Food Service Worker - Lincoln Area

son; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave (24 days first

Military leave

Tuition reimbursement

Health insurance (employer paid)

Job summary

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services seeks entry-level Food Service Workers for Lincoln area facilities. Responsibilities include training inmates in food preparation and serving, coordinating sanitation and inventory, and ensuring safe food storage.

Candidates must be 18+, pass pre-employment exams, and may need ServSafe certification. This role offers a comprehensive benefits package, state employee stability, and opportunities for career advancement within the correctional system in

Qualifications

• Minimum: coursework, training, and/or experience in food preparation, baking, or kitchen operations.
• Preferred: ServSafe or Food Handlers certification.
• Other: Must be at least 18 years old and pass pre-employment exams including medical and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Train and manage inmates in the preparation and serving of food.
• Coordinate sanitation, safety and food storage.
• Manage inventory by recording and reporting food purchases and consumption.
• Duties include prolonged standing and walking; overtime may be required.

Skills

Food prep experience

Safety and sanitation

Inmate supervision

Education

ServSafe certification

Job description

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency: Correctional Services - Agency 46

Location: Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate: $18.478

Job Posting: JR2026-00029073 Food Service Worker - Lincoln Area (Evergreen) (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) is seeking dependable, motivated individuals to join our food service team as entry-level Food Service Workers at the Reception and Treatment Center or the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Information about the Department can be found at: www.corrections.nebraska.gov. For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, please contact Megan Jones at [e-mail].

Hiring range is $18.478-$27.239/hour PLUS $3/hour facility differential for hours worked. Pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints, if approved. Shift differential may also apply.

• 13 paid holidays


• Vacation and sick leave (24 days your first year, accruing immediately)


• Military leave


• 156% state-matched retirement


• Tuition reimbursement


• Employee assistance program


• 79% employer paid health insurance plans


• Dental and vision insurance plans


• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy


• Uniforms provided


• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) eligible through the Federal government


• Wide variety and availability of career advancement


• Meaningful public service -- service with a purpose!


• Numerous training and development opportunities

DUTIES

• Train and manage inmates in the preparation and serving of food.


• Coordinate sanitation, safety and food storage.


• Manage inventory by recording and reporting food purchases and consumption.


• Duties include prolonged standing and walking.


• Overtime, voluntary and mandatory, includes weekends, holidays and double shifts.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Coursework, training and/or experience in food preparation, baking and/or kitchen operations in the food service industry or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:ServSafe or Food Handlers certification (current or previous).

Other: Must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants accepting a job offer must pass the following pre-employment exams in this order: medical exam, and at a randomly announced time, pass a drug test. Once at the Staff Training Academy, must successfully complete the fully paid NE Corrections Training Program.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.