Salary: $44,928.00 - $47,715.20 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number: 26641501
Department: Sheriff
Division: Detention Oper Area 1
Opening Date: 02/12/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
Food Service Workers assigned to a Medical or a Detention Facility as their primary work location receive a $0.25 per hour premium in addition to their base salary. The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications at time of appointment.
Applications are being accepted for
Food Services Worker
Future Salary Increases
** June 25, 2027 - 6.37% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the-Board + 3.37% Market Increase)
The following additional pay incentives and premiums are available
**$300 Uniform Allowance (Reimbursed for Hard Toe Shoes)
Food Services Workers are assigned to the Central Production Center, Detention Facilities of the Sheriff's Office, or Edgemoor Distinct Part Skilled Nursing Facility of the Health and Human Services Agency. Food Service Workers are responsible for performing unskilled work in maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of a kitchen and in assisting Cooks with various food preparation, simple cookery, and preparing meal trays for resident and/or persons in custody.
This recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies for both Health and Human Services Agency and the Sheriff's Office.
Additional information, please visit job classification.Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate will possess the following desirable traits: Accountable, Reliable, Communicates Effectively, Knowledge Worker, Customer Focused, Values and Respects Others, Drives to Excel, Teamwork and Collaboration, Quick and Continuous Learning, Demonstrates Ethical Behavior and Support of Change.
Hiring Process and Timeline
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
- Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
- Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Education and Experience
- One (1) year of full-time experience performing food services work for a company, agency, or organization;
- OR The completion of a college-level course in Quantity Cookery or Therapeutic Diets,
- AND, six (6) months of full-time experience performing food services work for a company, agency, or organization.
Certificate RequirementThe possession of a valid Food Handler Training Certificate is required either at the time of appointment or no later than ten (10) calendar days from the date of appointment, in accordance with Section 61.205 of the San Diego County Code, entitled "Food Handlers Training Program".
Notes:
- Domestic cooking or cleaning in one's own residence is not considered qualifying.
- For positions assigned to the Health and Human Services Agency, six (6) months of full-time experience in a hospital or a health care setting substitutes for the experience requirements listed above.
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Condition of EmploymentAs part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a
six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran's Preference PolicyThe County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the
Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the
Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our
Disaster Service WorkerUnder California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
Click here to see the Non-Management Benefits Summary (NMG-NFS)
01
Do you have at least
one (1) year of full-time experience performing food services work for a company, agency or organization? Note: Domestic cooking or cleaning one's own residence is not qualifying.
OR Have you successfully completed a college level course in Quantity Cookery or Therapeutic Diets,
AND at least six (6) months of full-time experience as described above?Note: Please attach a copy of your transcript.
02
Do you have at least
six months of full-time experience in a
hospital or health care setting?
03
I would like to considered for a position in the following areas. Please select all that apply.
- Edgemoor Distinct Part Skilled Nursing Facility
- Sheriff's Office
04
To be considered for a position in the Sheriff's Office, I have to participate and undergo a background investigation which may include a truth verification examination.Type your initials in the box below indicating you understand this requirement:
05
Are you willing and able to work in a residential facility and/or at a detention facility and at the Central Production Center with or around persons who may be behavioral health issues or persons in custody?
06
If required, are you willing and able to work evenings, weekends and holidays?
07
Are you willing and able to stand on concrete floors on a daily basis for prolonged periods of time?
08
Are you willing and able to use physical strength and agility on a frequent and continual basis?
09
Are you willing and able to frequently lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and carry objects weighing up to 70 pounds?
10
Do you have paid food service experience within a
jail, detention facility, correctional facility, hospital, or a health care setting?
- Jail, detention facility, or correctional facility
- Hospital or other health care setting
- None of the above
11
If you answered
"Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience in the space below. Please type "N/A" if you do not have this type of experience.
12
Do you have paid food service experience within a large institution where a high volume of meals are served? (200 or more persons per meal)?
13
If you answered
"Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience in the space below. Please type "N/A" if you do not have this type of experience.
14
Do you have paid food service experience in a
Galley or Mess Hall setting?
15
If you answered
"Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience in the space below. Please type "N/A" if you do not have this type of experience.
16
Do you possess a valid
Food Handler's Certification Card? NOTE: If you possess a valid certification, please attach a current copy of the Food Handler's Certification Card to your application.
OR Would you be willing and able to obtain this certification either at the time of appointment or no later than ten (10) calendar days from the date of hire?
17
Where did you hear about this job opportunity?
- Newspaper
- Magazine
- Military Ad
- Television/News
- Radio
- Peacock
- Indeed
- Business Website
- College Website
- YouTube
- Instagram
- Google
- Microsoft Edge
- Other Website
- Referral - County Employee
- Referral - Deputy Sheriff
- Referral - Friend
- Referral - Other Law Enforcement
- Gym
- Recruiting Van
- Bus
- Billboard
- Career Fair
- Community Event
- Health/Fitness Expo
- Miramar Airshow
- Petco Park
- San Diego County Fair
- College Campus
- College/High School Fair
- Career Center
- Criminal Justice/Admin of Justice
- Military Base
- Military Fair
- Personal Interest
- Voice and View
- Other
18
If you indicated
"Other" to the question above, please describe where you first heard about this job opportunity in the field below. If not applicable, please indicate "N/A"
Required Question
