Institutional Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CAREER DESCRIPTION Supervising Institutional Cook Salary may be negotiable within the range listed, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization. THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO CURRENT COUNTY OF ORANGE EMPLOYEES ONLY This recruitment will establish a County Promotional eligible list used to fill current and future Supervising Institutional Cook vacancies within the Orange County Probation department. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

The current vacancy is with the Orange County Probation. DEADLINE TO APPLY This recruitment will remain open for a minimum of five (5) business days, and will close on Sunday, July 19th, 2026, 11:59 PM (PDT). Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

PROBATION The County of Orange, Probation Department is dedicated to continuous improvement, searching out and applying effective and research supported practices to assist justice involved Juveniles, their families, and adults to successfully navigate and successfully complete probation. Additionally, the Probation Department assists the criminal court system through investigations, probation reports and community supervision of approximately 10,000 adult and 800 juvenile clients on court-ordered probation or in diversion programs. The Probation Department also operates the Orange County Juvenile Hall, and two camps for youth.

Under the direction of the Chief Probation Officer, a dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of four bureaus - Adult Operations, Juvenile Operations, Strategic Development, and Administrative Services - serves the community using efficient and research supported corrections practices to reduce crime, assist the Courts in managing offenders, promoting lawful and productive lifestyles and assisting victims. You can learn more about the OC Probation Department by clicking here. THE OPPORTUNITY The Supervising Institutional Cook is responsible for the 24-hour, seven days-a-week operation of varied food services programs in the County.

These positions require extensive experience and knowledge of the preparation of large quantities of food within an institutional environment. Incumbents are responsible for coordinating and overseeing staff training in food preparation and serving techniques, as well as instruction in current health and safety regulations governing the preparation of food. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES The ideal candidate is an individual who possesses the skills, knowledge, and leadership experience needed to direct a diverse team in a correctional setting.

In addition, the ideal candidate will demonstrate extensive knowledge and/or related experience in the following core competencies: Professional and Technical Expertise / Knowledge Food service experience in an institutional setting Ability to operate a large-scale dining facility within strict budget constraints Knowledge of basic mathematics and budget analysis Knowledge of large-scale dining facility equipment and safe operating parameters Understands and applies County, State, and Federal health and safety regulations related to food preparation, sanitation and portion control Judgment / Decision-Making Quickly and effectively adapts to operational changes Evaluates information and resources to develop viable, sustainable solutions Anticipates and identifies potential problems and proactively generates alternative solutions Oral / Written Communication Communicates in a clear, organized manner both orally and in writing Exemplifies proficiency in communicating with diverse interaction styles Facilitates effective problem solving, consulting with HR when appropriate Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships Supervision / Leadership Supervises and manages a group of subordinates of varying classifications (e.g. Head Institutional Cook, Institutional Cook, Food Service Worker) Provides counseling and guidance Prioritizes staff assignments and workloads Evaluates staff performance/development and training PLEASE NOTE: The competencies listed above will be used to select the ideal candidate. Your application and answers to the supplemental questions should be descriptive, concise and highlight the areas you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific competencies listed above

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience Option I Three (3) years of experience as Head Institutional Cook with the County of Orange. OR Option II Five (5) 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 two (2) years of lead/supervisory experience. Click here to learn more about the Supervising Institutional Cook job description, minimum qualifications, special qualifications, and physical, mental, environmental, and working conditions.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition. Written Exam | Multiple Choice (Weighted 100%) Applicants who meet desirable qualifications will be invited to participate in one or more job-related assessments in a proctored environment consisting of job-related questions.

Applicants will be notified of their test date. Only the most qualified applicants will be placed on the eligible list. Eligible List Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates.

Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies. Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. Candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION EMAIL NOTIFICATION: Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in your application and use only one email account. NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person.

Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oc FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Lauren Taliaferro at 714-645-7048 or at lauren.taliaferro@prob.ocgov.com EEO INFORMATION Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.