Fairgrounds Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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. 

The Cook is responsible for preparing and presenting high-quality food products in a timely manner while maintaining company standards for food safety, sanitation, and guest service. This position works closely with the culinary team to ensure efficient kitchen operations, proper food preparation, and consistent product quality in a fast-paced environment.

This role will pay an hourly rate of $20.00-$25.00.

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

This position will remain open until August 28, 2026.

The OC Fair & 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.

• Cook and prepare menu items according to established recipes, portion standards, and presentation guidelines.
• Operate grills, fryers, ovens, saute stations, and other kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
• Monitor food quality, taste, texture, and appearance throughout the cooking process.
• Coordinate ticket times and prioritize orders to ensure timely service during high-volume periods.
• Maintain proper cooking temperatures and food-holding procedures to meet safety standards.
• Restock cooking stations and communicate product shortages to kitchen leadership.
• Ensure all prepared dishes meet company quality and presentation expectations before service.
• Assist with opening and closing kitchen procedures, including station breakdown and cleaning.
• Minimize food waste and maintain proper handling of all food products and kitchen supplies.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of cooking stations, equipment, and kitchen areas.
• Work collaboratively with chefs, prep staff, and other team members to support smooth kitchen operations.
• Follow all company policies regarding sanitation, workplace safety, and professional conduct.
• Report equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or product quality issues to management promptly.
• Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous cook or line cook experience preferred.
• Knowledge of cooking methods, kitchen equipment, and food safety standards.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment.
• Strong time management and multitasking skills.
• Ability to follow recipes and execute consistent food quality standards.
• Ability to lift heavy objects as needed.
• Flexible schedule availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid California Food Handler Card as required by state law.

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.

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.

We apologize for the inconvenience. The "Share" function is not working properly at this time. Please refresh the page and try again later. We appreciate your excitement about this opening!