HEAD INSTITUTIONAL COOK

Orange County, CA; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head Institutional Cook to oversee food service operations within a correctional facility. This role involves supervising staff, ensuring timely meal preparation, and maintaining high standards of food quality. The ideal candidate will have experience in institutional food service, strong supervisory skills, and a commitment to adhering to health regulations. Join a dedicated team that plays a vital role in providing nutritious meals to the community, while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and development. This is a chance to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to supervise large-scale food preparation and serving.
• Experience in institutional food service, especially corrections or military.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and train cooks and food service workers at County facilities.
• Ensure meals are prepared and served on time, adhering to quality standards.

Skills

Supervision

Food Preparation

Menu Planning

Inventory Control

Mathematical Skills

Education

Two years as Institutional Cook

Three years in food preparation

Tools

Food Service Management Information Systems

Job description

Salary : $58,968.00 - $79,476.80 Annually

Location : Orange County

Job Type : Full-Time Regular

Job Number : 1638SM-1123-060 (O)

Opening Date : 12 / 01 / 2023

CAREER DESCRIPTION

HEAD INSTITUTIONAL COOK

In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates :

Effective June 28, 2024 - 4.25% increase

Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.00% increase

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

Premium Pay: In addition to the hourly salary, eligible applicants may receive premium pay for :

Jail Supplement Pay : An employee in this classification who is assigned to work in a correctional setting will be paid an additional $1.50 per hour for all hours paid.

This recruitment is open to the public and will remain open on a continuous basis for a minimum of five (5) business days, until the needs of the Department are met. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

Incumbents will be periodically rotated through assignments, shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and correctional facilities.

RECRUITMENT / POSITION INFORMATION

This recruitment is open to the public and being held to establish an open eligible list to fill vacancies in this class until the next recruitment. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar / or lower classifications. The current vacancies are within the Orange County Sheriff's Department; however, the eligible list may also be used by other County of Orange agencies or departments to fill their vacancies.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Orange County Sheriff's Department is among the largest in the nation, providing exemplary law enforcement services focused on a collaborative, dedicated and innovative approach to public safety. Our nearly 4,000 sworn and professional staff are committed to serving the needs of Orange County through 6 organizational Commands comprised of 23 Divisions.

THE DIVISION

The Inmate Services Division includes Commissary Operations, Food Services and Correctional Programs. The Division provides quality products, professional services, and nutritional meals for the County's inmate population in a fiscally responsible manner.

The Food Services Unit operates a total of five kitchens, three inmate dining halls, three warehouses, and prepares over 3.8 million meals annually. Utilizing approximately 81 professional staff members along with inmate kitchen crews, Food Services provides three nutritionally balanced meals to each inmate housed at the County's five jail facilities.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Head Institutional Cook is responsible for the supervision, training and oversight of work for cooks, food service workers, and / or inmate / youth workers who are performing or assisting in food preparation and cooking at a County facility. Incumbents are responsible for coordinating the preparation of meals to ensure adherence to scheduled mealtimes and for inspection of final food products in adherence with established quality standards and dietary guidelines.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will possess the following :

• ServSafe certification, but not required
• Experience working in the institutional food service industry (e.g. corrections, military, schools, hospital, airline feeding)
• Knowledge of various computer software programs, food service management information systems
• Experience in a food service supervisory / management position
• Familiarity with County, State, and Federal health and safety regulations related to food services

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Thorough knowledge of :

• Practices, methods, and equipment used in preparing, cooking and serving large quantities of food
• Menu planning, quantity ordering and inventory control
• Principles of supervision
• Common weights and measures used in the preparation and cooking of food

Ability to :

• Supervise the preparation, cooking and serving of large quantities of food, which may include special - i.e. medical or religious - diets and cafeteria food
• Coordinate cooking processes so that meals are prepared and served on time
• Supervise lead workers engaged in seven-day-a-week food preparation and cooking activities
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide up to five-digit numbers, including fractions in some assignments
• Read and understand administrative procedures as well as recipes, labels and instructions for food preparation
• Keep detailed records on food service activities and costs and prepare written reports

Education and Experience;

Option I: Two (2) years of experience as Institutional Cook with the County of Orange.

Option II: Three (3) years of experience preparing and cooking large quantities of food in a correctional facility, hospital, cafeteria, military facility, hotel, banquets / catering or similar setting; must include one (1) year of lead / supervisory experience.

License / Certification :

Some assignments may require possession of a valid California Food Handler Certification by date of appointment.

Some assignments may require possession of a valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, by date of appointment.

HOW TO APPLY

Only on-line applications will be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of on-line applications. Application information must be current, succinct and related to the requirements in this job announcement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMAIL NOTIFICATION : Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

EEO INFORMATION

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.