Food Service Specialist III (2 Vacancies)

Salary : $30,700.00 - $49,100.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 188846
Agency: Criminal Justice Academy
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Closing Date: 6/8/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: KB15
Position Number:: 60010158 & 61040394
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Pay Grade: GEN04
Hiring Range - Min.: $32,728.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $39,900.00
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: The SC Criminal Justice Academy is the starting point for all SC law enforcement. We are responsible for one of the most important jobs in the state--training those who will serve the citizens of South Carolina during their time of distress, time of worry, time of hurt. We take pride in our agency. We work hard because, at the end of the day, we know that the officers we train will leave a lasting impression on an SC citizen in need of service or aid. SC should expect much from its officers, so we expect much from our employees. It takes a team of dedicated people to make sure our Academy is a premier training facility. To do this, we need reliable and conscientious workers who want to be employed by an agency that offers meaningful and challenging work with an appropriate work-life, home-life balance as well as excellent state government benefits. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, including pregnancy & childbirth (or related medical conditions), age (over 40), or disability. We are the face of law enforcement. Join us! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> QUALIFIED APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE THE STATE APPLICATION. All information must be completed or the application will not be accepted. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. Supplemental questions are considered part of the application and must be answered. Additionally, a medical examination may be required. The selection process may take two to four weeks and may include a panel interview. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> DRUG SCREENING, FINGERPRINTING, AND CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK IS REQUIRED.
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Position #1: Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Friday 5:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Position #2: Monday - Friday 4:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities
The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (Academy), Food Service Unit , is seeking two (2) Food Service Specialists to supervise inmate personnel in food preparation and service.

Duties include:

• Supervise and assist inmate staff in preparing and serving daily breakfast, lunch, dinner meals and other events, on occasion.
• Prepare alternate daily meals to reduce leftovers and increase meal options.
• Ensure cleanliness, sanitation, and safety of the kitchen, equipment, and storage areas.
• Train inmates on kitchen procedures, recipes, and safety standards.
• Maintain inventory control and proper storage of perishable items.
• Open and close the kitchen as needed; assist with all meal services.
• Manage kitchen operations across shifts with other supervisors.
• Transport inmates using an Academy vehicle.
• Perform duties requiring prolonged standing and exposure to temperature variations.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Minimum requirements:

• Experience in quantity and quality cooking or baking

Preferred Qualifications

We prefer, but do not require, the following experience:

• High school diploma/GED
• ServeSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
• Experience instructing/overseeing others in food preparations, kitchen standards, and sanitation operations

Additional Comments

About You

• Knowledge of dietetic principles involved in planning and reviewing menus for nutritional adequacy and dietary balance.
• Knowledge of all appliances used in cooking, baking, and cooling of foods and food products.
• Knowledge of sanitary and safety procedures pertaining to cooking, baking, and cooling operations, as well as service of prepared foods.
• Familiar with procedures required to store fresh foods, frozen foods, dry goods, and chemicals.
• Must be able to exercise some independent judgment.
• Must be able to make decisions concerning the operation of all areas pertaining to the kitchen.
• Must meet DHEC guidelines in all situations.
• Must be able to lift cases of food with an approximate weight of 50 lbs.
• Ability to respond to oral and written instructions.
• Ability to push, pull, and move products and supplies.
• Ability to stoop, bend, and climb a step ladder while performing various duties.
• Ability to be able to lift 6" pans full of food and 10-gallon pots on and off the serving line and stove and ovens.
• Ability to stand on hard surfaces 75% of the time.
• Ability to work in an environment exposed to extreme temperature changes.
• Must be able to transport inmate personnel to and from the SC Department of Corrections.

About the Academy

• The S.C. Criminal Justice Academy is the starting point for all SC law enforcement . We are responsible for one of the most important jobs in the state-training those who will serve the citizens of South Carolina during their time of distress, time of worry, and time of hurt.
• It takes a team of dedicated people to make sure our Academy is a premier training facility. To do this, we need reliable and conscientious workers who want to be employed by an agency that offers meaningful and challenging work with an appropriate work-life, home-life balance as well as excellent state government benefits.
• We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, including pregnancy & childbirth (or related medical conditions), age (over 40), or disability.
• South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

We are the face of law enforcement. Join us!
The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy offers an exceptional benefits package for full-time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)

Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.


Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.


Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.


Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.


Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01


Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Applications are incomplete if you fail to answer all supplemental questions, education and work history. ANY MISREPRESENTATION WILL RESULT IN YOUR DISQUALIFICATION FROM EMPLOYMENT. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. Provide an explanation for any gaps in the submitted employment application. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. Incomplete applications are not referred to hiring managers. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

• Yes
• No

02


A background investigation will be conducted that may include, but not limited to, criminal records and driver's license, prior employment verification, and fingerprinting prior to an offer of employment. For positions that require a degree, you must provide a certified college transcript, and the degree must be from a college or higher education institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For all other positions, you must provide a high school diploma or GED certificate. Applicants not chosen for this position may apply for future job vacancies at the SC Criminal Justice Academy. I have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have experience in quantity and quality cooking and baking for groups of 300 or more people?

• Yes
• No

04


If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please explain your experience, and include the number of years of experience, duties, and employer(s).
05


Do you have a ServSafe Manager Certification?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you have a valid SC driver's license?

• Yes
• No

07


Are you able to stand for long periods, lift approximately 50 lbs. of food, push and pull products, equipment, and supplies; stoop, bend, and climb a ladder, as stated in this posting?

• Yes
• No

08


How did you learn about this job vacancy?

• Facebook: SC Criminal Justice Academy
• Academy website:
• State Jobs:
• CJA employee
• Other

09


If you selected "CJA Employee" or "Other" above, then please explain.
Required Question