What are the responsibilities and job description for the Food Services Worker position at County of San Diego?
Job Summary
Applications are being accepted for
Future Salary Increases
** June 26, 2026 - 6.87% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board 3.37% Market Increase)
The following additional pay incentives and premiums are available:
Food Services Workers are assigned to the Central Production Center, Detention Facilities of the Sheriff's Department, 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 Department.
Click here for a complete job description including minimum requirements, physical characteristics, license requirements, and working conditions.
DESIRABLE TRAITS
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.
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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
-
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.
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.
BLIND APPLICANT SCREENING
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.
Veteran’s Preference Policy
The County’s Valor Employee Resource Group has a mission to drive and support organization and individual growth through a network of colleagues leveraging their collective range of skills, talents, and diverse perspectives while being a resource to veterans and the County of San Diego.
Strategic Plan: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).
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.
Diversity & Inclusion:
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