Culinary Arts Assistant - County Fair

The SAN MATEO COUNTY FAIR is seeking a Culinary Arts Assistant to work in a fun and friendly environment during the San Mateo County Fair.

This is a seasonal position from May 18 through June 16, 2026.

Pay is $20.00 per hour.

Job Summary

Assist the Culinary Arts Department on behalf of the San Mateo County Fair.  Responsible for the implementation of exhibits at the San Mateo County Fair and overseeing the daily operation of the department during the San Mateo County Fair.  Oversee setup and take down with fair staff and volunteers.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following: 

Assist in planning and implementing all department exhibits and attractions.

Assist in the receiving of entries.

Assist in the setup of the department, including showcases, table placement, pipe and drape placement, color of drapes, and any other necessary equipment as needed.

Recruit & Supervise volunteers for the department prior to and during the fair.

Assist judges for all applicable contests and provide necessary information to fair staff.

Assist in the review and submission of all volunteer information and timesheets, judging sheets on a timely basis.

Assist in the ordering and maintenance of department supplies.

Train volunteers on proper customer service and guest relation procedures.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Excellent spelling, grammar, and written English skills required.

Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with management, co-workers, and customers using principles of good customer service.

Willingness to be flexible and work with the changing workload, and sudden shifts in priorities without losing focus on the “big picture”.

Strong organizational and follow-up skills

Requires being responsible, reliable, and dependable to fulfill job obligations.

Requires being responsible, reliable, and dependable to fulfill job obligations.

 Minimum Requirements

Any combination of education, experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities to perform the responsibilities of this position.  High school diploma or equivalent. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit.  The employee is frequently required to make repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. Is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Must be able to speak, hear and see. Vision requirements are close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.