Head Start Kitchen Manager

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:
09/21/25
Division:
Head Start Division
Management Level:
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Benefit Eligibility:
This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Description:

The Kitchen Manager is responsible for overseeing the scratch-made kitchen while promoting a harmonious, clean, safe, and orderly work environment. Supervises and supports the kitchen staff by coordinating daily tasks of the kitchen, including meeting with the chef and nutritionist to review menu plans and develop daily project lists to define the responsibilities and procedures for kitchen aides. Responsible for training and coordinating kitchen aides to ensure the efficient and proper delivery of food to children across all locations.



About Head Start :

Head Start is a no cost, all-inclusive, child-focused, and family-centered early-childhood program for children ages 0-5. A range of individualized services in the areas of education, early childhood development, medical, dental, mental health, nutrition, family support, and parent education.We strive to provide equitable and inclusive services and support to the diverse community we serve.


Check out our video, Scratch Cooking at Jefferson County Head Start: https://youtu.be/RRBr-QjBmAU



Head Start offers opportunities for on-site professional development scheduled during work hours, a team-oriented program that assists with providing the best service for our families, and individualized coaching.

SCHEDULE:

This position is a full-time year-round role scheduled 40 hours per week and

typically operates beginning at 7:00 AM or 7:30 AM, Monday-Friday. There is the need for very minimal evening and/or weekend work as needed for deliveries.

COMPENSATION:

Hiring Range: $24.00 - 26.00 USD Hourly

Compensation will be determined based on education, experience, and skills.

BENEFITS:

Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement and more. For more information, click here for our Total Rewards summary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Passion for healthy cooking, and an understanding of the use of a variety of whole foods
• Demonstrated ability to design and modify recipes to accommodate and expand children's palates
• Experience in utilizing leadership practices and qualities, including peer leadership, team leadership, and collaboration
• Successful experience training and teaching individuals who have minimal cooking experience
• Strong communication skills for varying audiences
• Ability to collaborate with kitchen staff, nutritionist, and various other stakeholders
• Reliability and dependability
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus, but not required.
• Experience in food service
• Being a reliable team player who is flexible/adaptable,
• Basic math skills,
• Excellent customer service skills,
• Awareness of local, state and federal food safety and sanitation laws, understanding of proper use and maintenance of major kitchen equipment and commitment to quality service (We will provide training in this area).
• Passionate about the education of young children

QUALIFICATIONS:

Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Six years of work-related experience .
• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent certificate.
• Note an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:

• School food or industrial food service experience required.
• 1 year of supervisory experience.
• Passion for healthy cooking, and an understanding of the use of a variety of whole foods.
• Demonstrated ability to design and modify recipes to accommodate and expand children's palates.
• Experience in utilizing leadership practices and qualities, including peer leadership, team leadership, and collaboration.
• Successful experience training and teaching individuals who have minimal cooking experience.
• Strong communication skills for varying audiences.
• Ability to collaborate with kitchen staff, nutritionist, and various other stakeholders.
• Reliability and dependability.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus, but not required.
• Experience in food service.
• Being a reliable team player who is flexible/adaptable.
• Basic math skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Awareness of local, state and federal food safety and sanitation laws, understanding of proper use and maintenance of major kitchen equipment and commitment to quality service. (We will provide training in this area.)
• Passionate about the education of young children.

Perjury Statement: Any applicant who knowingly or willfully makes a false statement of any material fact or thing in the application is guilty of perjury in the second degree as defined in Section 18-8-503, C.R.S., and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished accordingly.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION:

Accommodations Statement: We encourage people with disabilities to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout our hiring process. For assistance with applications, interviews, or other hiring-related accommodations, contact careertalent@jeffco.us . This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot provide application status updates.

• Must have training on: universal precautions, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and food safety certification within the first 30 days of hire.
• Must obtain physical examination and tuberculosis test at hire.
• Must be able to carry/lift loads greater than 35 pounds and transport up to 50 pounds on occasion. 100% of time standing and walking.
• The physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodations for this position include: Standing/walking for entire shift, frequently carrying/lifting loads greater than 35 pounds, and occasionally transporting up to 50 pounds. This position is temporary (summers off), with the possibility of renewal each school year.
• Offer of employment contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references.
• Current Jefferson County employees must apply through their employee profile in Workday.
• In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

APPLICATION:

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must submit an online employment application by 11:59PM on the posted cut-off date. Follow this link to apply now: Jefferson County Colorado Career Opportunities

A resume and cover letter submitted with your application is encouraged but will not substitute for the information requested on the application. Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications listed in the qualifications section of the job bulletin, and applicants are contacted directly by the hiring team if selected. To view the status of your application, please log into your candidate portal .

For more details on the recruitment process, please visit: https://www.jeffco.us/1860/FAQs

Questions? Contact the Jefferson County Recruitment Team at 303-271-8420 or CareerTalent@Jeffco.us



Education:
Associate's Degree, GED, High School Diploma
Experience:
Work Experience: Minimum six years

Certifications:

Languages:

Category:
Health & Human Services

• 

• Jefferson County Government

• 303-271-8400

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