on leading food service activities, training inmates in proper kitchen procedures, and ensuring safe operations and reliable meal service

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in food preparation, production, or service in institutional or large-scale settings; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Lead inmate workers in food preparation, cooking, baking, and serving according to recipes and production needs.
• Provide safety and sanitation training and demonstrate proper equipment use and storage practices.
• Conduct quality and compliance checks on food, tools, and work areas to meet standards.

Skills

Food safety leadership

Inmate supervision

Kitchen operations

Job description

The Corrections Food Service Instructor position with the Department of Corrections (DOC) at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Mercer gives you the chance to lead inmate workers as they build strong, reliable food service skills. Each day offers opportunities to promote teamwork, responsibility, and safe kitchen practices that support daily operations. Your leadership helps the kitchen run efficiently while encouraging positive growth and steady progress among the inmates you train. Join a team that values professionalism, dedication, and a shared commitment to high-quality service.

This position focuses on leading food service activities and training inmates in proper kitchen procedures. The role supports safe operations, skill development, and reliable meal service throughout the facility. As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:

• Food Preparation Instruction: Teach inmates how to prepare, cook, bake, and serve food according to recipes and production needs
• Safety and Sanitation Training: Demonstrate proper use of equipment, cleaning methods, maintenance tasks, and safe storage practices
• Quality and Compliance Checks: Inspect food, tools, and work areas to ensure they meet safety, sanitation, and production standards
• Inventory and Supply Work: Receive, store, and track food and supplies while following first in, first out procedures
• Work Assignment Oversight: Plan and review inmate tasks, complete evaluations, and maintain accurate worker records
• Custody and Supervision: Maintain care, custody, and control of inmates during all food service operations

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 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Your schedule and pass days will be determined during the hiring process.
• The 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

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.

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.