Custodial Cook

Modesto, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $49,025.60 - $59,592.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Job Description

Stanislaus County, located in Modesto, California, is a vibrant and growing community known for its beautiful parks, excellent educational institutions, outstanding healthcare facilities, and a rich selection of cultural and sporting events. As a vital governmental entity, Stanislaus County is committed to serving its diverse community with integrity, professionalism, and a focus on continuous improvement. The County operates under the vision "Striving to be the Best," reflecting its commitment to excellence and community wellbeing. The county workforce enjoys an inclusive and supportive environment that values diversity, civic impact, and personal development, making it an exceptional employer for individuals seeking meaningful careers in public service.

Within this dynamic organization, the Custodial Cook position plays a crucial role in supporting the County's Nutrition and Food Services. This full-time role involves supervising a staff of employees and inmate workers to ensure the high standards of nutrition, food production, and meal service in institutional settings. The Custodial Cook is responsible for overseeing the preparation, cooking, baking, and serving of meals, managing the sanitation and upkeep of kitchen facilities, and maintaining stringent safety and sanitation procedures. The position demands both leadership skills and hands-on involvement in food production, as well as responsibility for driving food transport vehicles and managing inventory and food orders. The salary for this position ranges from $49,025.60 to $59,592.00 annually, highlighting the County's competitive compensation for this essential role.

The Custodial Cook operates under the Classified Service of Stanislaus County and is part of the Crafts/Maintenance Institutional Bargaining Unit. This ensures fair labor relations and a structured work environment. New employees undergo a twelve-month probationary period, with the possibility of an extension to eighteen months, emphasizing the County's commitment to quality and performance. The role requires the ability to work in a high-temperature environment, interact professionally with inmates, and handle the physical demands of large-scale food preparation. With responsibilities including managing meal portions, sanitation, food safety, equipment maintenance, and staff supervision, this role is integral to the effective functioning of the County's food services.

Stanislaus County takes pride in offering a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth and development. Employees in this role will benefit from a supportive community that values diversity, fairness, and continuous learning. This position is ideal for candidates who have experience in institutional or commercial kitchens, possess strong supervisory skills, and are committed to maintaining high standards in food safety and nutrition. Joining Stanislaus County as a Custodial Cook means becoming part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact on the community while advancing your career within a stable and respected local government entity.

Job Requirements

High school graduate or General Educational Development (GED) equivalency
Two years experience in an institution or commercial kitchen preparing foods daily on a large volume basis
Must be of good moral character with no felony convictions
Must not have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment in a Federal penitentiary or State Prison
Ability to work long periods standing under high temperature conditions
Ability to occasionally lift or move food supplies
Ability to work calmly around inmates and others
Ability to drive a food transport vehicle
Availability to serve a twelve-month probationary period with possible six-month extension
Must pass a County paid pre-employment drug screening and job-related background investigation
Possession or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Driver's license or ability to utilize an alternative transportation method when required.

Job Qualifications

High school graduate or General Educational Development (GED) equivalency
Two years experience in an institution or commercial kitchen preparing foods daily on a large volume basis
Knowledge of methods, procedures, materials, and equipment involved in large scale food preparation
Understanding of health hazards, food storage procedures, sanitation, and safety practices in kitchen operations
Ability to use and alter standard recipes to meet varying yields
Experience maintaining routine inventory records
Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision
Understanding of nutrition and dietetics necessary for basic menu planning
Experience with food transport vehicles, pallet jacks, and fork lift equipment
Proficiency in the use and care of kitchen utensils and equipment
Knowledge of sanitation and personal hygiene practices in food preparation and service
Familiarity with safety principles related to cleaning, food preparation, and service
Basic arithmetic skills sufficient to make correct change, maintain simple inventory records, and properly measure food amounts
Ability to supervise and participate in preparation of balanced and appetizing foods with minimal waste
Skill in reading and applying various scales of measurements and portioning items accurately
Ability to drive food transport vehicle
Capability to prepare weekly food orders
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
Proficiency in reading English sufficiently to understand diet cards and recipes
Ability to work long periods standing in high temperature conditions
Capacity to occasionally lift or move food supplies
Ability to work around inmates and others in a composed and orderly fashion
Willingness to learn methods involved in large scale food preparation and special or modified diets
Ability to utilize and handle kitchen equipment efficiently
Skill in preparing baked goods, salads, and sandwiches in an appetizing manner.

Job Duties

Supervise and participate in the preparation, cooking, baking, and serving of meals
Utilize leftovers efficiently and effectively
Oversee personnel in the sanitation and upkeep of kitchen facilities and equipment
Drive food transport vehicle
Maintain defined standards of sanitation and safety for personnel, food preparation, kitchen equipment, and physical plant
Operate, clean, and maintain job related equipment including food slicers, mixers, blenders, toaster, ovens, refrigerators, ranges, pans, racks, knives, and other items
Ensure safety and sanitation procedures are followed in the storage, preparation, and service of food
Assign work and check on its completion
Observe tray line to assure that foods are properly portioned and arranged on trays
Maintain proper security procedures while juveniles or inmates are assigned to kitchen duty
Manage the preparation of food within an established production system following standardized recipes, preparation methods, and food handling techniques to ensure acceptable standards
Participate in developing and maintaining routine procedures for accuracy, consistency, and timeliness
Direct preparation to account for special menus and catering activities
Requisition food and supplies according to established specifications, determined by menu, volume, and needs
Recommend the purchase of small equipment for area of responsibility
Maintain required department records
Establish and maintain a system to check, inspect, and store all incoming food and supplies
Participate in establishing and/or amending departmental procedures that affect the Custodial Cook responsibilities
Perform related duties as assigned.