Step into a meaningful role as a Corrections Food Service Instructor with the Department of Corrections! This position gives you the chance to guide others while helping maintain safe and efficient food service operations. Your leadership supports both daily routines and long-term growth for inmates learning valuable skills at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset. Join an agency that values structure, purpose, and positive change!
This position plays a key role in food service operations by teaching inmates safe food preparation and kitchen procedures. It also supports the orderly operation of the institution through careful oversight of work activities. As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:
- Instruction and Training: Teach inmates food preparation, production, service, and baking according to established methods
- Safety and Sanitation: Guide inmates in the safe use of tools, equipment, and cleaning practices
- Quality Oversight: Inspect food service areas and adjust recipes based on census and menu data
- Supply Management: Requisition, receive, store, and rotate food and supplies using proper procedures
- Work Supervision: Plan work assignments and evaluate inmate worker performance while maintaining custody and control
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 determined at time of hire. Possible shifts are as follows:
- 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- 11:00 AM to 7:00 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). However, a higher salary may be established in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
- 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:
- A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
- 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.

