Job Details

Salary : $59,317.44 - $70,749.12 Annually
Location : County of Santa Barbara - All locations, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-1877-01 (O)
Department: Sheriff-Coroner
Division: Sheriff-Custody
Opening Date: 12/17/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

Description
NOTICE OF CHANGE
OPEN UNTIL FILLED

To learn more information about the Sheriff's Office,
please visit our website at
We are accepting applications to fill current and future vacancies in All Locations throughout the County of Santa Barbara for the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office.

Vacancies: The established employment list will be used to fill vacancies at All Locations in the Sheriff's Office Custody Jail Facilities, which includes Santa Barbara Main Jail and Santa Maria Northern Branch Jail (separate lists for different locations will not be established). Incumbents must be willing to accept an assignment at any Custody Jail Facility throughout Santa Barbara County.
POSITION:Under general supervision, coordinates the preparation, cooking and serving of meals for large groups of people in a central jail kitchen; trains and oversees a crew of inmates assigned to work in the kitchen; and performs related duties as required.

Food services are responsible for meal preparation of over 3,000 meals a day, 7 days a week, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The position is responsible for limited cooking in an oversight capacity, assigning, and instructing up to 25 inmates to do specific tasks that include slicing meat, making salads, staff cook, making special diet meals, kitchen helper, dishwashers, making sandwiches, and directed to other assignments as necessary. This requires checking with each inmate that they are following instructions and doing assignments correctly.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position requires shift work, days and /or nights, including weekends and holidays (e.g. Thanksgiving and Christmas). Shift schedules include nights 4 days/10 hours and day shift at 12 hours with rotating days. Night shift qualifies for shift differential pay at $0.75 per hour for regularly assigned night shift work.
Highlighted County of Santa Barbara Employee Benefits and Compensation

Benefits and Wellness Plans-Medical/Dental/Vision CLICK HERE
Compensation SummaryCLICK HERERetirement Plans: CLICK HERE
NOTE: In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.

Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.

Holidays: 13 days per year (including floating holidays)

Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.

Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium.

On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 15.
Uniform Allowance: $5-$10 bi-weekly
Shift Differential Pay: $0.75 per hour for regularly assigned night shift work

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.
Ideal Candidate will possess:
• Reputation for honesty and trustworthiness
• Good moral character
• Credibility
• Integrity
• Dependability
• Good judgment under pressure
• Ability to converse fluently in English and Spanish is desirable.

Disqualifiers
• An adult felony conviction in California, or with a conviction for an offense in another state which would be classified as a felony in California
• Currently on Probation or Parole
• Adult felony and/or misdemeanor conviction(s) may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and how recent
• Conviction of/or sustained petitions for any sex crime
• Recent drug use; failure to reveal prior use will be disqualifying
• Unfavorable work history
• Poor credit history
• History of committing domestic violence
• Dishonesty or failure to reveal pertinent information
• Illegal use of drugs
Examples of Duties

1. Prepares and cooks food in accordance with the State of California requirements for prisoners and inmate calorie intake.
2. Uses a variety of kitchen equipment such as blenders, mixers, grinders, and slicers.
3. Maintains cleanliness of working area and equipment.
4. Trains and oversees a crew of inmates assigned to prepare, cook, and serve meals and clean kitchen and dining area; estimates food requirements and instructs inmates in the preparation of quality meals.
5. Coordinates the work of the crew to complete adequate food preparation and serving at the allotted times.
6. Observes the work of inmates in the kitchen, and instructs inmates in kitchen safety practices and more efficient work methods;
7. Observes and enforces security procedures; assesses the attitude and temperament of inmates; reports disciplinary and security problems to Corrections staff.
8. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

1. One year of experience working in a kitchen cooking and preparing meals in large quantities; OR,
2. Completion of a certificate program in culinary arts, restaurant management, or a related field; OR,
3. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge of: the methods and procedures of quantity food preparation; kitchen sanitation and safe food storage practices; use and care of cooking equipment and utensils; kitchen safety; and basic math.

Ability to: prepare quantities of food required with a minimum of waste; learn to train, supervise, assign and review work of kitchen workers and inmates; prepare food following instructions and guidelines, and serve it attractively; maintain kitchen, dining area, kitchen utensils, and equipment in a sanitary manner; communicate clearly to provide directions to kitchen staff; organize and prioritize work assignments; make simple arithmetic computations; read, understand and follow written and oral instruction including memos and directives from superiors; keep simple records; prepare and serve food in an allotted time and on schedule; maintain effective working relationships with inmates and staff; complete skilled quantity cooking with a minimum of supervision; write simple memos using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; learn and apply principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work safely and effectively in a high security jail facility.

Additional Requirements: Willingness and ability to work weekends, holidays, and shifts is required. Incumbents may be required to lift heavy objects up to 20-25 pounds; appointee must successfully pass a one-year probationary period.

Desirable Qualifications: Experience as a cook in a correctional facility, military, hospital, university or other large-scale eatery.

Supplemental Information

SELECTION PROCESS:
1. Application and Supplemental Questionnaire review to determine applicants meets the employment standards.

2. Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Qualified candidates will be emailed a notice to complete a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Candidates who successfully pass the PHQ, will be invited to the next step in the selection process. Failure to submit a PHQ by the deadline or pass the PHQ will result in disqualification from continuance in the recruitment.

3. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Candidates' final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by responses to the supplemental questionnaire.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

A recruiter will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESS:
The Sheriff's Office conducts a polygraph examination and in-depth background investigation. If you feel your past may hinder your future from working for the Sheriff's Office or you are not sure how to answer the Personal History Questionnaire, please call (805) ###-####, so we can assist you in determining if you can continue your application process.

Appointee must successfully pass the following:
Polygraph Examination will measure the accuracy of information disclosed during the background investigation process.

Background Investigation includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of police records, personal, military, and employment histories; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and is a safe driver.
Live Scan: Electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Government Code Section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Open Until Filled. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at
Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit:

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:

*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I understand that resumes are not considered as part of the application review process so a thorough and detailed application is required and entering "see resume" is not acceptable.I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.

• Yes, I understand

02

I understand, as part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire form must be submitted along with the standard application. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire form.

• Yes, i understand

03

The Human Resources Department communicates with all applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly, it is current, and that you check spam filters continuously during the recruitment and selection process to ensure you do not miss required deadlines.

• Yes, I understand

04

Your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the job bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. Please select one of the following which best describes your working experience. If you realize that you do not possess the required experience for the position, you will not qualify.

• 1. One year of experience working in a kitchen cooking and preparing meals in large quantities;
• 2. Completion of a certificate program in culinary arts, restaurant management, or a related field;
• 3. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• 4. None of the above

05

If you selected #1 on Question 4, one year experience cooking and preparing meals in large quantities, please list the name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. Any employer(s) listed must also be included as work experience on your application. (Failure to thoroughly answer the required question above, will adversely impact verification of your qualifications for the position)
06

If you selected #2 on Question 4, completion of a certificate program in culinary arts, restaurant management, or a related field, please state your earned certification, area of completion, and school attended.
07

If you selected #3 on Question 4, a combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the listed employment standards, please describe below what that combination is and list the applicable employer(s). Any employer(s) or education listed must also be included as work experience or education/training on your application.(Failure to thoroughly answer the required question above, will adversely impact verification of your qualifications for the position)
08

DESIRABLE ONLY: Selected one of the following that best describes your bilingual skills and abilities in English and Spanish. Note: You must self-certify on the application form that you are fluent in English and Spanish. The Sheriff's Office will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future bilingual certifications, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 7.

• Speak
• Speak and Read
• Speak, Read, and Write
• Not bilingual in Spanish

09

As part of the application process, a completed supplemental checklist must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental checklist. Your responses to the following Supplemental Questions #10-17 are requirements for the position and your Yes/No response will be used in determining my willingness to accept the conditions and requirements of the job. If you answer "NO" to any of the questions, please do not apply; YES on all questions, advances you for consideration.

• Yes, I understand

10

This position requires you to be willing to work at All Locations in the Sheriff's Office, as well as, the understanding you can be transferred to another work location during your employment. Please verify on Agency Wide Question #1 that you checked the All Locations box for employment acceptance. If not, you are agreeing to the terms regardless of the Location checked on your application.

• Yes, I understand and agree to the terms
• I do not agree to the terms above. I understand that I will no longer continue in the recruitment process for this position

11

I understand this position may require various types of physical exertion, such as: bending, stooping, lifting and standing for long periods of time.

• Yes
• No

12

Are you willing and able to communicate verbally and maintain an effective working relationship with individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds while performing the duties of the job?

• Yes
• No

13

Are you willing to work a 4/10 schedule (4 days at 10-hour shifts) and/or 12 hour day shifts with rotating days, including holidays and weekends? *This is a requirement of the position

• Yes
• No

14

Are you willing and able to train and supervise inmates while they prepare, cook and serve meals within a locked facility?

• Yes
• No

15

Are you willing to report disciplinary and security issues to Corrections personnel when inmates are non-compliant with procedures or directives?

• Yes
• No

16

I acknowledge I must successfully complete a one-year probationary period.

• Yes, i understand

17

ACKNOWLEDGMENT: I understand as part of the hiring process for the Cook-Sheriff's Institution position, I will undergo a polygraph examination and thorough background investigation. I will be honest and truthful during the background investigation. Any falsification of information will result in my disqualification.

• Yes, i understand

18

The Civil Service Examination is a Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: I acknowledge, my responses to Questions #19-21 will be used as a weighted and scored selection device. The supplemental questionnaire is a scored examination that will determine your ranking on the employment list for this position. For information on protest rights, please see Rule 6 of the Civil Service Rules:

• Yes, I understand

19

Which best describes your years of experience cooking and preparing meals in large quantities.

• 7 or more years' of experience
• 4 years up to 7 years of experience
• 2 years up to 4 years of experience
• 1 year up to 2 years' experience
• Less than 1 year experience

20

Which best describes your experience preparing food for large groups.

• 100 or more people
• 50 to 99 people
• 25 to 49 people
• Less than 25 people

21

Do you have experience supervising food preparation assistants or cooks?

• Yes
• No

Required Question