Santa Barbara County
About Sheriff's Office
To learn more information about the Sheriff’s Office, please visit our website at www.SBSheriff.org.
Applications 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.
Employee Benefits and Compensation Benefits and wellness plans include medical, dental, and vision. Compensation summary, retirement plans, and other benefits are available. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit toward 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 provide ongoing and episodic services. Uniform allowance: $5–$10 bi‑weekly. Shift differential pay: $0.75 per hour for regularly assigned night shift work.
Ideal Candidate
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
Responsibilities
Prepares and cooks food in accordance with the State of California requirements for prisoners and inmate calorie intake.
Uses a variety of kitchen equipment such as blenders, mixers, grinders, and slicers.
Maintains cleanliness of working area and equipment.
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.
Coordinates the work of the crew to complete adequate food preparation and serving at the allotted times.
Observes the work of inmates in the kitchen, and instructs inmates in kitchen safety practices and more efficient work methods.
Observes and enforces security procedures; assesses the attitude and temperament of inmates; reports disciplinary and security problems to Corrections staff.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
One year of experience working in a kitchen cooking and preparing meals in large quantities; or, completion of a certificate program in culinary arts, restaurant management, or a related field; or, 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 and Ability 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.
Selection Process
Application and Supplemental Questionnaire review to determine applicant meets the employment standards.
Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Qualified candidates will be emailed a notice to complete a Personal History Questionnaire. 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.
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) 681‑4270, so we can assist you in determining if you can continue your application process.
Appointee must successfully pass the following:
Polygraph Examination
Background Investigation, including 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 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 Deadline Deadline: closes 1/15/26 at 5:00 PM PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Applications 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.
Employee Benefits and Compensation Benefits and wellness plans include medical, dental, and vision. Compensation summary, retirement plans, and other benefits are available. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit toward 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 provide ongoing and episodic services. Uniform allowance: $5–$10 bi‑weekly. Shift differential pay: $0.75 per hour for regularly assigned night shift work.
Ideal Candidate
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
Responsibilities
Prepares and cooks food in accordance with the State of California requirements for prisoners and inmate calorie intake.
Uses a variety of kitchen equipment such as blenders, mixers, grinders, and slicers.
Maintains cleanliness of working area and equipment.
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.
Coordinates the work of the crew to complete adequate food preparation and serving at the allotted times.
Observes the work of inmates in the kitchen, and instructs inmates in kitchen safety practices and more efficient work methods.
Observes and enforces security procedures; assesses the attitude and temperament of inmates; reports disciplinary and security problems to Corrections staff.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
One year of experience working in a kitchen cooking and preparing meals in large quantities; or, completion of a certificate program in culinary arts, restaurant management, or a related field; or, 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 and Ability 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.
Selection Process
Application and Supplemental Questionnaire review to determine applicant meets the employment standards.
Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Qualified candidates will be emailed a notice to complete a Personal History Questionnaire. 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.
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) 681‑4270, so we can assist you in determining if you can continue your application process.
Appointee must successfully pass the following:
Polygraph Examination
Background Investigation, including 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 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 Deadline Deadline: closes 1/15/26 at 5:00 PM PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty.
#J-18808-Ljbffr