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Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:
11/11/26 Division:
Head Start Division Management Level:
Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40 Benefit Eligibility:
This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.
Description:
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:
The Head Start Chef is responsible for facilitating the from-scratch preparation of whole, fresh, and nourishing foods that are both delicious and developmentally appropriate for children. This role coordinates daily food preparation in the Arvada site kitchen, including collaborating with program supervisors and leadership to review menu plans and ensure nutritional standards are met. Assists in developing daily project lists to define the responsibilities and procedures for Kitchen Aides. This includes training and coordinating Kitchen Aides to ensure the efficient and proper delivery of food for all Head Start children across five locations. Ensures proper meal service records are kept, such as allergen lists, inventory, and food temperature records. Manages the daily kitchen checklists ensuring all food safety standards are monitored and adhered to by all kitchen staff.
SCHEDULE:
This is a full-time position, with full-time work over the summer. Generally, there are no weekends and occasional evenings; hours are typically 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday-Friday.
Please note that work is required to be completed on-site.
COMPENSATION:
Hiring Range: $23.00 – $24.00 USD Hourly
Compensation will be determined based on education, experience, and skills.
BENEFITS:
Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and holidays, including a starting bank of 40 hours of PTO for new hires ; retirement matching; wellness programs; tuition reimbursement and more. For more information, click here for our Total Rewards summary.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Responsible for daily scratch-kitchen operations in compliance with Child and Adult Care Food Program ( CACFP) and Jefferson County Health Department food safety guidelines.
Oversees and contributes to food preparation, cookery, recipe execution, inventory rotation (FIFO), task delegation, and production planning to ensure nutrition standards and required substitutions are prepared, including all special diets.
Coordinates and executes timely meal service for breakfast, lunch, snack, classroom deliveries, and offsite deliveries.
Organizes team production tasks, ensures accurate measurements per CACFP requirements, monitors food temperatures, and maintains required temperature and sanitation logs.
Develops daily production schedules to maximize time, equipment, and kitchen space.
Communicates clear expectations to Kitchen Aides, provides task direction, and supports cross-training to strengthen team performance and efficiency.
Collaborates with the Kitchen Manager and supervisors to review kitchen systems, implement operational improvements, and support nutrition-related program initiatives, including family and classroom engagement opportunities.
Supports Kitchen Manager for receiving, storage, and inventory control to maintain product quality and minimize waste. Ensure proper handling, labeling, stock rotation, and quality assessment of all food items. Communicates proactively when inventory needs adjustments.
Reinforces safe and sanitary food handling practices and proper equipment use. Monitors equipment condition and coordinates maintenance or repair needs with the Kitchen Manager.
Assists in the oversight of all kitchen staff, ensuring food handling protocols are met and equipment is well maintained.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they…