Kitchen Aide

Durango 4C Council (Tri-County Head Start); Pagosa Springs (CO); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Paid sick leave

Paid holidays

Health insurance

403(b) retirement plan

No nights or weekends

Job summary

Tri-County Head Start is seeking a Kitchen Aide in Pagosa Springs Head Start to support daily meal preparation, service, sanitation, and documentation. The role emphasizes food safety, teamwork, and maintaining a clean kitchen in a part-year, 30-hour week schedule.

The position offers a full-time style schedule with no nights or weekends, competitive hourly pay, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a food handler certification within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to follow written menus, recipes, and food safety procedures.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift/move food and equipment.
• Ability to complete required background checks and health requirements.
• Ability to work cooperatively with coworkers, children, families, and partners.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation, portioning, and delivery of meals and snacks.
• Prepare and deliver meal carts to classrooms.
• Wash and sanitize dishes, utensils, and surfaces.
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen and storage area.
• Follow CACFP and food safety procedures.
• Maintain food service records and temperature logs.
• Receive, store, rotate, and organize supplies.

Skills

Food handling safety

Teamwork

Menu following

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Food handler certification

Job description

Kitchen Aide

Are you looking for meaningful work where you can make a difference in the lives of children and families? Join a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about helping young children learn, grow, and thrive.

At Tri-County Head Start, our employees are at the heart of the services we provide. We invest in your growth through training, professional development, and opportunities for advancement. You will build valuable skills, support your community, and enjoy a schedule with no nights or weekends.

Position Information

Location: Pagosa Springs Head Start
Schedule: Full-time, part-year-9 months; 30 hours per week
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:45am– 2:00pm, Friday 7:45am - 11:45am.
Pay: $17.75–$18.53 per hour, depending on education and experience

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive:

• Paid professional development and training
• Paid sick and personal leave
• More than three weeks of scheduled paid breaks and holidays
• Health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible full-time employees
• Access to a 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• A family-friendly schedule with no nights or weekends

Position Summary

The Kitchen Aide supports the daily operation of the Head Start kitchen by assisting with food preparation, meal service, sanitation, dishwashing, inventory, and required food service documentation. This position helps ensure that meals and snacks are prepared and delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable nutrition and food safety requirements.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation, portioning, and delivery of meals and snacks.
• Prepare and deliver meal carts to classrooms according to the daily schedule.
• Wash and sanitize dishes, utensils, kitchen equipment, carts, and food preparation surfaces.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and sanitary kitchen and food storage area.
• Follow Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements and applicable food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Assist with food service records, meal counts, inventory, temperature logs, and other required documentation.
• Receive, store, rotate, and organize food and kitchen supplies.
• Follow proper procedures for food handling, storage, allergen management, and prevention of cross-contamination.
• Support internal and external kitchen inspections, including inspections conducted by Public Health and CACFP.
• Report equipment concerns, supply needs, safety hazards, and food service issues to the supervisor.
• Follow all TCHS health, safety, confidentiality, and workplace requirements.
• Participate in required training, staff meetings, and professional development.
• Perform other related kitchen and food service duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a food handler certification within 30 days of hire or as soon as training is available.
• Ability to follow written menus, recipes, food safety procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift, carry, push, or move food, supplies, dishes, and meal carts.
• Ability to complete required background checks and health-related employment requirements.
• Ability to work cooperatively and professionally with coworkers, children, families, and community partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in food service, school nutrition, child care food service, or a commercial kitchen.
• Current food handler certification.
• Experience following CACFP, school meal, or other regulated food service requirements.

Tri-County Head Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer.