Food Service Supervisor

Ada-County; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Ada County Jail is seeking a Food Service Supervisor to manage the jail kitchen operations, supervise staff and inmate workers, and ensure compliance with health, safety, and contract requirements. The role requires leadership in a high-volume, 24/7 setting and collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office.

Responsibilities include menu planning, training, budgeting, and overseeing vendor contracts, with a focus on meeting Idaho standards and dietary needs.

Qualifications

• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience working in a large-scale food production operation.
• Minimum four (4) years’ experience in a leadership/supervisory role.
• Previous food service supervision experience in an institutional or correctional setting preferred.
• Culinary education or specialized training in food service preferred.
• Knowledge of calculations for portions, food costs, and procurement.
• Knowledge of supervision principles and practice.
• Ability to organize and plan schedules and menus.
• Ability to supervise and motivate employees and inmate workers.
• Ability to communicate precise instructions and written reports.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and schedule jail kitchen staff.
• Train, mentor, and coach staff for professional development.
• Oversee planning of inmate and staff meals and special diets.
• Ensure meals meet Idaho Jail Standards and nutritional requirements.
• Monitor vendor performance and compliance with contracts & budgets.
• Coordinate with County Operations for equipment purchasing and maintenance.
• Maintain storage areas and inventory of refrigerated, frozen, and dry goods.
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness per Idaho Health Department Standards.
• Support a 24/7 operation by filling shifts as needed.
• Oversee catering functions within the Sheriff’s Office.

Skills

Staff supervision

Scheduling

Training & mentoring

Budgeting & cost control

Vendor management

Menu planning

Food safety compliance

Communication

Leadership

Inmate workforce supervision

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary education or specialized training preferred

Tools

Food service management software

Job description

Responsible for the food management and service of the Ada County Jail; supervises and schedules staff; oversees the supervision of inmate workers assigned to food service; oversees food service contractors to ensure compliance; and performs related duties as required. The position is located in the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Jail Services Bureau.

SHIFT INFORMATION: Generally Monday - Friday, day shift hours. Flexibility is required to supervise staff working early morning and evening hours.

• Responsible for the efficient operation of the jail kitchen and complete food service;
• Trains, mentors, and coaches staff to aid in their professional development;
• Supervises and schedules staff, conducts performance evaluations, and makes hiring recommendations for Food Service Officers;
• Oversees the planning of inmate and staff meals, as well as special diets prescribed by jail medical staff;
• Ensures that all meals meet Idaho Jail Standards and nutritional requirements;
• Ensures compliance with established vendor contracts by monitoring vendor performance, adherence to contractual obligations, and reviewing purchasing data, expenditures, and other relevant metrics to support budget management and operational decision-making.
• Coordinates with County Operations to ensure kitchen equipment is purchased and maintained;
• Assures that all products are stored in proper storage areas and inventories are kept current;
• Maintains storage areas including refrigerated, frozen and dry storage;
• Oversees cleanliness of the jail kitchen in accordance with the Idaho Central District Health Department Standards and Jail Standards;
• Ensures menus are reviewed annually and applicable standards are met;
• Helps develop training programs for Food Service Officers and inmate workers;
• Develops and maintains policies and procedures relating to the food service system;
• Must be able to supervise a 24/7 operation including being required to fill in or work with any shift under your supervision; and
• Responsible for catering functions within the Sheriff’s Office upon request.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs related duties as required.

• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Must have a minimum of two (2) years’ experienceworking ina large-scale food production operation; Must have a minimum of four (4) years’ experience in a leadership/supervisory role;
• Previous food service supervision experience in an institutional or correctional setting preferred;
• Culinary education or specialized training in food service preferred;
• Knowledge of mathematical calculations used in determining the number and servings in a given amount of food, modifying recipes, and determining food costs and projections; Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision;
• Knowledge of kitchen operations, food purchasing, and menu planning in a high volume setting;
• Knowledge of food service management software systems and their application;
• Knowledge of janitorial/cleaning procedures and materials;
• Knowledge of environmentally-friendly green chemicals and procedures;
• Knowledge of health code standards for cleanliness and personal hygiene in a food service setting;
• Knowledge of budget formulation and monitoring procedures;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of purchasing large quantities of food, kitchen cleaning materials and supplies;
• Ability to supervise and motivate employees as well as inmate workers and others;
• Ability to organize and plan schedules and menus;
• Ability to communicate precise instructions;
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• Ability to prepare and present financial reports;
• Ability to negotiate price and make cost effective purchases;
• Ability to understand and interpret court orders, Idaho law, and health codes and standards.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass the Idaho Food Safety Exam and the Idaho Food Protection Manager Accreditation within 3 months from date of hire, or provide current certificates of both;
• Must appear before an oral board and complete a polygraph examination and a background check prior to entrance on duty;
• This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

• Must have sufficient physical ability to: stock food; prepare, cook and serve proper meals and clean the kitchen and kitchen equipment;
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and be able to bend, squat down to floor and reach overhead to stock the storeroom and put freight deliveries away.
• Work in a potentially hostile environment including working directly with inmates who have access to kitchen tools and supplies.

DISCLAIMER:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.