Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $47,961.84 - $64,628.88
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Work Schedule

Day Shifts
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Flexible work schedule
Employee assistance program
Professional development opportunities
Life insurance

Job Description

The County of Los Angeles Probation Department is a prominent public-sector employer serving the largest and most populous county in the United States. With over 116,000 employees across more than 38 departments, Los Angeles County offers a diverse and dynamic work environment committed to excellence in public service. The Probation Department, in particular, plays a vital role in law enforcement and community safety, working diligently to supervise and rehabilitate individuals within the justice system. Known for its dedication to employee welfare, the County provides robust benefits including comprehensive health care options, retirement plans, and a flexible work environment designed to support both professional growth and personal well-being. This role is a continuous recruitment opportunity beginning June 29, 2026, and applicants are encouraged to apply early as the position may close once enough qualified candidates are identified.

The Senior Cook position within the Los Angeles County Probation Department is a critical role responsible for supervising and instructing food service staff and inmate workers in the preparation and serving of meals. This position demands a high level of expertise in standard cooking techniques, food safety regulations, and the efficient operation of kitchen units. The Senior Cook will oversee multiple aspects of kitchen management, from inspecting food supplies and ensuring proper storage to coordinating food preparation activities across various workstations to guarantee meals are prepared on time and maintained at appropriate temperatures. Additionally, this role involves the supervision of shifts, modification of recipes using computer applications, and maintaining cleanliness and compliance with health standards. This position offers employment across a variety of shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. The role requires a blend of leadership, culinary skills, and adherence to strict safety and quality standards, contributing to the overall success of meal services in a County-operated facility. Given the nature of the department's work, candidates will undergo a thorough background check and fingerprinting prior to appointment, emphasizing the importance of integrity and suitability for employment within the Probation system.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Relevant cooking experience
  • Experience supervising food service staff
  • Knowledge of health and safety regulations in food services
  • Ability to operate kitchen equipment safely
  • Computer literacy for inventory and recipe software
  • Availability for flexible shift work
  • Clearance to pass fingerprinting and background investigation
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience in cooking and food preparation
  • Experience supervising or leading kitchen staff
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
  • Ability to use computer software applications for recipe modification and inventory management
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Ability to work flexible shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays

Job Duties

  • Supervises and instructs food service staff including subordinate Food Service Workers and Cooks in standard preparation and cooking techniques utilized in the preparation of a variety of food items
  • Proper use of various kitchen utensils and equipment
  • Portioning and serving of food items
  • Preparation and set up of meal facilities
  • Proper cleaning of dishes, pots, pans, equipment, kitchen work areas, and food storage areas
  • Creates work assignments and inspects the work of food service staff and/or inmate workers to ensure quality and adherence to dietary guidelines
  • Instructs food services staff and/or inmate workers in health and safety regulations and monitors compliance
  • Inspects food supplies received, rejects poor quality supplies, oversees proper storage and rotation to prevent spoilage
  • Coordinates workstation cooking activities to ensure timely preparation and proper maintenance of food temperatures
  • Supervises the setup of meal facilities and oversees food serving in compliance with department policies and health regulations
  • Ensures utensils and work areas are clean and ready for the next shift
  • Submits requisitions for food supplies based on daily/weekly menu plans using computer software
  • Modifies recipes to meet changes in serving numbers and ingredient substitutions
  • Performs baking or butcher shop duties as needed
  • Oversees the activities of a shift and acts as a lead person, supervising youth in County programs as required

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


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