Lead Food Service Worker - Mitchell Elementary

Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is located in Jefferson County, Colorado. It is the second largest school district in Colorado serving 69,000 students across 155 schools. With 14,000 employees, the district is the largest employer in Jefferson County and has provided educational excellence for more than 70 years.

Jeffco embraces the spirit of the West and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain region with the county spanning more than 770 square miles running the length of the western edge of the Denver metropolitan area. The district is diverse in both population and geography, from urban to rural, including the mountain communities in the foothills west of Denver.

Overall, Jeffco has 31% of students that qualify for free and reduced lunch, an indicator of poverty, and 34% minority (25% Hispanic) student population. The district is implementing a new strategic plan, Jeffco Thrives 2025 that is focused on providing a world-class education that prepares all Jeffco students for bright and successful futures as local and global citizens. Come join us!

Jeffco Public Schools is a Single-State Employer. All candidates hired by Jeffco Public Schools must reside within the state of Colorado.

The Jeffco Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) department provides Jeffco students with access to healthy and nutritious meals to support their learning. Each year, the FNS team serves approximately 4.5 million lunch meals, 1 million breakfast meals, and generates about $5.5 million in a la carte sales. The FNS team consists of over 400 employees who serve our students in more than 140 full-service kitchens and a central warehouse. FNS administers many programs, including the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs, Afterschool Snacks, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable programs and Summer Food Service Programs. Enjoy a fun, fast-paced environment with a school-based schedule, and no nights or weekends!

For 2026-2027 school year

Lead Food Service Worker
Hourly Position
FLSA: Nonexempt
FTE: 1.00000 , Hours/Day: 8.000 , Days/Year: 180
Salary Plan, Grade, Step: CSE - Hourly CSEA , T06, 1
Pay Range: $20.33 - $25.08 Effective as of: 08-16-2025

Compensation schedules for Jeffco Schools can be found here. Starting salary for non-licensed roles is based on the candidate's relevant work experience and education. Additional considerations may be given for job-specific certifications and skills. Applicants should submit all relevant and verifiable education, training and work experiences at the time of application. Starting Salary for licensed educators is based on the step and lane schedule found here.

The successful new hire or rehired candidate will be responsible to complete and incur the fingerprinting and processing fee of $54.50 through an appropriate fingerprinting vendor and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, within 48 hours of offer acceptance.

SUMMARY Support the District food service program by preparing and serving food, maintaining a clean, safe and sanitary kitchen, and completing Site Manager duties as needed and assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to understand menus, recipes, labels, instructions, safety information, and to interact appropriately and safely with students, staff, and supervisors.

Read recipes and prepare food using approved school recipes, cooking instructions, and safe food handling procedures to ensure food quality and safety,

Serve food for students, teachers, staff, and community.

Foster a positive team environment by assisting co-workers with scheduled work demands.

Label, date, and prepare food for storage.

Assist with tracking and recording inventory.

Maintain, clean, and care for kitchen equipment.

Demonstrate quality customer service skills that include interacting positively with students, teachers, staff, parents, and community.

Operate cash register and computer.

Clean and sanitize the kitchen daily, according to the Department procedures checklist.

Able and willing to work at another school location if requested.

Perform the standard hours and essential duties and responsibilities of Site Manager and Site Manager w/Satellite (if applicable) in their absence including supervising the preparation and service of food to customers; completing bank deposits & financial reports; placing orders for food and supplies; directing the work of Food Service Workers; conducting inventory; and completing menu production worksheets.

Perform other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE: Successful completion of Jeffco Food and Nutrition Services End-of-Day Production and Inventory, and Manager Training. School food service program experience preferred.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS: Certified Food Protection Manager required within 90 days of hire (site specific).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Basic math (ability to adjust recipes), writing, and communication skills. Operating knowledge of all large commercial equipment within six months after hire. Knowledge of good personal health/hygiene; safety; proper food handling, storage, and temperature; portion sizes; and food service regulations. Must pass basic math and recipe reading tests to be hired. Must have basic English reading skills.

The physical requirements, mental requirements and work environment factors described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The job requires standing for extended periods and frequent walking within the kitchen and serving areas. Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach to retrieve supplies and equipment; and perform cleaning duties. Lifting and carrying heavy objects up to 50 pounds. Repetitive motions, including chopping, stirring, and dishwashing. Requires manual dexterity for handling kitchen tools and operating food preparation equipment safely.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS: Strong attention to detail to ensure food safety and proper portioning. Able to follow recipes and instructions precisely. Effective time management and the ability to work efficiently under strict schedules. Strong teamwork and communication skills to coordinate with coworkers and supervisors in a busy setting. Ability to remain calm and professional while interacting with students, staff, and other kitchen personnel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed in a school kitchen located in either an elementary or secondary school. The work environment can be hot & humid due to ovens, stovetops, and dishwashers running simultaneously. Potential risks include cuts from knives and slicers, burns from hot equipment, slipping on wet floors, and injury lifting supplies. Frequent exposure to cleaning chemicals and common food allergens. Must adhere to all posted safety notices and follow proper procedures and use of provided PPE.

Jeffco Salary Schedules

Jeffco Benefits

The Jefferson County School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, pregnancy, or gender.