About the Opportunity
THE POSITION
The Assistant Cook I is the entry-level classification in this series and performs the routine, lesser skilled tasks within the food service operation of the Probation Department. This individual works under immediate supervision and assists in the preparation and service of food to staff and inmates and cleans kitchen utensils, equipment and work areas. This position is also subject to overtime, standby, callback, shift, weekend, and holiday assignments. Performs related duties as assigned.
Candidates considered for employment will be subjected to a rigorous background investigation to determine qualifications, fitness and good moral character to work in this job classification.
To learn more about the Probation Department, Visit stanjobs.org.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline:
April 29, 2026
Written Examination:
Week of April 27, 2026
Oral Examination:
Week of May 18, 2026
Gain insights into Stanislaus County's application process. Review our application process and quick guide to applying.
Typical Tasks
- Clean and prepare vegetables and fruits;
- Operate kitchen equipment including microwave, coffee machines, blender, mixers, and meat slicer;
- Prepare sandwiches, coffee, custards, and gelatins;
- Serve food in a cafeteria setting;
- Prepare meals in accordance with the therapeutic diet manual;
- Perform a variety of cleaning and custodial work such as washing dishes, pots, pans, and kitchen utensils; loads, unloads, operates and cleans dishwasher, mop floors, cleans and sanitizes all kitchen surfaces and refrigerator walls and floors, and disposes of garbage in compactor or dumpsters;
- Store, rotate, and distribute food and supplies;
- Prepare and serve between meal nourishment; and
- Transport food to appropriate destinations, which may require loading and unloading.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)
KNOWLEDGE
- Methods, procedures, materials and equipment involved in the large scale preparation and storage of food;
- Use and care of kitchen utensils and equipment;
- Principles and practices of sanitation and personal hygiene as applied to food preparation and service, cleaning of kitchen equipment, utensils, walls, and floors;
- Principles and practices of safety as related to cleaning food preparation and service;
- Basic math skills sufficient to maintain a simple inventory and make calculations for amount of food to prepare; and
- Proper temperatures regarding preparation and service of food.
SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Follow simple verbal and written instructions;
- Read English in a manner sufficient to understand instructions regarding therapeutic diets, production work sheets and recipes;
- Work for long periods of time under fluctuating temperature conditions;
- Lift, carry and/or push supplies and equipment weighing a maximum of 50 pounds;
- Maintain a composed and professional attitude while working with patients, inmates, and others in a secure and orderly fashion;
- Learn the methods and procedures involved in the large scale preparation of food and special or modified diets;
- Utilize and handle kitchen equipment rapidly and efficiently;
- Work with various cleaning supplies;
- Prepare, arrange, and serve large quantities of food in an appetizing and attractive manner;
- Lift, bend, stoop, stand, and reach overhead; push, pull, squat, twist, and turn;
- Learn to use a pallet jack; and
- Properly measure and record food amounts.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- High school graduate or General Educational Development (GED) equivalency; AND
- Pass a thorough background investigation.
- No felony convictions. Must be of good moral character and must not have been convicted of a crime for which the punishment could have been imprisonment in a Federal penitentiary or State prison.
This is a Veteran's Preference Program eligible job classification.
Application and Selection Procedures
APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE
Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
Most County recruitments consist of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.
- Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
- Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
- Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
- Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.
Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County. Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).
Part-time extra-help is a provisional classification where permanent status may not be obtained. This position is subject to overtime, standby, shift, and callback assignments and will perform related duties as assigned. This position is non-benefited except for participation in a 401a program with Nationwide.
RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS Arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations are required to complete and submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form prior to the test administration date. Special arrangements for religious convictions should be included in the "Additional Information" section of the application form.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
- Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
- Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
- Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.
APPLICATION AND/OR EXAMINATION APPEAL RIGHTS Application and/or examination results may be appealed by applicants presenting facts alleging irregularity, fraud and/or error in application screening or in exam scoring. Appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) days after the examination results are emailed.
DISCLAIMER
Stanislaus County reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer to better meet the needs of County service. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The information contained in the bulletin is information which sets forth a general summary of benefits for this respective position. This information is not legally binding. The benefits and other information regarding this position may be found in the Stanislaus County Code, the Stanislaus County Personnel Policies manual, or in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s), and such information prevails over information contained in this flyer. Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office/Human Relations
Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary.
Closing Date/Time: 4/29/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
