Prep Cook | Seasonal Part-Time | Orange County Fairgrounds

Oak View Group; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 23,281 - 26,036; Part time

Job summary

Join Oak View Group in Costa Mesa as a Prep Cook. This seasonal role involves preparing quality food in a fast-paced kitchen environment while ensuring cleanliness and safety standards. Ideal candidates possess food service experience and strong teamwork skills.

Work begins on June 25, 2026, with pay between $16.90–$18.90 per hour. The position ends September 30, 2026, and is open until September 25, 2026.

Qualifications

• Previous prep cook, line cook, kitchen, or food service experience preferred.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation techniques and kitchen equipment.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver high-quality, fresh food products in a timely manner.
• Maintain clean and fully stocked prep stations throughout each shift.
• Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures.

Skills

Food preparation techniques

Team-oriented environment

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Knowledge of food safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Oak View Group

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.

Position Summary

The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality food products and ingredients to support efficient kitchen operations and exceptional guest service. This position assists with food preparation, portioning, stocking stations, maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards, and supporting the culinary team during service. The Prep Cook works in a fast-paced environment while following recipes, food safety guidelines, and company standards to ensure timely and consistent food production.

This role will pay an hourly rate of $16.90-$18.90.

This is a seasonal role from June 25, 2026, and will end on September 30, 2026. This position will remain open until September 25, 2026.

About The Venue

The Orange County Fairgrounds & Event Center is a year‑round event venue located in Costa Mesa, California. It is best known as the home of the annual OC Fair, but the property also hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, trade shows, festivals, sporting events, community events, conventions, and private gatherings. The OC Fair & Event Center serves as a major entertainment and community hub for Orange County, offering indoor and outdoor event spaces, exhibit halls, arenas, meeting rooms, and entertainment venues. The property features attractions such as the Pacific Amphitheatre, equestrian facilities, and event grounds that accommodate large‑scale public events and corporate functions.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for preparing and delivering high-quality, fresh food products in a timely manner to support exceptional guest service.
• Prepare and portion ingredients according to recipes, production needs, and quality standards.
• Maintain clean, organized, and fully stocked prep stations throughout each shift.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and kitchen safety procedures in accordance with company and health department standards.
• Assist cooks and kitchen staff during service to ensure efficient kitchen operations and timely food delivery.
• Support overall kitchen operations through teamwork, communication, and attention to detail.
• Participate as a team player with responsibilities related to food preparation, product quality, and guest service excellence.
• Report any maintenance or repair needs for kitchen equipment promptly to management.
• Maintain sanitation, health, and safety standards in all work areas.
• Observe and test food products to ensure proper preparation, cooking temperatures, and quality standards are met.
• Portion, arrange, and garnish food plates for presentation and delivery to guests.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef, Sous Chef, or Kitchen Supervisor to assist with menu preparation and estimate food production needs.
• Demonstrate reliability and the ability to meet company standards for attendance and punctuality.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous prep cook, line cook, kitchen, or food service experience preferred.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation techniques and kitchen equipment.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Ability to follow recipes, instructions, and portion standards accurately.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull heavy objects as needed.
• Flexible schedule availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and a positive attitude in a high‑volume environment.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid California Food Handler Card as required by state law.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality required.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.