Job Description
DescriptionThe San Mateo County Health is seeking an experienced individual for the position of Cook I/II - Extra-Help to prepare and serve food at one of the County Food Services Units located at the San Mateo Medical Center.
Some of the responsibilities of a Cook include preparing and serving a variety of dishes in large quantities; checking portioning and garnishing of food, and ensuring that it is served correctly and according to instructions; operating and cleaning a variety of kitchen equipment; calculating ingredients needed; receiving and storing food; training new cooks; mentoring students and/or interns; assisting with menu planning and recipe development; and cleaning the kitchen and dining room.
San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) is a health care facility. In addition to ensuring patients receive meals in compliance with their physician-prescribed diet order; Cooks assigned to SMMC are responsible for food preparation in the cafeteria and catering and for compiling meals for our Meals on Wheels community programs.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Cook I is the trainee level classification in the Cook series, responsible for learning the tasks and responsibilities involved in the safe and sanitary preparation and presentation of food. This classification is flexibly staffed with Cook II, and incumbents are expected to advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating the required proficiency.
Cook II is the journey level classification in this series, performing the full range of food preparation and presentation work. Incumbents assist in training less experienced Cooks and Food Service Workers; serve as assistants to Supervising Cooks; and may share Supervising Cooks' shift responsibility and supervision of inmate assistants and other kitchen staff.
NOTE: This is an extra-help, at-will assignment, paid on an hourly basis. Extra-help hours are dependent on the business needs of the department and therefore work hours may vary from week to week. Extra help employees shall not exceed 1,040 hours of work per fiscal year. Some extra help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra help employees are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the assignment.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Prepare and serve a variety of main dishes, soups, salads, desserts, and baked goods in large quantities.
- Assist in supervising and personally participating in preparing salads, serving meals, dish washing, and cleaning of kitchen and dining room.
- Check portioning and garnishing of food and ensure that it is served correctly and according to instructions.
- Supervise the work of juvenile and adult inmate assistants.
- Operate and clean meat slicers, grinders, power mixers, steam cooking, and other kitchen equipment.
- Calculate the amount of ingredients needed for required portions.
- Receive and store food.
- Train new cooks.
- Assist in menu planning and recipe development.
- Maintain security in correctional institutions.
- Drive a truck or van to deliver food and supplies and may maintain basic records related to vehicle use such as mileage and service reports.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Note: The level and scope of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below are related to job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics.
Licensure/Certification:
- Must possess and maintain a current ServSafe Food Manager or Food Protection Manager Certification for the duration of employment in this classification or obtain certification within six (6) months of employment.
- Some positions require possession of a current and valid Class C California driver's license or equivalent.
Knowledge of:
- Volume food production techniques.
- Methods and equipment used in production of large quantities of food.
- Kitchen cleaning and sanitation methods.
- Basic arithmetic.
- Lift, carry or push materials, supplies or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Walk or stand for long periods of time.
Skill/Ability to:
- Preparing and serving large quantities of food.
- Reading and accurately following recipes and menus.
- Working rapidly under pressure.
- Working cooperatively with others.
- Directing the work of assistants.
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:
Cook I: Two years of experience in a large commercial or institutional kitchen which has included preparing and serving food and cleaning kitchen equipment and facilities.
Cook II: Two years of experience as a kitchen worker, including one year as a journey-level cook, preparing and serving food in a large commercial or institutional kitchen.
Application/Examination
If you are interested in being considered for this extra-help position, the following materials must be electronically submitted in a Word or PDF format.
- Cover letter
- Resumé
Merrin Thompson, Director of Food and Nutrition Services
mthompson@smcgov.org
Application materials will be reviewed as they are received, and well-qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Apply immediately! This position could be filled at any time. Do not miss out on this opportunity to work with a great team!
NOTE: Application materials are only accepted via e-mail. Materials sent via regular mail and/or fax will not be accepted. Submittals that do not include all required elements (Resume and responses to the supplemental questions) will not be considered.
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 committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.
County of San Mateo Human Resources Department
San Mateo County government protects and enhances the health, safety, welfare, and natural resources of the community, and provides quality services that benefit and enrich the lives of the people of this community.
We are committed to:
- The highest standards of public service
- A common vision of responsiveness
- The highest standards of ethical conduct
- Treating people with respect and dignity
San Mateo County is located in the scenic San Francisco Bay Area. The County’s diverse population has approximately 750,000 residents, growing to over one million in daytime population. San Mateo County provides the benefits of a temperate climate and clean air, with abundant ocean sports and recreational activities. Rural open space areas, as well as metropolitan San Francisco, are within easy reach. San Mateo County government has a budget of $2.4 billion, with a workforce of over 5,400 employees in 22 departments and agencies.
San Mateo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
MORE JOBS
-
$153,587.20 - $186,686.20/year Annually
Human Resoures Manager - Equal Employment Opportunity Unit
- 44 N. San Joaquin St #330, Stockton, California
- San Joaquin County
- Sep 30, 2026
-
Assistant Professor in Public Relations
- San Jose, California
- Cal State University (CSU) San Jose
- Oct 15, 2026
-
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
- Turlock, California
- Stanislaus State
- Oct 15, 2026
-
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
- Turlock, California
- Stanislaus State
- Oct 15, 2026
-
$92,352.00 - $115,481.60 Annually - 115481 Annually
Creative Arts Therapist - San Mateo Medical Center (Open & Promotional)
- County of San Mateo, California
- County of San Mateo, CA
- Oct 15, 2026
-
$186,825.60 - $233,563.20 Annually - 233563 Annually
Clinical Services Manager I - Nursing (Med-Surg, ICU & Infusion) - (Department Promotional Only)
- San Mateo, California
- County of San Mateo, CA
- Oct 15, 2026