Dining Services IV (Cook / Work Leader)

State of Colorado

Colorado Springs, CO

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$3,882–$5,436
SKILLS
Administrative Procedures, American Sign Language, Background Investigation, Coaching, Communication Skills, Cook Dishes, Customer Support/Service, Database Administration, Documentation, Employee Orientation, Establish Priorities, Flexible Spending Accounts, Food Presentation, Food Production, Food Quality, Food Safety, Food Services, Hearing Impairment, Hospital, Inventory Management, Inventory Reports, Leadership, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Maintain Compliance, Nutrition, Operations, Organizational Skills, People Management, Policy Development, Quality Monitoring, Record Keeping, Reference Verification, Regulatory Compliance, Safety Compliance, Sanitation, ServSafe Certification, State Government, Team Player, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), University/School Policies, University/School Regulations
LOCATION
Colorado Springs, CO
POSTED
10 days ago

Dining Services IV (Cook / Work Leader)

Salary

$3,882.00 - $5,436.00 Monthly

Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

DBA-05028-JB-07/26

Department

Department of Education

Division

Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind

Opening Date

07/06/2026

Closing Date

7/20/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

allhumanresources@csdb.org

Primary Physical Work Address

Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB); 33 North Institute Street; Colorado Springs, CO 80903

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Department Information

https://csdb.colorado.gov/

Commitment: CSDB is a Deaf and Blind-led academy where language, leadership, and learning converge to generate agency.

Grounded in lived experience, students develop presence, purpose, and wayfinding - in a space built for growth, pride, and authenticity.

Aspiration: CSDB builds generations of thinkers, makers, and leaders who set new standards and transform the world.

Description of Job

The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind is seeking an experienced food service professional to serve as a Dining Services IV (Cook/Work Leader) within our Nutrition Services Department.

This position serves as the lead worker during assigned shifts and is responsible for preparing nutritious meals, maintaining food safety standards, coordinating daily kitchen operations, and providing work direction to dining services staff. The successful candidate will help ensure students receive safe, healthy, and appealing meals while maintaining compliance with USDA regulations and school nutrition requirements.

This position plays a critical role in supporting the health and success of CSDB students through exceptional food service.

Primary Responsibilities

Food Production & Meal Preparation

  • Prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and special meals
  • Follow standardized recipes and nutritional guidelines
  • Coordinate meal production with other cooks
  • Monitor food quality and presentation
  • Prepare meals for special dietary needs
  • Maintain production records and inventory

Food Safety & Sanitation

  • Ensure compliance with food safety regulations
  • Monitor kitchen sanitation practices
  • Verify food temperatures
  • Maintain proper food storage and rotation
  • Ensure compliance with USDA and HACCP standards

Lead Worker Responsibilities

  • Coordinate daily workflow of Dining Services staff
  • Assign work and monitor completion
  • Provide coaching and guidance to employees
  • Assist with scheduling and operational decisions
  • Serve as lead worker in the absence of the Food Service Manager

Documentation & Communication

  • Complete production records
  • Maintain inventory documentation
  • Review timesheets and leave documentation
  • Coordinate food requests and special events
  • Communicate effectively with staff and other departments

Customer Service

  • Provide outstanding service to students, staff, and families
  • Communicate respectfully using a variety of communication methods
  • Assist with resolving meal service concerns
  • Support an inclusive environment for Deaf and Blind students

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities
  • Effective communication skills
  • Ability to lead and direct workflow
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Computer proficiency including email and basic Microsoft Office applications
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description:

D8C4XX Dining Services IV

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only:

Three (3) years of experience in commercial, institutional, school, hospital, or residential food service operations performing duties related to food preparation, meal production, sanitation, and customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Lead worker or supervisory responsibilities
  • School nutrition programs
  • USDA School Lunch Program regulations
  • Commercial food production
  • Special diets and modified textures
  • Inventory management
  • NutriKids or similar nutrition software
  • American Sign Language (ASL)

Appeal Rights:

As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. Email address: dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.

Supplemental Information

Please Note: Communication regarding this recruitment will occur primarily through email. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their contact information is current and for monitoring their email (including spam/junk folders) throughout the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the online application through the State of Colorado Careers website.

The following document is required:

  • Current Resume

A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed online application.

Application Information

Applications are an essential part of the selection process and will be reviewed to determine whether applicants meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Applications may also be used during the comparative analysis process to identify the most qualified candidates for interviews.

Before submitting your application, carefully review this job announcement and ensure your application clearly demonstrates how your education, training, and work experience meet the qualifications outlined in the Description of Job, Minimum Qualifications, and Conditions of Employment sections.

If education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications, applicants must upload transcripts (official or unofficial) with their application. Applicants selected for hire will be required to provide official transcripts prior to employment if applicable.

Incomplete applications, applications that do not adequately demonstrate qualifications, or applications received after the closing date may not be considered.

Conditions of Employment

The selected candidate must successfully complete:

  • Colorado and Federal criminal history background checks
  • Employment verification
  • Professional reference checks

Additional requirements include:

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand, bend, reach, stoop, and walk for extended periods
  • Ability to obtain a ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification within 90 days of hire
  • Willingness to learn and use American Sign Language (ASL)
  • Ability to achieve ASL Survival (1+) proficiency within the timeframe established by CSDB policy

Why Work for the State of Colorado?

In addition to meaningful work serving students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind, the State of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package for eligible employees, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • PERA retirement plans (Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution options)
  • Optional 401(k) and 457 retirement savings plans
  • Employer-paid life insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Employee wellness programs
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • Eleven paid State holidays each year
  • Professional development and career advancement opportunities across Colorado State government

ADA Accommodations

The State of Colorado is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and selection process. If you require an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office as early as possible.

Additional Information

For additional information regarding State employment, including frequently asked questions, residency requirements, and applicant resources, please visit the Colorado State Careers website at careers.colorado.gov.

Join CSDB and make a lasting impact. Every meal you prepare helps fuel student success. If youre passionate about food service, teamwork, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of Deaf and Blind students, we encourage you to apply and become part of a community where language, leadership, and learning converge..

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agencys contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

As a condition of employment, selected applicant(s) will be required to submit to and pass a background check, to include Colorado and Federal criminal history checks, employment verification, and professional / personal reference checks. Employment verification and reference checks may be conducted without applicant authorization. Are you willing to submit to a background check as described, as a condition of employment?

  • Yes
  • No

02

Describe your experience preparing meals in a commercial, institutional, hospital, or school food service environment.

03

Do you currently hold a ServSafe certification? If not, are you willing to obtain one within 90 days of employment?

  • Yes
  • No

04

Applicants for State of Colorado classified positions must be current residents of Colorado. Are you a current resident of the State of Colorado who can provide proof of Colorado residency?

  • Yes
  • No

05

Are you a current or former employee of the State of Colorado? If yes, please describe current or former employment (i.e., Name of State Agency, Classification, Dates of Employement, 997#)

06

This position requires proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) at the SURVIVAL (1+) skill level, or applicants must be willing and able to attain proficiency at the level required within a specified period of time, as demonstrated by an appropriate assessment tool and according to school policy/procedures. Do you currently meet this requirement, or are you willing to learn sign language?

  • Yes
  • No

07

If you were referred for this position by a current CSDB employee please list their name.

Required Question

Employer State of Colorado

Address See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

Website https://careers.colorado.gov/

About the Company

S

State of Colorado