On-site

Corrections Food Service Instructor - SCI Cambridge Springs

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, PAvia Commonwealth of PA
As a Corrections Food Service Instructor with the Department of Corrections (DOC) at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Cambridge Springs, you help keep kitchen operations running smoothly while teaching valuable skills that support vocational growth. This position blends hands-on culinary work with meaningful instruction, giving you the opportunity to guide inmates through safe and efficient food preparation. You support organized meal production, uphold strong sanitation standards, and promote positive work habits that build confidence. Step into a role where your leadership shapes daily operations and inspires progress.

This position supports food service operations by instructing inmate workers, maintaining sanitation standards, and ensuring meals are prepared on time. The role combines hands-on kitchen work with training duties that strengthen safety, organization, and production. As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:

  • Culinary Instruction: Teach inmates food preparation, production, service, and baking, using safe and sanitary methods
  • Food Quality Control: Inspect food service areas, review recipes, adjust portions, and recycle leftover food to reduce waste
  • Supply Management: Requisition, receive, and store food and supplies while enforcing first-in, first-out procedures
  • Work Assignment Planning: Assign inmate tasks, review performance, and maintain inmate worker records
  • Custody and Control: Maintain safety, order, and supervision of inmates during all food service duties
  • Sanitation Oversight: Ensure safe and sanitary operation of tools and equipment, cleaning, maintenance, and storage practices

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 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM or 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Your shift and pass days will be determined.
  • 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: 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. 

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 dateLate 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.

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