Head Start Chef

Jefferson County • Arvada, CO

9d • $23 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

The Head Start Chef facilitates the from-scratch preparation of whole, fresh, nourishing, delicious, and developmentally appropriate foods for children. The position coordinates daily food preparation in the Arvada site kitchen and collaborates with program supervisors and leadership to review menus and ensure nutritional standards are met. The Chef develops daily project lists, trains and coordinates Kitchen Aides, and supports efficient food delivery to Head Start children across five locations. The role maintains meal service records, including allergen lists, inventory, and food-temperature records, and manages kitchen checklists to monitor compliance with food-safety standards.

This is a full-time, on-site position with 40 scheduled weekly hours and full-time work over the summer. Hours are typically 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekends are generally not required; occasional evenings may be required. The hiring range is $23.00–$24.00 per hour, with compensation based on education, experience, and skills.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least one year of work-related experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
• Valid driver's license by the hire date.
• Complete required training in universal precautions, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and food-safety certification within the first 30 days of hire.
• Obtain a physical examination and tuberculosis test at hire.
• Ability to stand and walk for the entire shift, frequently carry or lift loads greater than 35 pounds, and occasionally transport up to 50 pounds.
• Successful completion of applicable criminal-history, motor-vehicle-report, education-verification, and/or reference checks as a condition of employment.
• A valid Colorado driver's license is required within 30 days of hire for positions driving on County business in a County or personal vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• School food or industrial food-service experience.
• Food Handler’s Certification.
• Annual certification in Child and Adult Care Food Programs.
• Culinary training.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily scratch-kitchen operations in compliance with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Jefferson County Health Department food-safety guidelines.
• Oversee and contribute to food preparation, cookery, recipe execution, FIFO inventory rotation, task delegation, and production planning, including preparation of required substitutions and special diets.
• Coordinate and execute timely breakfast, lunch, and snack service, including classroom and offsite deliveries.
• Organize production tasks, ensure accurate measurements under CACFP requirements, monitor food temperatures, and maintain required temperature and sanitation logs.
• Develop daily production schedules that make effective use of time, equipment, and kitchen space.
• Set clear expectations for Kitchen Aides, direct their tasks, and support cross-training.
• Collaborate with the Kitchen Manager and supervisors to review kitchen systems, implement operational improvements, and support nutrition-related program initiatives, including family and classroom engagement.
• Support the Kitchen Manager with receiving, storage, and inventory control; ensure proper food handling, labeling, stock rotation, and quality assessment; and communicate inventory needs.
• Reinforce safe and sanitary food-handling practices and proper equipment use; monitor equipment condition and coordinate maintenance or repair needs with the Kitchen Manager.
• Assist in overseeing kitchen staff to ensure food-handling protocols are followed and equipment is maintained.
• Maintain meal-service records, including allergen lists and inventory records, and manage daily kitchen checklists.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED