Food Services Specialist 2026-02655

State of Wyoming; Rawlins (WY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (elig.

Wyoming State Retirement

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

The Wyoming Department of Corrections is seeking a Food Services Specialist at the Rawlins facility to oversee meal production with inmate staff, ensuring safety, sanitation, and dietary accuracy.

The role includes training inmate workers, maintaining inventory, and directing meal service across units, in a secure, correctional kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years progressive work experience in Food Services at the level of a Food Services Assistant
• Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts is required or preferred

Responsibilities

• Directs, coordinates, prepares, and supervises inmates in food preparation for meals
• Trains inmate workers in safety and sanitation
• Prepares religious and medically required diets
• Directs portioning and serving of meals
• Oversees distribution of bulk food and pre-plated meals
• Monitors health guidelines in daily food preparation
• Manages inventory and daily item reviews
• Tests temperatures of foods, refrigerators, and freezers

Skills

Portion control

High-volume cooking

Food safety knowledge

Education

Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Join The Wyoming Department of Corrections! The State of Wyoming offers a comprehensive benefits package including retirement, insurance, paid leave, and more!

The Wyoming State Penitentiary is seeking a Food Services Specialist. This position is responsible for preparing meals with inmate personnel assistance and providing training and supervision of inmate work crews in all phases of food service production. You'll be a part of an essential department of the facility and be able to give inmates real‑life work skills they can use to become successful upon release. The WDOC is committed to public safety and high correctional standards, as well as a safe, supportive working environment for our employees.

Why Rawlins?

Rawlins offers the perfect blend of small‑town charm and big adventure. Nestled in the heart of Carbon County, it’s a community surrounded by wide‑open spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities. Spend your weekends fishing for trout and walleye at Seminoe State Park, hitting the ATV trails, enjoying a round at the local golf course, or experiencing the excitement of local rodeos. Plus, Casper is just a short drive away for even more outdoor and cultural experiences.

And remember—Wyoming has no state income tax, meaning more of your paycheck stays with you!

Why Choose a Career with the Wyoming Department of Corrections?

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!

Human Resources Contact: [e-mail] or 307-262-1664

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Directs, coordinates, prepares, and supervises inmates in food preparation for meals within the menu's guidelines, dietary requirements, appearance, taste, temperature, and sanitation standards.
• Trains inmate workers in safety and sanitation.
• Prepares all religious and medically necessary diets and substitutions as needed.
• Directs the portioning and serving of all meals.
• Oversees the distribution of bulk food and pre‑plated meals.
• Ensures that health guidelines are met in the daily preparation of food.
• Manages inventory and reviews daily on all items.
• Completes daily inventories of knives, controlled food items, and tools.
• Observes and records food, refrigerator, and freezer temperatures.
• Delivers meals to housing units; may require the operation of a food truck.
• Responsible for ensuring a safe and enjoyable workplace, including participation in initiatives designed to promote a positive work environment.

PREFERENCES:

Preference may be given to those with knowledge of the Wyoming Food Rule and food safety and/or prior high-volume food service experience.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of Portion Control and High Volume Cooking.
• Knowledge of Wyoming Health, Safety and Sanitation Food Service Requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience Substitution:

2-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Food Services) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Food Services Assistant

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None

Education:

Associate's Degree (typically in Culinary Arts)

Experience:

0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in Food Services) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Food Services Assistant

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Applicants must have the physical ability to lift at least 50 lbs.
• Applicants must be able to remain on their feet for long periods.
• Applicants must be able to withstand walking on cement floors regularly.
• Applicants may be required to perform various manual labor job duties.
• Must be able to communicate effectively through speaking and hearing.
• Pre-service training is required, which includes Krav Maga defensive tactics.
• Must be able to work safely and professionally in a correctional environment with incarcerated individuals.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• The position must pass a background/reference check.
• The Wyoming Department of Corrections is a Drug‑Free Workplace. Per WDOC policy, all staff are subject to drug testing while employed by WDOC. Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check, medical evaluation, and drug screen upon appointment.
• WDOC is a Tobacco‑Free workplace and prohibits the taking, carrying, possessing, or introducing of smoking materials, smokeless tobacco, or tobacco substitutes on or into WDOC facilities and grounds.
• WDOC has a strict dress code policy that includes standards for facial hair, body art, and piercings/gauges. All applicants must meet the standards of this dress code to be considered for employment.
• WDOC complies with the Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003. It is the policy and practice of WDOC to protect inmates/offenders from personal abuse, corporal punishment, personal injury, disease, property damage, harassment, and the elimination of prison rape.
• WDOC offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, paid vacations and sick leave, paid holidays, a tuition reimbursement program, Wyoming State Retirement and 457 deferred compensation program, and longevity pay opportunities for advancement. Please visit our website at http://doc.state.wy.us/

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change. please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.

Human Resources Contact: [e-mail] or 307-262-1664