Cook

United Green Mark; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits

Growth opportunities

Mentorship & training

Work-life balance

Wellness program

Job summary

United Green Mark in Grand Junction, CO is seeking a dedicated Cook to prepare nutritious meals for our preschool program, including infants, toddlers, and staff meals following USDA/CACFP standards. You’ll ensure safe kitchen practices, manage basic inventory, and follow planned menus. One year in food prep and ability to read English required; bilingual Spanish helpful.

We offer competitive pay, benefits, growth opportunities, and a supportive team dedicated to healthy meals for young learners.

Qualifications

• HS/GED. Minimum of one year of experience in food preparation.
• Familiarity with USDA/CACFP meal requirements is preferred.
• Familiarity with computer programs.
• Experience in preparing diverse appropriate foods.
• Ability to read and write English.
• Experience in purchasing, documenting food production, food costs and meal counts.
• Experience in supervising staff or volunteers is desirable.
• Head Start parents will receive preference for vacancies.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all Local, State, and Federal regulations related to food services.
• Order, prepare, serve, and document meals and snacks for the Head Start Center.
• Follow planned menus and manage kitchen operations, including inventory control.
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment, adhering to health and food safety codes.
• Prepare meals for infants, toddlers, and preschool children following USDA/CACFP standards.

Skills

Food preparation experience

USDA/CACFP knowledge

Computer literacy

Diverse foods preparation

English reading/writing

Purchasing & costing

Supervising staff/volunteers

Head Start preference

Education

HS/GED

Tools

Computer programs

Job description

Description

Do you dream of spending weekends at home and enjoying dinner every evening? How about putting your culinary magic to work for the most adorable little eaters in town? If you're passionate about crafting nutritious and delicious meals, we have an exciting opportunity just for you! We're on the lookout for a dedicated and skilled Cook to whip up delightful dishes for our preschool program. Your culinary talents will be the secret ingredient in creating a wholesome and enjoyable dining experience for the children in our care. Join us in making mealtime a joy for these young hearts!

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all Local, State, and Federal regulations related to food services.
• Order, prepare, serve, and document meals and snacks for the Head Start Center.
• Follow planned menus and manage kitchen operations, including inventory control.
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment, adhering to health and food safety codes.
• Prepare meals for infants, toddlers, and preschool children following USDA/CACFP standards.

Why Work With Us

• Great Pay & Benefits – Competitive compensation and benefits to support your well-being.
• Growth & Training – Ongoing professional development, certifications, and career pathways.
• Mentorship & Support – Team-based guidance from experienced mentors and coaches.
• Work-Life Balance – Positive, respectful environment with support for healthy boundaries.
• Wellness & Belonging – Inclusive culture with wellness programs and team-building.
• Appreciation – Regular recognition of your hard work and dedication.

Why You'll Love It Here

We are passionate about our work and the incredible children and families we have the privilege to support. We have been dedicated to Community and Family Engagement since 1975, have been operating Head Start Programs since 1991, and have experience managing programs in challenging, isolated, and underserved areas. Our curricula and programs are rooted in science, and we are committed to the professional growth of minority communities. Plus, our team includes bilingual and bicultural staff to ensure inclusive and culturally sensitive care.

Requirements

• HS/GED. Minimum of one year of experience in food preparation.
• Familiarity With USDA/CACFP Meal Requirements Is Preferred.
• Familiarity with computer programs.
• Experience in preparing diverse appropriate foods.
• Ability to read and write English.
• Experience in purchasing, documenting food production, food costs and meal counts.
• Experience in supervising staff or volunteers is desirable.
• Current and former Early Head Start and Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Language Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. Ability to read and interpret documents such as recipes, menus, production records, safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and interpret graphs and charts.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Certifications

USDA/CACFP, Food handlers, SERV Safe Manager, CPR and First Aid Certification.