Childcare Kitchen Coordinator

Boone County Missouri; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

Pension plan

14 paid holidays

Childcare discount

Generous vacation and sick leave

Life and disability insurance options

Job summary

Boone County Government seeks a Kitchen Coordinator to design and oversee nutritious meals and snacks for a new childcare center serving public safety families. You will handle menu planning, shopping, inventory, and ensure health and safety compliance while supporting classroom activities as needed. The role is full-time, with a schedule from 6:30 a.m.

to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and may require evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old and eligible to work in the U.S.
• Valid Food Handlers certification (or obtain before employment)
• Willing to obtain Food Manager certification within 6 months
• At least six months of experience in food service
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain
• Must pass background check and medical examination
• Must meet state licensing, certification, background check, and training requirements

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks in accordance with health, safety, and dietary guidelines.
• Plan menus, grocery shopping, and inventory management.
• Ensure compliance with state and local health regulations; coordinate with staff to meet dietary needs.
• Provide classroom support to cover breaks or fill-in as needed.

Skills

Food safety basics

CPR/First Aid readiness

Job description

Public Safety Childcare Center Opening Fall 2026

Multiple positionsavailable!

Boone County is proud to launch abrand-new, first-of-its-kind Childcare Center dedicated to serving our public safety families. This innovative center will provide high-quality early childhood education in a safe, nurturing, and developmentallyappropriate environmentthat supports the unique schedules and needs of emergency personnel families.

Many public safety families struggle to find childcare that accommodates their unusual and often unpredictable schedules. To better support our employees and their families, our center will initially offer flexible, scheduled childcare seven days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. This initial program structure creates a strong foundation, with the potential to expand hours and services in the future.

We are seeking a Kitchen Coordinator who will work collaboratively with all staff to create a high-quality childcare program that ensures operational excellence, maintains regulatory compliance, supports children’s growth, promotes well-being, and strengthens partnerships with families.

This is a unique opportunity to help build and shape a childcare center from the ground up while supporting the families who serve our community every day.

KeyResponsibilities

The Kitchen Coordinator ensures that nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks are prepared and served in accordance with health, safety, and dietary guidelines. This role includes menu planning, grocery shopping, inventory management, food preparation, compliance with state and local health regulations, and coordination with staff to meet children’s dietary needs. This position also provides support in the classroom to cover breaks or fill-in as needed.

PositionDetails

• Status:Full-time,non-exempt, benefited
• Schedule: 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday – Friday; possibly evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Starting Hourly Salary:Starting from $21.52 per hour, commensurate with experience. Potential for shift differential.

What You Bring

MinimumQualifications

• At least 18 years old, in accordance with applicable state or licensing regulations.
• A valid Food Handlers certification (or obtain before employment begins) and must be willing to obtain Food Manager certification within 6 months of employment.
• At least six months of experience in food service.
• Candidates must hold current CPR and First Aid certification or be willing to obtain it within a designated time frame.
• Must pass a background check and medical examination as required by applicable licensing regulations, federal, state, and Boone County policies
• Must maintain employment eligibility by meeting all state licensing, certification, background check, and training requirements.

Why Join Us?

• Bepart of agroundbreaking initiativesupporting public safety families.
• Help build quality care practices, consistent routines, and a culture of excellence.
• Meaningful, mission-driven work serving those who serve our community.

Benefits That Truly StandOut

Boone County Government offers one of the most competitive public-sector benefit packages in the region:

• Health,dental &vision insurance startingdayone(Including medical/dental plans withno employee premiumoptions!)
• Pensionplan
• Twomatchingdeferredcompensationplans
• 14paidholidays
• Childcare discount
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• No-cost life and disability insurance options
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer

This is stability, security, and service,all in one career move.

Why Columbia, Missouri?

Living in Columbia means enjoying the energy of a thriving college town and the cultural heart of Mid-Missouri. Home to beloved events like the True/False Film Fest,Columbia offers:

• A vibrant arts, music, and restaurant scene
• 278+ miles of scenic local trails
• Outdoor adventures at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
• Easy access to Jefferson City, St. Louis, Kansas City, and the Lake of the Ozarks

It’sa place where careeropportunity meetsexceptional quality of life.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Ifyou’relooking for a career where yourchildcareexpertisedrivesreal impact and where your work directly supports the community,Boone County Government is ready for you.

Join the team. Serve with purpose. Grow with us.