Cook I/II - Sheriff's Office (Open And Promotional) Job in San Mateo, CA - County Of San Mateo

Highlights

Responsibilities of a Cook include, but are not limited to, preparing and serving a variety of dishes in large quantities; checking portioning and garnishing of food, and ensuring that it is served correctly and according to instructions; operating and cleaning a variety of industrial food service equipment; calculating ingredients needed; receiving and storing food; training new cooks; mentoring students and/or interns; supervising the work of and working alongside incarcerated persons (IP), assisting with menu planning and recipe development; and keeping all areas clean within the food services operations. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

Description

Cook I/II - Sheriffs Office (Open and Promotional)

Salary

$70,948.80 - $85,841.60 Annually

Location

County of San Mateo, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

S027Z

Department

Sheriffs Office

Opening Date

10/06/2026

Closing Date

10/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

Description
Benefits
Questions

Description

The San Mateo County Sheriffs Office is seeking experienced individuals for the position of Cook I/II.

There is one vacancy in the Sheriffs Office-Food Service Unit, located inside Maple Street Correctional Facility in Redwood City, CA.

An ideal candidate will possess one or more of the following: ServSafe Food Manager certification, School Nutrition Specialist certification, or Culinary Certification. The candidate will also have the ability to read and follow standardized recipes, have two or more years of experience as a Cook in the institutional or restaurant industry, and be able to work as part of a team in a large scale fast paced kitchen environment.

Additional requirements:

Possession of ServSafe Food Manager certification or Food Protection Manager Certification is required. If the selected candidates do not possess this certification upon hire, they must obtain it within six (6) months of employment.
Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license. Experience driving a delivery truck is preferred but not required.

Candidates chosen for these positions must successfully pass a background investigation in order to work in a locked facility around incarcerated persons. Felony and misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency.

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office currently has one regular full-time vacancy, with additional possible vacancies. The appointment may be made at either the Cook I or II level, depending on the qualifications of the successful candidate(s) and the needs of the department.

Cook I: $34.11 - $38.13 /hourly

Cook II: $36.90 - $41.27 /hourly

NOTE: The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies at the Sheriff's Office or at any one of a number of the following work sites/programs: San Mateo Medical Center; Meals on Wheels Program; and Canyon Oaks Youth Center.

Qualifications

Licensure/Certification:

Must possess and maintain a current ServSafe Food Manager or Food Protection Manager Certification for the duration of employment in this classification or obtain certification within six (6) months of employment.
Some positions require possession of a current and valid Class C California driver's license or equivalent.

Experience and Education:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Cook I: Two years of experience in a large commercial or institutional kitchen which has included preparing and serving food and cleaning kitchen equipment and facilities.
Cook II: Two years of experience as a kitchen worker, including one year as a journey-level cook, preparing and serving food in a large commercial or institutional kitchen.

Knowledge of:

Volume food production techniques; methods and equipment used in production of large quantities of food; kitchen cleaning and sanitation methods; basic arithmetic.

Skill/Ability to:

Prepare and serve large quantities of food; read and accurately follow recipes and menus; work rapidly under pressure; work cooperatively with others; and direct the work of assistants.

Physical Requirements:

Must be physically able to lift, carry or push materials, supplies or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; and walk or stand for long periods of time.

Security Clearance:

Positions working in a correctional facility require that the applicant obtain and maintain a security clearance as a condition of employment.

Other requirements:

Majority of positions require employees to work weekends, holidays, evenings or other shifts and be on-call.

Application/Examination

Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of a scored evaluation of relevant training and experience. The evaluation is based solely on the responses to the supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass the training and experience evaluation will be placed on a list of eligible candidates and ranked according to their score (weight: 100%). Because of the training and experience evaluation, not all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are guaranteed advancement through the examination process. All examinations will be given in County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the Countys website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the Countys website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT TIMELINE:

Application Deadline: Tuesday October 20, 2026, by 11:59 PM PST

Training and Experience Evaluation: Week of October 20, 2026

Departmental Interviews: Week of November 2, 2026

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.

HR Contact: Simone Sagapolu (10062026) (Cook I/II - S030/S027)

We invite you to explore our Benefits-at-a-Glance page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)

In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.

As a County employee, you'll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.

INSTRUCTION: Your responses to the questions below will be used for the Training and Experience Evaluation. In order for your application to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete each of the following Supplemental Questions. Your responses should be consistent with the information in your standard San Mateo County application and are subject to verification. Responses to this Supplemental Questionnaire will be scored and will weigh heavily in determining whether your qualifications fit the current needs of the hiring department. If you pass the Training and Experience Evaluation that is based on the multiple choice and open-ended questions below, your application will be ranked according to your score.

I have read and understand the above instructions.

Cooks working in the Sheriffs Office provide meals to incarcerated individuals in Correctional facilities. If offered a position, do you agree to work with incarcerated individuals in a Correctional facility? (A "No" response to this question will disqualify you from the process.)

Candidates for position(s) in the Sheriffs Office will be required to complete an extensive security clearance package and undergo a thorough background check prior to being offered a position. The successful candidate must be cleared to work in and around a locked facility and detainees.

I understand I will undergo an extensive security clearance and background check if I am offered a position with the Sheriffs Office.

The Food Service Unit operates 7 days a week from 6:30 am to 7 pm year-round. This position may require you to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and/or other shift work. Are you able to meet the above stated requirement? (A "No" response to this question will disqualify you from the process.)

Yes, I am able to meet the above stated requirement.
No, I am not able to meet the above stated requirement.

Do you possess a valid California Class C or Class A license? (A "No" response to this question will disqualify you from the process.)

Individuals hired for Cook positions must possess and maintain a current ServSafe Manager certificate by the National Restaurant Association for the duration of employment in this classification OR must obtain certification within six (6) months of employment. Do you possess a ServSafe Manager certificate issued by the National Restaurant Association? (A "No" response to this question will not disqualify you from the process.)

Yes, I possess a current ServSafe Food Manager certification issued by the National Restaurant Association.
No, I do not possess a ServSafe Food Manager certificate issued by the National Restaurant Association, but I understand that if hired, I must complete it within six (6) months of employment.

Cooking and preparation of main course for a large number of people in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
I can perform this task with no additional training.
I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
No experience, but willing to learn.

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Cooking and preparation of side dishes such as soup, salad, and potatoes for a large number of people in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
I can perform this task with no additional training.
I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
No experience, but willing to learn.

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Cooking and preparation of desserts and baked goods for a large number of people in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
I can perform this task with no additional training.
I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
No experience, but willing to learn.

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Check portioning and garnishing of food in large quantities to insure it is served correctly and according to instructions in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
I can perform this task with no additional training.
I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
No experience, but willing to learn

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Follow recipes and menus to prepare large quantities of food in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
I can perform this task with no additional training.
I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
No experience, but willing to learn

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Calculating amount of ingredients needed for required portions in a professional services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
I can perform this task with no additional training.
I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
No experience, but willing to learn

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Assist with menu planning and recipe development in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
I can perform this task with no additional training.
I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
No experience, but willing to learn.

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Food storage methods, inventory, ordering and delivery in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, what is your current level of knowledge?

I have knowledge and expertise in this area, and can apply it effectively.
I have thorough knowledge in this area, and can apply it effectively in most situations.
I have some knowledge in this area, but may require additional instructions.
I have very limited knowledge in this area, and will require additional instruction.
None, but willing to learn.

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Food safety, including but not limited to, preparation, cooking temperature, cross-contamination, heating temperature, cooling, storage in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, what is your current level of knowledge?

I have knowledge and expertise in this area, and can apply it effectively.
I have thorough knowledge in this area, and can apply it effectively in most situations.
I have some knowledge in this area, but may require additional instructions.
I have very limited knowledge in this area, and will require additional instruction.
None, but willing to learn.

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Kitchen equipment safety, including but not limited to, knives, meat slicers, grinders, power mixers, steam cooking in a professional food service establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, what is your current level of knowledge?

I have knowledge and expertise in this area, and can apply it effectively.
I have thorough knowledge in this area, and can apply it effectively in most situations.
I have some knowledge in this area, but may require additional instructions.
I have very limited knowledge in this area, and will require additional instruction.
None, but willing to learn.

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Lift, carry or push materials, supplies or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
I can perform this task with no additional training.
I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
No experience, but willing to learn.

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Personal protective equipment, including but not limited to, gloves, hair nets, hats, aprons, masks, eye/face protection, footwear, personal hygiene in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, what is your current level of knowledge?

I have knowledge and expertise in this area, and can apply it effectively.
I have thorough knowledge in this area, and can apply it effectively in most situations.
I have some knowledge in this area, but may require additional instructions.
I have very limited knowledge in this area, and will require additional instruction.
None, but willing to learn.

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Train new cooks in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
I can perform this task with no additional training.
I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
No experience, but willing to learn.

Train new cooks in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, how long have you performed this task?

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Provide direction in the preparation of food, serving of meals, cleaning of kitchen and facilities in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
I can perform this task with no additional training.
I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
No experience, but willing to learn.

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Provide customer service to customers in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
I can perform this task with no additional training.
I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
No experience, but willing to learn.

Provide customer service to customers in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, how long have you performed this task?

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Establish and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

Establish and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.
I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
No experience, but willing to learn.

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

Experience working as part of a kitchen work team in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
I can perform this task with no additional training.
I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
No experience, but willing to learn

Experience working as part of a kitchen work team in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, how long have you performed this task?

3 years or more
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
1 year or more but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience, but willing to learn

County of San Mateo departments sometimes need extra-help workers in addition to permanent employees. Extra Help positions offer temporary part-time or temporary full-time employment for 1040 hours (which equates to working full-time for approximately six months). However, employment might end sooner depending on the needs of the hiring departments. Extra Help positions are paid on an hourly rate basis. Some extra help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra-help workers are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the extra-help assignment. Are you interested in extra-help employment? (A "No" answer to this question will not affect your application for permanent employment.)

How did you learn about this position?

County of San Mateo Website
County of San Mateo Job Interest Card Notification
County Hosted Virtual Event
County Hosted Job Fair
CalOpps.org
College/University Career Center
Community-based Organization Posting
Facebook/Instagram
Friend or Relative
GovernmentJobs.com
Indeed
Job Fair
LinkedIn
Professional Publication/Website (Please specify in next question)
X (formerly called Twitter)
Zip Recruiter
Other (Please specify in next question)

If you answered, "Professional Publication/Website" or "Other" to the above question, please indicate below how you learned about this position. Your response to this question will help us in better marketing County jobs. Type NA if not applicable.

Required Question

Employer County of San Mateo

Address County of San Mateo Human Resources Department

500 County Center, 4th Floor

Redwood City, California, 94063-1663

Phone (650) 363-4343

Website https://jobs.smcgov.org

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Cook I/II - Sheriff's Office (Open and Promotional)

County of San Mateo

Highlights

Numbers & Facts

Description

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