Assistant Cook II

Stanislaus County, located in California, is a vibrant community known for its beautiful parks, great education system, outstanding healthcare facilities, and a rich variety of cultural and sporting events. The county prides itself on fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the demographics of its community. Stanislaus County promotes active citizenship among its employees, emphasizing the importance of their contribution towards promoting the health, safety, welfare, and economic vitality of the area. As part of its commitment to excellence, the county operates with the motto "Striving to be the Best" and provides numerous opportunities for training and professional development to help staff members advance in their careers. The workplace embraces fairness, respect, and teamwork, recognizing that every role is crucial to the overall success of the organization.

The role of Assistant Cook II within the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department serves as a pivotal position in the food service operation, carrying significant responsibilities in providing nutritional support to inmates under institutional settings. This full-time position offers an annual salary ranging from $41,080 to $49,940.80 and requires candidates to be part of the Classified Service of the County. The selected individual will operate in a lead capacity, supervising and guiding Assistant Cook I staff and assisting in the management of food service operations in compliance with established health and safety standards.

Assistant Cook II plays a critical role in ensuring that dietary needs are met accurately and efficiently by managing daily food orders, checking meal trays for compliance with dietary instructions, and maintaining sanitary kitchen operations. The role demands the preparation and coordination of meals in a large institutional setting, with responsibilities including staff scheduling, instructing kitchen personnel on correct food preparation methods, overseeing kitchen equipment operation, and upholding sanitation and safety protocols. Given the nature of this position within a correctional facility, the Assistant Cook II must maintain professionalism when working with inmates, demonstrating composure and strict adherence to safety standards.

Working conditions require the Assistant Cook II to physically operate kitchen equipment such as dishwashers, ovens, blenders, meat slicers, coffee machines, mixers, and compactors, while also fulfilling tasks that involve lifting, carrying, pushing, stooping, and standing for extended periods in fluctuating temperature conditions. The position also entails potential overtime, standby duties, callbacks, weekend and holiday shifts, as dictated by the Memorandum of Understanding associated with the labor union. Candidates must be prepared for a twelve-month probationary period, potentially extendable to eighteen months.

Applicants for this role must possess at least one year of experience working in a large food or dietary service department within an institutional facility, have no felony convictions, and demonstrate good moral character. Key skills include the ability to follow oral and written instructions, read and comprehend therapeutic diets and production recipes, write simple reports, and handle physical demands of the job effectively. Knowledge of nutrition, dietetics, food preparation, kitchen sanitation, math skills for inventory control, and the safe operation and care of kitchen equipment is essential.

This position involves participation in a comprehensive examination and selection process including application reviews, a written test, and oral interviews conducted by County experts. Stanislaus County offers a competitive benefits package and promotes a healthy work-life balance for all employees. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals seeking a stable career in a dynamic environment dedicated to community service and continuous professional growth.