Job Description
Position DescriptionFinal Filing Deadline: November 30, 2026
Exam: T26/70K23/11TH
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.
The County of Monterey Probation Department is recruiting to fill a temporary Cook. The Cook provides meals to two Juvenile Institutions. Under direction, prepares and serves meals in an institutional kitchen at the Youth Center. May lead and direct residents in kitchen duties, and participates in kitchen and cooking utensil cleaning. May be assigned to drive and deliver meals to other department location(s). The current position available is a temporary position.
The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used County-wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.
Flexible staffing: This classification is part of a flexible series. Incumbents appointed at the lower level of the career series may be promoted up to the higher level of the career series subject to their meeting the employment standards for the higher class and a recommendation for their promotion by the appointing authority.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
- Follows standardized recipes to prepare food, including entrees, vegetables and side dishes for various clients
- Prepares completed recipes for presentation and serving.
- Provides direction and instruction to subordinate kitchen staff to meet production requirements
- Performs sanitation duties according to established standards, procedures and regulations.
- Assists with the receiving and storing kitchen deliveries.
- May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker as required
- Performs Food Service Worker duties as necessary
To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website: Cook
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
Working knowledge of:
The principles, procedures and equipment used in the storage, care, preparation, cooking and serving of food in large quantities
Kitchen sanitation and safety measures used in the operation, cleaning and care of food, utensils, equipment, and work areas
Skill and Ability to:
- Prepare and serve both large and small quantities of food in accordance with standards of time, quality and waste
- Keep accurate and timely records
- Adjust recipes to meet food production needs
Examples of Experience/Education/Training
EXAMPLES OF EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/TRAINING:
Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:
Experience
One year of experience preparing and cooking bulk quantities of food to serve large, single-seating meals.
Additional Information
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
As a condition of employment, the incumbent may be required to:
* Some positions may be required to successfully pass a pre-employment physical/medical assessments and background check
* Some positions may be required to work shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
* Some positions may require a valid California Class C Driver’s License or the employee must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority
* Some positions may be required to accept responsibility to wear personal protective gear as appropriate
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:
* Some positions may be required to work in an environment with potentially hazardous and infectious substances, such as body fluids, blood, and airborne contagions
BENEFITS:
The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Unit J Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.
NOTES:
- As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
- Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
- If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.
Application and Selection Procedures
Apply On-Line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty
by November 30, 2026 11:59 PM(PST)
OR
Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:
County of Monterey Probation Department
Attn: Human Resources
20 E. Alisal Street
Salinas, CA 93901
Phone: 831-784-5710 Fax: 831-759-7246
The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:
- A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
- Responses to the Supplemental Questions
Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Click Here to View the Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application
To apply for veterans’ preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses must complete and emai l a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility by the final filing deadline or within 5 business days of submitting your job application to VeteransPreferencePoints@countyofmonterey.gov
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The County of Monterey is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. The County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact Trisha Hidalgo, Human Resources Analyst, at 831-784-5710, or hidalgot@countyofmonterey.gov
http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/human-resources/human-resources/benefits/benefit-summary-sheet
Closing Date/Time: 11/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Special Instructions
Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.
County of Monterey
Are you ready to make a meaningful difference? Join us in our mission to serve the diverse needs of our community. At the County of Monterey, we offer a dynamic work environment that encourages professional growth, fosters innovation, and values inclusivity. Explore the opportunities that align with your passion and expertise and embark on a rewarding career journey with us.
Monterey County was founded in 1850 and is governed by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. It is located on the beautiful Central Coast and is the longest county in California stretching 105 miles from the Santa Clara County border South to San Luis Obispo County. Monterey County provides a full range of services to the community through its 26 departments and 5,000 plus employees. As an employer, Monterey County is diverse and inclusive, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We aspire to hire employees who will contribute to the County’s mission to excel at providing quality services for the benefit all Monterey County residents while developing, maintaining, and enhancing the resources of the region. The County offers a great benefits package and provides the opportunity to work with amazing colleagues who support and promote a safe, healthy and prosperous community for all. Monterey County is rich in coastal lands and agricultural fields and is also known as the Salad Bowl of the World. Monterey County is the best place to work and prides itself on being the employer of choice.
The Right Career, Right Here!
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