Food Service Specialist 2025-02444

The Wyoming Department of Corrections operates the Wyoming Women’s Center (WWC) located in Lusk, Wyoming. Established in 1981, the WWC serves as a primary education and treatment facility for female inmates. The center focuses on reducing recidivism through comprehensive programming including vocational, recreational, and educational programs designed to support cognitive and behavioral interventions. The facility places a high value on maintaining a safe and respectful environment and actively complies with policies such as the Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003. Employment with the Wyoming Department of Corrections offers a stable, rewarding career with significant benefits designed to support employees both professionally and personally. The organization supports diversity, equal opportunity employment, and reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This permanent full-time position offers a competitive hourly wage of $18.56 and includes comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, and life insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, tuition reimbursement programs, and retirement plans.

The Food Service Specialist role at the Wyoming Women’s Center plays a critical role in the operation of the facility's cafeteria known for outstanding food and service. The position supports the Food Service Supervisor by providing direction, instruction, and training to inmate workers involved in the preparation, serving, and storage of food commodities. The Food Service Specialist ensures that meals are prepared in compliance with institutional menus and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food service standards. This position demands a commitment to quality, sanitation, and safety, and the ideal candidate will bring creativity and motivation to uphold and enhance the cafeteria’s reputation.

The Food Service Specialist's duties include supervising food preparation according to dietary and menu requirements, training workers on safety and sanitation practices, preparing special diets for religious and medical needs, and overseeing meal portioning and distribution. They are tasked with managing inventory control, conducting daily inventories of kitchen tools and controlled food items, and monitoring food and storage temperatures to maintain compliance with health regulations. As the role demands working in a secure correctional environment, candidates must be physically capable of performing manual labor tasks such as lifting heavy items, standing for extended periods, and working on cement floors. Additionally, maintaining security protocols and cooperating with institutional policies are crucial elements of the job.

This position is essential in supporting the ongoing wellness of the facility’s residents through nutritional services and ensuring compliance with state and federal food safety laws. Candidates with prior correctional food service experience are preferred, although progressive work experience in food services or culinary arts can also be valuable. The Wyoming Department of Corrections offers a comprehensive training and professional development program to support employee growth and advancement in their careers. Working at the Wyoming Women’s Center means contributing to a meaningful mission while benefiting from Wyoming’s unique lifestyle and the state’s supportive work environment.