Corrections Refrigeration Mechanic Trade Instructor - SCI Laurel Highlands

Salary: $51,868.00 - $104,716.00 Annually
Location : Somerset County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-51470-98950
Department: Department of Corrections
Division: CR LAU Mntnc
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 98950
Position Number: 50325563
Union: PSCOA
Bargaining Unit: H1
Pay Group: CO37
Bureau / Division Code: 00114420
Bureau / Division: SCI Laurel Highlands
Worksite Address: 5706 Glades Pike
City: Somerset, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 15501
Contact Name: Corleen Schmucker
Contact Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io
Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


THE POSITION
As a Corrections Refrigeration Mechanic Trade Instructor with the Department of Corrections (DOC), you bring genuine enthusiasm for the refrigeration mechanic trade into a role that has real impact. At the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Laurel Highlands, you guide learners who are eager to develop practical skills that can support their future success. You use your technical expertise to inspire confidence, encourage steady growth, and keep essential systems operating effectively. This position allows you to share what you enjoy about your trade while helping others move toward positive change.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position teaches and supervises inmates as they learn the refrigeration mechanic trade in both classroom and work settings. As a Corrections Refrigeration Mechanic Trade Instructor, you will perform the following duties:

• Classroom Instruction: Provide lessons on refrigeration trade practices and guide inmates through structured learning activities
• Hands-On Training: Oversee on-the-job skill development and direct inmate work crews on assigned tasks
• Tool Oversight: Manage, issue, and track tools and materials and conduct searches to ensure proper accountability
• Work Planning: Prepare daily schedules, assign tasks, and inspect completed refrigeration work orders
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate documentation of inmate progress, attendance, and work details

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 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday.
• 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 $51,868.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Five years of experience in the repair and servicing of refrigeration systems or air conditioning systems; or
• Completion of an approved apprenticeship in the refrigeration or air conditioning mechanic trade; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes one year of journey level work in the refrigeration or air conditioning mechanic trade.

Special Requirement:

• You must be in possession of an active Universal Refrigerant Transition and Recovery Certificate issued by an approved provider.

Other Requirements:

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirement:

• 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 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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our


Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.


Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*


Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01



Special Requirement - Do you possess an active Universal Refrigerant Transition and Recovery Certificate approved by the Pennsylvania Apprenticeship and Training Council in the Department of Labor and Industry?
If yes, you must attach a copy of your certification for it to be considered in the eligibility decision before submitting your application. You will not be able to attach documents after submission of application. Upload documents using the "Attachments" tab on the left.

• Yes
• No

02


Have you completed an approved apprenticeship in the refrigeration or air conditioning mechanic trade?

• Yes
• No

03


If you answered "Yes" to the above question, where did you complete your apprenticeship? If you answered "No", please type N/A in the text box below.
04


Do you possess one or more years of full-time journey level work in the refrigeration or air conditioning mechanic trade?

• Yes
• No

05


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
06


How many years of full-time experience in the repair and servicing of refrigeration systems or air conditioning systems do you possess?

• 5 years or more
• 4 but less than 5 years
• 3 but less than 4 years
• 2 but less than 3 years
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

07


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
08


Do you possess college coursework or post high school vocational training in the repair and servicing of refrigeration systems or air conditioning systems?

If you are claiming credits/training, you must upload a copy of your vocational/trade school/college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

• Yes
• No

09


You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

10



WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - PROVIDES VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Provides vocational training in the refrigeration mechanic trade in a classroom, shop, or during work assignments. Teaches the practices, procedures, and methods of the inspection, installation, repair, and maintenance of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems and equipment, and heating systems and equipment by explaining, demonstrating, and through the practical application in the use of equipment such as those that recover or charge refrigerant; measuring devices such as refrigeration gauge sets, balometers, multimeters, micron gauges; and various hand tools such as wrenches, screw drivers, drills, and pliers.

Levels of Performance

• A. I have provided vocational training in the refrigeration mechanic trade in a classroom, shop, or work environment on the inspection, installation, repair, and maintenance of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems and equipment, and heating systems and equipment, AND I have instructed on the use of the standard equipment and tools associated with the trade.
• B. I have provided on-the-job-training to others in the refrigeration mechanic trade in a shop or work environment on the inspection, installation, repair, and maintenance of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems and equipment, and heating systems and equipment, AND I have instructed on the use of the standard equipment and tools associated with the trade.
• C. I have experience in the refrigeration mechanic trade involving the inspection, installation, repair, and maintenance of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems and equipment, and heating systems and equipment, AND I have used the standard equipment and tools associated with the trade.
• D. My experience in the refrigeration mechanic trade does not include the above work.

11


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The environment in which you trained (classroom, shop, on-the-job, or combination thereof), if applicable.
3. The subjects you trained and method of instruction, if applicable.
4. Your specific duties and responsibilities.

12



WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - ASSIGNS AND REVIEWS WORK
Assigns work by using independent judgment to determine the nature of the work and the proper tools, equipment, and materials needed to carry out the training or work assignments. Explains work assignments in a clear and concise manner to convey the desired outcome of the work performed. Issues tools, equipment and material required; and supervises, monitors, and inspects work in progress and completed work for adherence to refrigeration mechanic trade standards. Discusses work results with individuals and others to provide feedback; provides assistance to individuals when corrective action is necessary for the work to meet refrigeration mechanic trade standards; and documents individuals' progress in the vocational training program.

Levels of Performance

• A. I have independently determined the nature of the task to be performed and have assigned work to others by explaining the assignment with regard to the desired outcome; have issued tools, equipment and material required; and have supervised, monitored, and inspected work in progress or completed work for adherence to refrigeration mechanic trade standards; AND I have provided feedback to others regarding their work, and have provided assistance when corrective action is necessary for their work to meet refrigeration mechanic trade standards.
• B. I have ensured others understood the nature of the work to be performed and that they have been issued the appropriate tools, equipment and material for their work assignments, and I have monitored work in progress for adherence to refrigeration trade standards; AND I have provided feedback to others in order to assist them in understanding refrigeration trade standards.
• C. I have NEVER assigned work to others or reviewed work.

13


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Your level of responsibility for the allocation of work.
3. Your specific duties and responsibilities.

14



WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - MAINTAINS INVENTORY
Maintains adequate inventory levels of parts, material, tools, and other supplies to support training or maintenance requirements, and prepares requisitions to replenish same.

Levels of Performance

• A. I have monitored inventory levels of parts, tools, and other supplies to support training or maintenance requirements and replenished as necessary.
• B. I have monitored inventory levels of parts, material, tools, and other supplies and have informed the proper individual when replenishment is necessary.
• C. I have NEVER monitored or maintained inventory.

15


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Your specific duties and responsibilities relating to replenishment of inventory levels.

Required Question