KITCHEN SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

State of Arkansas; Benton (AR); On-site; USD 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Maternity leave

Paid state holidays

Job summary

The State of Arkansas, Department of Human Services, is seeking a Kitchen Supervisor/Expert to oversee kitchen staff and ensure health and safety standards are met. You will guide cooking, cleaning, and storage protocols to maintain efficiency and compliance in a busy kitchen environment.

Requires at least three years in a kitchen with leadership experience and ServSafe certification within six months. The role supports a pensions, holidays, and other state benefits package.

Qualifications

• At least three years of experience in a kitchen or food preparation environment, with at least one year in a leadership capacity.
• Must obtain and maintain ServSafe Food Manager Certification within six months of hire.
• Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series.

Responsibilities

• Supervise kitchen staff, including cooks and food prep workers, ensuring adherence to recipes, cooking procedures, and food safety regulations.
• Manage kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating of meals, ensuring quality and consistency.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is functioning properly and arrange for repairs or maintenance as needed.
• Monitor food storage and inventory, ensuring that food is stored at proper temperatures and used within safety guidelines.
• Conduct regular safety and sanitation checks in the kitchen to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Train kitchen staff on proper cooking techniques, safety protocols, and food storage practices.

Skills

Food preparation

Cooking methods

Kitchen operations

Food safety

Supervise staff

Organizational skills

Time management

Problem solving

Communication

Job description

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Position Number: 22098051
County: Saline
Posting End Date: October 1, 2026

Preferred Qualifications:

Expertise in food preparation, cooking methods, and kitchen operations. Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations. Ability to supervise and train kitchen staff effectively. Strong organizational and time-management skills to maintain kitchen efficiency. Problem-solving skills to address issues with food preparation, staff performance, or kitchen equipment. Strong communication skills for working with kitchen staff and other departments.

At least three years of experience in a kitchen or food preparation environment, with at least one year in a leadership capacity. Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Must obtain and maintain ServSafe Food Manager Certification within six months of hire.

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

Job Series: Food Service – Career-path

Class Code: TFS05P

Pay Grade: SGS03

Salary Range: $39,171 - $57,973

Job Summary

The Kitchen Supervisor/Expert oversees the kitchen staff and ensures that food is prepared according to established health and safety standards. This position provides guidance and leadership to kitchen staff, ensuring that cooking, cleaning, and storage protocols are followed meticulously. The Kitchen Supervisor/Expert plays a key role in maintaining the efficiency of kitchen operations.

Primary Responsibilities

The assignment of supervisory duties is determined by the hiring agency's operational needs. Non-supervisory roles will serve as senior technical experts.Supervise kitchen staff, including cooks and food prep workers, ensuring adherence to recipes, cooking procedures, and food safety regulations.Manage kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating of meals, ensuring quality and consistency.Ensure kitchen equipment is functioning properly and arrange for repairs or maintenance as needed.Monitor food storage and inventory, ensuring that food is stored at proper temperatures and used within safety guidelines.Conduct regular safety and sanitation checks in the kitchen to ensure compliance with regulations.Supervises staff by interviewing, recommending staff for hire/fire, assigning and reviewing work, counseling, and evaluating the performance of incumbents.Assists in taking inventories; maintains records on food cost and food waste.Assists with budget tracking, expense reporting, and revenue monitoring.Ensure compliance with Arkansas food safety, alcohol service, and labor laws.Train kitchen staff on proper cooking techniques, safety protocols, and food storage practices.Assist in menu planning and portion control to minimize waste and ensure cost-effective meal service.Ensure that all food preparation areas are clean, organized, and ready for use.

Knowledge and Skills

Expertise in food preparation, cooking methods, and kitchen operations.Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.Ability to supervise and train kitchen staff effectively.Strong organizational and time-management skills to maintain kitchen efficiency.Problem-solving skills to address issues with food preparation, staff performance, or kitchen equipment.Strong communication skills for working with kitchen staff and other departments.

Minimum Qualifications

At least three years of experience in a kitchen or food preparation environment, with at least one year in a leadership capacity.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

Must obtain and maintain ServSafe Food Manager Certification within six months of hire.OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.