Food Services Specialist 2026-01291

Food Service Specialist

Open until filled GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Wyoming Department of Corrections, Wyoming Women's Center, is seeking a Food Service Specialist. This position assists the Food Service Supervisor by providing direction, instruction, and training to inmate food service workers in the preparation, service, and storage of food commodities in accordance with institutional menus and USDA food service standards. The culture within the cafeteria is centered on creativity, quality, and excitement. The WWC cafeteria is known for outstanding food and service, and we are seeking applicants who are motivated to help continue that tradition. This is a full-time position with benefits, scheduled at 40 hours per week.

As part of the Wyoming Department of Corrections, you will play a vital role in supporting public safety through the safe, secure, and humane management of offenders, while helping provide opportunities for successful reintegration into society.

Established in 1981, the Wyoming Women's Center serves as the primary education and treatment center for female inmates within the WDOC system. The facility provides programming, vocational opportunities, recreational activities, and educational services designed to support the WDOC mission of reducing recidivism through cognitive and behavioral intervention.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!

Why Lusk? Located in northeast Wyoming, Lusk offers the charm of small-town living with wide-open spaces and a strong sense of community. With a low cost of living, minimal traffic, and a relaxed pace of life, Lusk provides an excellent work-life balance.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy easy access to hunting, fishing, and hiking, as well as nearby destinations like Thunder Basin National Grassland and Guernsey State Park. Lusk is an ideal place for those seeking meaningful work in a safe, welcoming community surrounded by Wyoming's natural beauty. And remember, Wyoming has no state income tax, meaning more of your paycheck stays with you!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.

• With the assistance of the Food Services Assistant, directs, coordinates, prepares, and supervises the preparation of food for meals within the guidelines of the menu, dietary requirements, and the standards of appearance, taste, temperature, and sanitation.
• Trains 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 all items daily.
• Completes daily inventories of knives, controlled food items, and tools.
• Observes and records food, refrigerator, and freezer temperatures.

PREFERENCES: Preference may be given to those with correctional food service experience. KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of food safety practices, handling, temperature control, etc. Knowledge of basic employee supervision methods. Knowledge of meal preparation and quantity/quality controls. Knowledge of procurement, receiving, and storage methods. Knowledge of State and Federal laws governing food preparation. Knowledge of handling, storage, and sanitation. Skill in written and oral communications.

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 OR 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:

• Because a correctional institution is a controlled environment, inmates will often attempt to disrupt that environment. The kitchen staff has to be physically able to perform a variety of manual labor job duties.
• Lifting/grasping up to 50 pounds without assistance regularly.
• Walking on cement floors regularly.
• Balancing on an occasional basis.
• Stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching on an occasional basis.
• Reaching regularly.
• Standing regularly.
• Pushing/pulling regularly.
• Typing/Repetitive motion on an occasional to regular basis.
• Talking/hearing frequently.
• Visual ability to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. No notice of eligibility will be sent to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.
• The Wyoming Department of Corrections is a Drug-Free Workplace. All staff is subject to drug testing while employed by the WDOC. The Wyoming Department of Corrections 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.
• The Wyoming Department of Corrections 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, harassment, and the elimination of prison rape.
• Successful Applicants for employment must pass a background/reference check, medical evaluation, and drug test before appointment.
• WDOC has a strict dress code policy to include 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 offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, a tuition reimbursement program, Wyoming State Retirement and 457 Deferred Compensation Program, longevity pay, and opportunities for advancement.
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