Department of Administrative Services

In a Department of Correction facility or district this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in the commissary operation.

Works under the general supervision of a Correctional Services Manager (Commissary), Correctional Lead Commissary Operator or other employee of higher grade.

May lead Correctional Commissary Operator Trainees, inmates or other lower level employees as assigned.

Oversees staff and inmates in coordinating commissary operations as follows:

INVENTORY CONTROL: Performs continuous inventory as well as periodic full inventory of all stock items; identifies depleted stock as well as slow moving items and initiates purchase orders to maintain needed inventory levels, meet increased demands, phase out items in low demand and add new items to stock; keeps up with changes in stock prices from contract vendors and adjusts order slips and price controls; receives shipments of goods from vendors; inspects goods for damage and compliance with order; signs for items received; directs rotation of stock and maintenance of stock room; maintains records and prepares reports.

SCANNING/SALES: Arranges for and/or distributes order slips to inmates; upon receipt of orders verifies inmate account balance; scans orders into commissary data system; supervises inmate employees in filling orders; supervises totaling of bill and deduction of total from inmate balance or relays data to accounting personnel; arranges for and/or delivers orders directly to inmates; provides feedback to management on commissary product evaluation by inmates; verifies acceptance of delivery.

SECURITY: Develops security precautions and routines for protecting stock and limiting access to commissary area; monitors actions of inmate workers to prevent pilferage; may shakedown or strip search inmates for contraband prior to leaving premises; may physically restrain inmates, quell disturbances and otherwise assist custodial forces in emergencies.

SUPERVISION: Trains and develops job skills in assigned inmates; supervises inmates assigned to commissary; maintains appropriate discipline; submits necessary reports on inmate behavior, training, progress, disciplinary measures, recommendations for accrual of good time, adjustments in pay, etc.; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of principles and methods of retail purchasing techniques; considerable knowledge of stock and inventory control methods; knowledge of prison security procedures; knowledge of basic bookkeeping techniques; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to utilize computer software.

Four (4) years of experience in commissary or retail merchandising, wholesale sales, warehouse sales or warehouse operations.

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the level of Correctional Commissary Operator Trainee.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year to a maximum of two (2) years.
2. Experience as a Correction Officer may be substituted for the General Experience to a maximum of two (2) years on a year for year basis.

1. Incumbents in this class must have reached their 21st birthday.
2. Incumbents in this class are required to possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification at the time of appointment.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to successfully complete a formal training course in correctional work to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the class.
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain either a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license, a Commercial Driver’s license or both.
5. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

1. Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required to perform all the duties of the class.
2. A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to significant stress of confinement within a dangerous and volatile prison population and to considerable danger of injury from assaultive and/or abusive inmates and disagreeable conditions.