Food Service Worker I/II - Sheriff's Office (Open & Promotional)

Food Service Worker I/II - Sheriffs Office (Open & Promotional)

Salary

$64,188.80 - $75,608.00 Annually

Location

County of San Mateo, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

S037T

Department

Sheriffs Office

Opening Date

08/06/2026

Closing Date

8/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

03

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Join our team and make a positive impact!

The San Mateo County Sheriffs Office is seeking dedicated professionals with a passion for purposeful work to join our team in the role of Food Service Worker I/II!

The responsibilities of Food Service Workers include a diverse range of tasks, including but not limited to food preparation, serving, and storage. They also play a crucial role in ensuring the cleanliness and sanitation of kitchens and dining areas, while simultaneously handling routine tasks associated with the delivery of food and supplies to facilities within San Mateo County. Successful hires will be assigned to either the Maple Street Correctional Facility or the Probation Youth Services Center to provide coverage at either location as needed. San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Food Service Unit prides itself on serving excellence in a challenging environment. To learn more about the Sheriff's Office visit: https://www.smcsheriff.com/.

Rewarding aspects of the job: Your work will have a direct impact on the execution of food service operations to Incarcerated Persons within the two correctional facilities, the Youth Services Center-Probation and Staff. You will work as part of a team that prides itself on excellence in the correctional food service arena. In your role, you will have the opportunity to work with and train a team of incarcerated individuals to ensure deliverables for the day.

Challenging aspects of the job: As a Food Service Worker within the Sheriff's Office, you will be working in a restrictive environment inside a correctional facility that serves the incarcerated population. You must be able to handle multiple duties at one time, meet tight deadlines, drive a large truck, trouble shoot issues that arise, work independently, and ensure careful delivery of meals between correctional facilities.

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Food Handling Skills: One year of experience preparing and serving food. Possession of a valid ServSafe Food Handler Certification from the National Restaurant Association.
• Food Safety and Sanitation: Demonstrated understanding and adherence to proper food handling, hygiene, and safety protocols. Awareness of the general food safety and sanitation codes and standards.
• Time Management: Efficiently manage time to coordinate the preparation and cooking of multiple dishes simultaneously. Prioritize tasks in alignment with established procedures and manage time efficiently to meet deadlines while following protocols. Ability to be at your workstation on time.
• Customer Service: Prioritize and handle tasks that directly contribute to delivering excellent service throughout Food Service Unit operations. Ability to make decisions that lead to appropriate resolution of an issue. Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and those outside the department.
• Teamwork: Collaboration with other food service staff to ensure smooth operations and timely service.
• Stress Management: Ability to handle high-pressure situations, such as changes in assignments and unexpected issues in a correctional food service environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in effectively using and navigating various computer systems, software applications, and technology tools. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and nutrition management.
• Flexibility: Ability to work a flexible schedule as the Food Service Unit operates 7 days a week from 6:30 am to 7 pm year-round. This position may require you to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and/or other shift work.

Additionally, the ideal candidate for the Sheriff's Office will possess a California Class C or Class A license, have a clean driving record, and be comfortable working alongside incarcerated individuals. Fluency in Spanish, Tagalog, Mandarin, Cantonese, Russian (speak, read, write) is highly desired but not required.

Candidates chosen for these positions must successfully pass a background investigation in order to work in a locked facility around incarcerated persons. Felony and misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency.

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office currently has three regular full-time vacancies with additional vacancies expected. The appointment may be made at either the Food Service Worker I or II level, depending on the qualifications of the successful candidate(s) and the needs of the department.

As a Food Service Worker with the Sheriff's Office you will be responsible for:

• Directing the work of incarcerated individuals who are assigned to clean and prepare food or assist in related routine tasks defined by supervisors at specific facilities assisting Cooks in the preparation of meals.
• Driving a large or small truck to deliver food and supplies and maintaining basic records related to vehicle use such as mileage and service reports.
• Preparing food for cooking by peeling, cutting, or slicing.
• Preparing salads, sandwiches, beverages, and simple desserts.
• Setting up tray lines and/or individual trays.
• Maintaining safety and security of equipment and addressing issues that arise.
• Overseeing the activities of the dish room, including ensuring chemicals are ordered, monitoring the PH and temperatures of the equipment, and preparing daily items such as dishes, pots, pans, containers, carts, and equipment.
• Cleaning facilities including sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing work areas such as floors, storage spaces, trucks and emptying garbage cans.
• Assisting with deliverables including signing for, bringing in, and/or storing items.
• Performing basic office tasks such as answering phones, working with computers, and paperwork.
• Following Food Service Unit policy and procedures including arriving to work on time, submitting personal timecard and assisting in following up on requests in a timely matter.
• Performing related duties as assigned.

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies with the Sheriff's Office or other County departments.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Food Service Worker I ($30.86 - $34.47 / hourly) is the entry/trainee level position. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn a full range of Food Service Worker duties. As experience is gained there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. This classification is flexibly staffed with Food Service Worker II and incumbents may advance to the next level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiencies which meet the higher-level qualifications.

Food Service Worker II ($32.50 - $36.35 / hourly) is the journey level position. Under general supervision, incumbents independently perform a variety of responsible food service duties. Incumbents work under specified guidelines and supervisors are available in non-routine circumstances. Specific duties may vary from position to position.

Food Service Worker II: One year of experience in an institutional or commercial kitchen which has included preparing and serving food, and cleaning kitchen equipment and facilities.

Knowledge of:

• Basic kitchen cleaning and sanitation methods.
• Operation and care of kitchen equipment.
• Proper lifting techniques.

Skill/Ability to:

• Prepare simple foods and beverages.
• Interact cooperatively with others including staff, patients, inmates and members of the public.
• Work rapidly under pressure.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness.
• Maintain basic records.
• Direct the work of juvenile detainees or adult inmates assigned to assist in basic food service activities at specific facilities.
• Operate a truck or van.
• Lift, carry or push materials, supplies or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Walk or stand for long periods of time.

Licensure/Certification:

• Must possess and maintain a current California Food Handler Card for the duration of employment in this classification or obtain card within six (6) months of employment.
• Some positions require possession of a current and valid Class C California driver's license or equivalent.

Application/Examination

Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of a scored evaluation of relevant training and experience. The evaluation is based solely on the responses to the supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass the training and experience evaluation will be placed on a list of eligible candidates and ranked according to their score (weight: 100%). Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent stage of the examination process. Applicants invited to the interview in the County of San Mateo must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the Countys website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the Countys website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

Tentative Recruitment Schedule:

Final Filing Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026, by 11:59 PM PST

Training and Experience Evaluation: Week of August 24, 2026

Departmental Interviews: Week of September 7, 2026

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.

Analyst: Simone Sagapolu (08062026) (Food Service Worker I/II S037/S038)

We invite you to explore our Benefits-at-a-Glance page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)

In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.

As a County employee, you'll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.

01

INSTRUCTION: Your responses to the questions below will be used for the Training and Experience Evaluation. For your application to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete each of the following Supplemental Questions. Your responses should be consistent with the information in your standard San Mateo County application and are subject to verification. Responses to this Supplemental Questionnaire will be scored and will weigh heavily in determining whether your qualifications fit the current needs of the hiring department. If you pass the Training and Experience Evaluation that is based on the multiple choice questions below, your application will be ranked according to your score.

• I have read and understand the above instruction.

02

Food Service Workers working in the Sheriffs Office provide meals to incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities. If offered a position, do you agree to work with incarcerated individuals in a correctional facility? (A "No" response to this question will disqualify you from the process.)

• Yes
• No

03

Candidates for position(s) in the Sheriffs Office will be required to complete an extensive security clearance package and undergo a thorough background check prior to being offered a position. The successful candidate must be cleared to work in and around a locked facility and detainees.

• I understand I will undergo an extensive security clearance and background check if I am offered a position with the Sheriffs Office.

04

The Food Service Unit operates 7 days a week from 6:30 am to 7 pm year-round. This position may require you to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and/or other shift work. Are you able to meet the above stated requirement? (A "No" response to this question will disqualify you from the process.)

• Yes, I am able to meet the above stated requirement.
• No, I am not able to meet the above stated requirement.

05

Do you possess a valid California driver license? (A "No" response to this question will disqualify you from the process.)

• Yes
• No

06

Individuals hired for Food Service Worker positions must possess and maintain a current ServSafe Food Handler certificate by the National Restaurant Association for the duration of employment in this classification OR must obtain certification within six (6) months of employment. Do you possess a ServSafe Food Handler certificate issued by the National Restaurant Association? (A "No" response to this question will not disqualify you from the process.)

• Yes, I possess a current ServSafe Food Handler certification issued by the National Restaurant Association.
• No, I do not possess a ServSafe Food Handler certificate issued by the National Restaurant Association, but I understand that if hired, I must complete it within six (6) months of employment.

07

Preparation of simple foods and beverages, including but not limited to salads, sandwiches, and simple desserts in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

• I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
• I can perform this task with no additional training.
• I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
• I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
• No experience, but willing to learn.

08

Prepare food for cooking by peeling, cutting, or slicing using standard kitchen equipment in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

• I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
• I can perform this task with no additional training.
• I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
• I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
• No experience, but willing to learn.

09

Prepare food for cooking by peeling, cutting or slicing using standard kitchen equipment in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, how long have you performed this task?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• No experience, but willing to learn

10

Assist in the preparation of meals, as directed, in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

• I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
• I can perform this task with no additional training.
• I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
• I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
• No experience, but willing to learn.

11

Assist in the preparation of meals, as directed, in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, how long have you performed this task?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• No experience, but willing to learn

12

Clean items used in the kitchen such as dishes, pots, pans, containers, appliances, carts and equipment in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

• I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
• I can perform this task with no additional training.
• I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
• I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
• No experience, but willing to learn.

13

Clean items used in the kitchen such as dishes, pots, pans, containers, appliances, carts and equipment in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, how long have you performed this task?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• No experience, but willing to learn

14

Clean facilities including sweeping, mopping and sanitizing work areas such as floors, storage spaces, trucks and vans; empty garbage cans; in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

• I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
• I can perform this task with no additional training.
• I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
• I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
• No experience, but willing to learn.

15

Clean facilities including sweeping, mopping and sanitizing work areas such as floors, storage spaces, trucks and vans; empty garbage cans; in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, how long have you performed this task?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• No experience, but willing to learn

16

Kitchen food safety, including but not limited to, preparation, cooking temperature, cross-contamination, heating temperature, cooling, storage in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, what is your current level of knowledge?

• I have knowledge and expertise in this area, and can apply it effectively.
• I have thorough knowledge in this area, and can apply it effectively in most situations.
• I have some knowledge in this area, but may require additional instructions.
• I have very limited knowledge in this area, and will require additional instruction.
• None, but willing to learn.

17

Kitchen food safety, including but not limited to, preparation, cooking temperature, cross-contamination, heating temperature, cooling, storage in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, how long have you performed this task?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• No experience, but willing to learn

18

Kitchen equipment safety, including but not limited to, knives, cutters, slicers, choppers, grinders, kitchen appliances, cleaning equipment in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, what is your current level of knowledge?

• I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
• I can perform this task with no additional training.
• I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
• I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
• No experience, but willing to learn.

19

Kitchen equipment safety, including but not limited to, knives, cutters, slicers, choppers, grinders, kitchen appliances, cleaning equipment in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, how long have you performed this task?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• No experience, but willing to learn

20

Personal protective equipment, including but not limited to, gloves, hair nets, hats, aprons, masks, eye/face protection, footwear, personal hygiene in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, what is your current level of knowledge?

• Personal protective equipment, including but not limited to, gloves, hair nets, hats, aprons, masks, eye/face protection, footwear, personal hygiene in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, what is your current level of knowledge?
• I have thorough knowledge in this area, and can apply it effectively in most situations.
• I have some knowledge in this area, but may require additional instructions.
• I have very limited knowledge in this area, and will require additional instruction.
• None, but willing to learn.

21

Personal protective equipment, including but not limited to, gloves, hair nets, hats, aprons, masks, eye/face protection, footwear, personal hygiene in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, how long have you performed this task?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• No experience, but willing to learn

22

Delivering meals and retrieving trays in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

• I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
• I can perform this task with no additional training.
• I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
• I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
• No experience, but willing to learn.

23

Delivering meals and retrieving trays in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, how long have you performed this task?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• No experience, but willing to learn

24

Provide customer service in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

• I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
• I can perform this task with no additional training.
• I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
• I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
• No experience, but willing to learn.

25

Provide customer service in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, how long have you performed this task?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• No experience, but willing to learn

26

Multi-tasking and prioritizing work to be completed in a fast pace environment such as preparing foods, tray lines, cleaning and answering phones in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

• I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
• I can perform this task with no additional training.
• I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
• I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
• No experience, but willing to learn.

27

Multi-tasking and prioritizing work to be completed in a fast pace environment such as preparing foods, tray lines, cleaning and answering phones in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, how long have you performed this task?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• No experience, but willing to learn

28

Lift, carry or push materials, supplies or lifting, carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

• I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
• I can perform this task with no additional training.
• I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
• I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
• No experience, but willing to learn.

29

Lift, carry or push materials, supplies or lifting, carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, how long have you performed this task?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• No experience, but willing to learn

30

Perform basic office tasks such as checking catering/food preparation schedules, answering phones, taking and relaying messages in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, indicate your current level of experience performing this task.

• I can perform this task with no additional training, and have instructed and trained others.
• I can perform this task with no additional training.
• I can perform this task but additional training may be needed.
• I may be able to perform this task, but will require additional training.
• No experience, but willing to learn.

31

Perform basic office tasks such as checking catering/food preparation schedules, answering phones, taking and relaying messages in a professional food services establishment. Considering your current/previous work experience, education and training, how long have you performed this task?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• No experience, but willing to learn

32

Bilingual language skills are sometimes required depending on the needs of the individuals being served. Though this current recruitment does not require bilingual skills, the hiring list generated by this recruitment could be used to fill future vacancies. Please specify your proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in languages other than English by selecting the language below. (Check all that apply) (A "no" response will not disqualify you from this process.)

• Cantonese
• Mandarin
• Russian
• Spanish
• Tagalog
• None of the above
• Other

33

IMPORTANT: If you claim veteran service preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 with your application. If you claim disability preference, please attach a copy of your Veterans Administration 802 Form (dated within the last 6 months) along with your Form DD214 with your application. Unless documents are attached with your application, you will not be considered for preference points.

• I have read and understand this important information.

34

County of San Mateo departments sometimes need extra-help workers in addition to permanent employees. Extra Help positions offer temporary part-time or temporary full-time employment for 1040 hours (which equates to working full-time for approximately six months). However, employment might end sooner depending on the needs of the hiring departments. Extra Help positions are paid on an hourly rate basis. Some extra help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra-help workers are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the extra-help assignment. Are you interested in extra-help employment? (A "No" answer to this question will not affect your application for permanent employment.)

• Yes
• No

35

How did you learn about this position?

• County of San Mateo Website
• County of San Mateo Job Interest Card Notification
• County Hosted Virtual Event
• County Hosted Job Fair
• CalOpps.org
• Civic Match
• College/University Career Center
• Community-based Organization Posting
• Facebook/Instagram
• Friend or Relative
• GovernmentJobs.com
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Professional Publication/Website (Please specify in next question)
• X (formerly called Twitter)
• Zip Recruiter
• Other (Please specify in next question)

36

If you answered, "Professional Publication/Website" or "Other" to the above question, please indicate below how you learned about this position. Your response to this question will help us in better marketing County jobs. Type NA if not applicable.

Required Question

Employer County of San Mateo

Address County of San Mateo Human Resources Department

500 County Center, 4th Floor

Redwood City, California, 94063-1663

Phone (650) 363-4343

Website https://jobs.smcgov.org