Head Start Chef

Jefferson County; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement matching

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement and more

Job summary

Jefferson County Head Start seeks a dedicated Head Start Chef to lead from-scratch meal preparation for children across five sites, including Arvada. You will train Kitchen Aides, ensure nutrition standards, manage CACFP records, and coordinate meals with supervisors.

The role requires a High School Diploma or GED, culinary training, CACFP certification, and a valid driver’s license. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred; on-site work with occasional heavy lifting and safety duties.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience: 1 year of work-related experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license by hire date.
• Preferred: School food or industrial food service experience.
• Certifications/Licenses: Food Handler’s Certification and CACFP certifications; Culinary training; Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees daily scratch-kitchen operations in compliance with CACFP and local health guidelines.
• Coordinate food preparation, inventory rotation, and production planning to meet nutrition standards.
• Delivers meals for breakfast, lunch, snack, and classroom deliveries; handles offsite deliveries as needed.
• Supervise Kitchen Aides, provide training, define tasks, and ensure food safety and sanitation logs.
• Assist in kitchen systems review and operational improvements; support family and classroom engagement initiatives.

Skills

Food safety awareness

Bilingual Spanish

Valid driver’s license

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Culinary training

CACFP Certification

Job description

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-timeworkover 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.

• 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

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:

A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience.

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience: 1 year of work-related experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license by hire date. Please note that an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
• Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: School food or industrial food service experience.
• Certifications/Licenses: Food Handler’s Certification and Annual certification in Child and Adult Care Food Programs. Culinary training. Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION:

• Must have training on: universal precautions, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and food safety certification within the first 30 days of hire.
• Must obtain physical examination and tuberculosis test at hire.
• Must be able to carry/lift loads greater than 35 pounds and transport up to 50 pounds on occasion.
• 100% of time spent standing and walking.
• The physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodations for this position include: Standing/walking for entire shift, frequently carrying/lifting loads greater than 35 pounds, and occasionally transporting up to 50 pounds.
• Offer of employment contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references.
• A valid Colorado driver’s license is required for positions that drive on County Business in either a county or personal vehicle within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer for every position.

Accommodations Statement:

We encourage people with disabilities to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout our hiring process. For assistance with applications, interviews, or other hiring-related accommodations, contact [e-mail]. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot provide application status updates.

Jefferson County is an equal opportunity employer, providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons. The County affirms the rights of all employees and applicants for employment to be protected from discrimination, intimidation, physical harm and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, hairstyle associated with racial identity or any other status protected by Federal or State law.