Senior Jail Kitchen & Food Service Manager

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

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.