Food Production Worker

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is a distinguished law enforcement agency that serves the vibrant community of Maricopa County, Arizona. Established in 1871, MCSO is recognized as one of the largest and most respected sheriff's offices in the United States, committed to ensuring public safety, fostering community trust, and providing comprehensive law enforcement services. With a focus on integrity, professionalism, and public service, MCSO offers a wide range of career opportunities for civilian, detention, and sworn personnel. The agency prides itself on a supportive work environment, emphasizing mentorship, training, and growth opportunities for all employees. MCSO is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and fosters a culture of respect and collaboration among its workforce.

The Food Production Worker role at MCSO is a vital civilian position that involves preparing nutritious and safe meals for the inmate population housed within the county's jail facilities. This position requires working in a secure and controlled environment, ensuring food is produced following stringent health, safety, and sanitation standards. The Food Production Worker not only prepares various meals but also instructs inmates on kitchen duties, helping them engage in productive tasks while upholding operational efficiency and safety. The position operates within an indoor food production setting in a jail environment where temperature variations and physical demands are common. This role requires manual dexterity, the ability to operate commercial kitchen equipment safely, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities under time-sensitive conditions.

Compensation for the Food Production Worker is competitive, with a pay range starting at $19.75 and maximum pay up to $27.25 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. The employment type is unclassified, offering a stable 40-hour workweek, with structured shifts providing work-life balance. The two primary shifts available are the first shift from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, five days a week with two consecutive days off, and the second shift from 2:00 pm to 12:00 am, four days a week with three consecutive days off. New hires will undergo two weeks of training on the first shift to build foundational skills before being assigned to a fixed shift based on departmental needs.

The role is integral to maintaining compliance with various regulatory requirements including the Health and Safety codes, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, and environmental health standards such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point). Responsibilities include preparing special diets, managing kitchen inventory, operating forklifts and pallet jacks, documenting activities, and overseeing food distribution. The Food Production Worker also plays a leadership role by assigning tasks to inmates and collaborating with detention and civilian personnel to ensure kitchen operations run smoothly and safely. The position demands strong attention to detail, an ability to work under pressure, excellent interpersonal skills, and dedication to community service. The environment is both physically and socially demanding, involving interaction with inmates and handling various safety-sensitive tasks under strict supervision.

In addition to a competitive salary, working with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office provides many benefits such as three medical plan options, paid sick and parental leave, holiday pay, enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, and access to wellness programs including free access to county gyms. Moreover, employees benefit from mentoring programs that foster both personal and professional development, discounted child care services through KinderCare, and a supportive team culture. The MCSO provides an excellent platform for individuals seeking long-term career growth in a challenging yet rewarding public service environment.