Demo

Food Services Worker

County of San Diego and Careers
San Diego, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/23/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/22/2026

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 26, 2026 - 6.87% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board 3.37% Market Increase)
** 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 Food Services Worker job classification.

Ideal Candidate
The 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 Requirement
The 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 Employment
As 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 Policy

The 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 Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader).

Disaster Service Worker

Under 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.

Salary : $42,058 - $44,658

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Food Services Worker?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Food Services Worker career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$30,417 - $40,552
Income Estimation: 
$29,500 - $36,608
Income Estimation: 
$57,620 - $74,708
Income Estimation: 
$44,630 - $63,234
Income Estimation: 
$30,417 - $40,552
Income Estimation: 
$29,500 - $36,608
Income Estimation: 
$57,620 - $74,708
Income Estimation: 
$44,630 - $63,234
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Food Services Worker jobs in the San Diego, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • City of National City National, CA
  • THE CITY: National City’s multi-cultural population, mild climate and central location make National City a great place to live and work. The City takes gr... more
  • 8 Days Ago

  • Marine Corps Community Services Oceanside, CA
  • Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS is a comprehensive program that supports and enhances t... more
  • 8 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!