Nutrition Services Culinary Manager

Mesa County Valley School District 51

Grand Junction, CO

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JOB DETAILS

SALARY

$22.25–$24.76 Per Hour

SKILLS

Board of Education, Budgeting, Coaching, Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Cook Dishes, Copying Machines, Cost Control, Culinary Training, Customer Support/Service, Database Management Software/Systems (DBMS), Dietary Management, Diversity, Driver's License, Education Regulations, English Language, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, FIFO, Fax Machines, Financial Management, Food Delivery, Food Preparation, Food Quality, Food Safety, Food Services, Health Department, Information Technology & Information Systems, Interpersonal Skills, Inventory Management, Leadership, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Maintain Compliance, Menu Management, Multitasking, Nutrition, Office Equipment, Operations, Organizational Skills, People Management, Performance Analysis, Performance Reviews, Peripheral Hardware, Point of Sale (POS) Systems, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Procedure Development, Production Control, Recycling, Regulations, Safety Compliance, Safety Equipment, Safety/Work Safety, Sales, Sanitation, Spreadsheets, Staff Training, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), State Laws and Regulations, Team Player, Time Management, Time Management Software, Training/Teaching, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Word Processing, Writing Skills

LOCATION

Grand Junction, CO

POSTED

2 days ago

Position Type:
Nutrition Services/Kitchen Manager

Date Posted:
5/19/2026

Location:
Bookcliff Middle School

Date Available:
2026-27

Closing Date:
05/24/2026

Job Title: Nutrition Services Culinary Manager
Pay Program: Support Staff Non-Exempt
Pay Range: Range 11 $22.25 - $24.76
Work Year: 9 months (175 Days / 8 Hours)
Reports to: Nutrition Services District Manager
Direct Reports: This position has supervisory responsibilities.
Position(s) include: Nutrition Services Associates, Nutrition Service Relief Manager

Summary
Operating under the direction of the Nutrition Services District Manager, this position is responsible for leading the daily operations of a school kitchen to ensure the safe preparation and service of scratch-cooked meals that meet USDA, state, and District nutrition standards. This role oversees kitchen staff, manages inventory and financial accountability, ensures compliance with sanitation and safety regulations, and promotes a culture of professional growth. This position plays a critical role in supporting student health and academic success by providing nutritious, appealing meals in a positive dining environment.

Essential Responsibilities - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequency of responsibility, percent of time and work year may vary based on department or building assignment.

Job Responsibility Description

1. Kitchen Operations and Meal Production

Oversee daily kitchen operations using task checklists and rotation schedules.
Direct and participate in scratch meal production and service, ensuring accurate use of district-approved recipes, production records, and scratch guidelines.
Ensure meals are served according to planned menus and comply with USDA Offer Verses Serve standards, Counting and Claiming procedures, meal pattern requirements, and District standard operating procedures and policies.
Maintain organized accurate production records and monitor Nutrition Services operational updates.

2. Sanitation and Safety Oversight

Supervise and perform daily cleaning tasks, including dishwashing, sanitizing food-contact surfaces, and clearing non-food areas (e.g., floors, shelving, walls, windows, kitchen restrooms) in accordance with Health Department and District standard operating procedures.
Properly maintain kitchen equipment; empty trash/recycling, sweep, and mop floors.
Ensure compliance with sanitation, HACCP, and food safety regulations at the District, city, county, state and federal levels.

3. Inventory and Financial Management

Prepare weekly food orders and maintain inventory rotation using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) practices.
Monitor and control food costs and food waste within budgeted parameters, investigating and resolving variances.
Ensure proper labeling, dating and safe storage of food items.
Compile, reconcile, and verify daily bank deposits for accuracy; complete end-of-day reports and submit documentation as required.
Review financial reports, inventories, and production records for accuracy.

4. Staff Leadership and Training

Conduct daily staff meetings to review assignments using the scratch planning sheet.
Assign, adjust, and monitor staff duties to ensure food quality, safety, and customer service standards.
Train and supervise kitchen staff in the use of point-of-sale (POS) systems, timekeeping software and other Nutrition Services information systems.
Orient and train new staff in accordance with District policies and procedures.
Promote a culture of continual learning, using Situation Leadership principles and the Comprehensive Staff Development Checklist to support staff growth.
Provide performance feedback, assist with hiring, and complete performance evaluations for kitchen staff.

5. Other Duties

Additional tasks, duties, and responsibilities may be assigned as needed/requested.

Education and Experience
Acceptable demonstration of acceptable education and/or experience will be at the sole discretion of the District.

High school diploma or equivalent required
Two years prior food service experience required
Prior culinary and/or school nutrition services experience preferred
Operating knowledge of point-of-sale and kitchen database management softwares within 60 days of hire.
Position requires conversational English skills

Licenses, Registrations or Certifications

Criminal background check required for hire
Valid Colorado driver's license or valid Colorado identification required
Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Lift test required at time of hire
Current Mesa County Food Handlers Card required
Serve Safe or State Food Safety Certified Food Protection Manager Certifications required within 90 days of hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Exceptional oral communication skills in English
Ability to learn and use Spanish oral communication skills
Basic professional written communication skills in English
Ability to communicate, coach, teach, and develop using the 3 C's continuum to all types of learners
Ability and passion for culinary training in order to develop and grow their role with the District
Ability and desire to conduct as needed culinary training in the school kitchens
Ability to work independently as needed with minimal direction and/or supervision
Ability to manage multiple priorities and frequent interruptions in a timely manner
Ability to be adaptable and flexible with collaborative critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills
Strong customer service skills, with the ability to provide support in a professional and approachable manner
Commitment to handling sensitive and confidential information with the highest ethical standards
Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with staff and various stakeholders
Ability to lead, communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds
Ability to follow applicable federal, state, local laws and Board of Education policies, in addition to building and department procedures
Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator
Ability to follow and comply with the current Colorado Department of Education and District policies and guidelines regarding food preparation, delivery, and storage
Operating knowledge of and experience with institutional food service equipment; ovens, warmers, mixers, steamers, kettles, meat slicers, food processors, sectionizers, and immersion blenders etc.;
Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals;
Operating knowledge of and experience with office software such as word processing and spreadsheets;
Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as telephones, copier, fax machine, E-mail, etc.

Salary & Benefits:
View all salary schedules for the current school year at:
Information regarding D51 Benefits can be found here:

About the Company

Mesa County Valley School District 51

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