Cook Specialist
Series
Learn more about what it takes to join the CCC in the role of Cook Specialist 1 and 2.
What is a Cook Specialist?
A Cook Specialist 1 and 2 serves as a kitchen crew lead. Cook Specialists support Supervising Cooks, by keeping CCC residential center kitchens running smoothly and meals being delivered on time and in the quantity necessary.
Cook Specialists will often lead CCC Culinary Corpsmembers in providing food service at breakfast and dinner. Cook Specialists work directly with the Supervising Cook and Corpsmembers in preparing, cooking, and dispensing meals to CCC Corpsmembers, staff, and occasionally partners from other agencies when a center is hosting crews during an emergency.
How to Qualify
The Cook Specialist 1 and 2 exams are offered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or CAL FIRE, and are utilized by the CCC. The exams are administered on a continuous basis with quarterly cutoff dates every three months.
If you answer yes to the questions below you could qualify for the Cook Specialist 1 position:
- Do you have a year of experience assisting a cook in preparing and cooking a varied menu?
- Do you have six months of attending a recognized trade school or training program for cooks?
- Do you have a year of experience working for the state as a Food Service Technician 1?
If you answer yes, to the questions below, you could qualify for the Cook Specialist 2 position:
- Do you have two years experience, in state service, as a Cook Specialist 1?
- Do you have experience preparing meals for at least 250 people?
- Have you personally prepared complete breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for 50 or more people per meal?
- Have you been trained in a culinary program or trade school for cooks and bakers?
Position Benefits
The Cook Specialist positions are a great opportunity for those with cooking experience looking to mentor and train young adults looking to tackle a career in culinary arts.
In this role you will be able to start and grow your civil service career. You’ll get hands-on experience mentoring and training Corpsmembers who enroll to join the CCC Culinary Program at one of the CCC’s residential centers.
If you enjoy teaching, mentoring, and cooking delicious meals, becoming a Cook Specialist may be right for you! Where else can you get the hands-on experience of leading Corpsmembers as they work their way through challenges and growth opportunities both personally and professionally.
Salary Range
$42,972 to $52,656 annually – Cook Specialist 1
$47,952 to $58,884 annually – Cook Specialist 2
View Our Locations
Our Conservationist 1 positions are available at all field center locations across California.
For open positions currently accepting applications please visit CalCareers.
Camarillo Center
The Camarillo Center is located just outside the City of Camarillo in Ventura County.
Cook Specialists assist Supervising Cooks in running the kitchen, mentoring culinary Corpsmembers, and feeding Corpsmembers daily.
Address:
3200 Wright Road
Camarillo, CA 93010
Delta Center
The Delta Center is located in the City of Stockton in San Joaquin County.
Cook Specialists assist Supervising Cooks in running the kitchen, mentoring culinary Corpsmembers, and feeding Corpsmembers daily.
Address:
7000 South Newcastle Road
Stockton, CA 95215
Fortuna Center
The Fortuna Center is located in the City of Fortuna in Humboldt County, just south of Eureka.
Cook Specialists assist Supervising Cooks in running the kitchen, mentoring culinary Corpsmembers, and feeding Corpsmembers daily.
Address:
1500 Alamar Way
Fortuna, CA 95540
Los Padres Center
The Los Padres Center is located near Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo County between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay off Highway 1.
Cook Specialists assist Supervising Cooks in running the kitchen, mentoring culinary Corpsmembers, and feeding Corpsmembers daily.
Address:
1530 Madera Ave.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Los Piños Center
The Los Piños Center is located in the Cleveland National Forest off of Highway 74 in Orange County.
Cook Specialists assist Supervising Cooks in running the kitchen, mentoring culinary Corpsmembers, and feeding Corpsmembers daily.
Address:
39251 Ortega Highway
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
Magalia Fire Center
The Magalia Fire Center is located in the Butte County community of Magalia, just outside of Paradise and about 30 minutes northeast of Chico.
Cook Specialists assist Supervising Cooks in running the kitchen, mentoring culinary Corpsmembers, and feeding Corpsmembers daily.
Address:
6640 Steiffer Road
Magalia, CA 95954
Mendocino Center
The Mendocino Center is located in Willits in Mendocino County, near the junction of Highway 101 and State Route 20.
Cook Specialists assist Supervising Cooks in running the kitchen, mentoring culinary Corpsmembers, and feeding Corpsmembers daily.
Address:
2600 Old River Rd.
Ukiah, CA 95482
Placer Center
The Placer Center is located just outside the city limits of Auburn in Placer County.
Cook Specialists assist Supervising Cooks in running the kitchen, mentoring culinary Corpsmembers, and feeding Corpsmembers daily.
Address:
3710 Christian Valley Road
Auburn, CA 95602
Tahoe Center
The Tahoe Center is located in the El Dorado County community of Meyers, adjacent to South Lake Tahoe.
Cook Specialists assist Supervising Cooks in running the kitchen, mentoring culinary Corpsmembers, and feeding Corpsmembers daily.
Address:
1949 Apache Ave.
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Service as a Cook Specialist 1 will qualify you for promotional opportunities within the California Conservation Corps as a Cook Specialist 2 and Supervising Cook 1.
Two years of experience as a Cook Specialist 1 meets the minimum qualifications for a promotion to Cook Specialist 2.
Two years of experience as a Cook Specialist 2 meets the minimum qualifications for a promotion to Supervising Cook 1.
Connect With Us
Do you have questions about the state application, how to take an exam, or which position in the CCC may be right for you?
Our Human Resources Talent Acquisition Team is available for one-on-one consultations to help you through your journey into a fulfilling and meaningful CCC state career.
Let us know how we can help you build your legacy in the CCC!