Head Start Chef

Jefferson County CO • Arvada, CO

7d • Onsite

About The Position

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

This is a full-time, on-site position with full-time work over the summer. The usual schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; weekends are generally not required, and occasional evenings may be required. The hiring range is $23.00–$24.00 per hour, with compensation determined by education, experience, and skills.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
• At least one year of work-related experience.
• Valid driver's license by the hire date; a valid Colorado driver's license is required for positions driving on County business within 30 days of hire or before beginning service as an intern or volunteer.
• Complete 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 is required for an employment offer.

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 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, cooking, 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 team production tasks, ensure accurate measurements in accordance with CACFP requirements, monitor food temperatures, and maintain temperature and sanitation logs.
• Develop daily production schedules that make effective use of time, equipment, and kitchen space.
• Communicate expectations and task direction to Kitchen Aides and support cross-training.
• Collaborate with the Kitchen Manager and supervisors on kitchen systems, operational improvements, and nutrition-related program initiatives, including family and classroom engagement opportunities.
• Support the Kitchen Manager with receiving, storage, and inventory control to maintain product quality and minimize waste.
• Ensure food is handled and labeled properly, stock is rotated, and food quality is assessed; communicate inventory adjustment needs proactively.
• 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 and daily kitchen checklists, including allergen, inventory, temperature, and food safety records.
• Complete 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