Cook - Detention Center at Delta County Colorado – Delta, Colorado

This position is anticipated to close on April 9, 2026, but applications will be accepted until position is filled and removed from the Delta County jobs website.

Position generally works a shift from 4 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 4 days per week and is required to work as scheduled including weekends and holidays.

GENERAL POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Secure, plan and prepare meals for Detention Center inmates.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for planning, preparation, and serving of meals giving special consideration to diet, nutrition, portion control and economics.
• Oversees the sanitation and hygiene of the kitchen and storage facilities.
• Purchases all food, supplies and utensils needed for food preparation.
• The primary location of employment for this position is the designated Delta County office with the exception of required duties that are to be performed off site as necessary. The employee is required to perform the majority (generally, at least 95%) of assigned duties from this designated office location to allow for client, customer and coworker access and collaboration, unless prior written approval for an alternative arrangement, such as temporary remote work, has been granted by the employee's direct supervisor and/or department head and maintained in the employee personnel file.
• Reliable and predictable attendance and punctuality are considered essential functions of this job. Employees are expected to be at their work area and ready to work at the scheduled start time to ensure consistent service delivery and operational efficiency.

GENERAL JOB DUTIES:

• Plan meals for all inmates and officers on duty with sound nutritional value, special diet considerations, and portion control.
• Shop, order, and secure all foods and supply items from vendors, considering value and pricing.
• Supervise trustees in the washing of cooking utensils and materials, all dishes and trays, and kitchen laundry.
• Periodically supervise the cleaning of the cooking and storage facilities giving special attention to disinfecting and sound sanitation practices.
• Prepare and serve all meals for Detention inmates.
• Make recommendations for needed equipment and budgetary items.
• Maintain required records as cooler/freezer temperatures, cost per meal, etc.
• Familiar with dietary considerations in planning and preparation of meals.
• Work well with co-workers; supervise subordinates in a spirit of respect and cooperation.
• Perform other similar and related duties as assigned.
• Should the Board of County Commissioners or another authorized representative issue a local disaster declaration in Delta County, all Delta County employees may be called upon to serve as disaster service workers.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience:

Two (2) years of experience in institutional cooking

Combination of education and experience could waive specific requirement.

Licenses/Certifications:

Current and valid Colorado Driver’s License

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Requirements: Walk, stand, sit, stoop, reach, lift, pull, push, kneel, squeeze, scooping, 2 hand coordination, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects or tools, reach with hands and arms, talk, listen, hear, read, see

Lifting: 50 pound requirement

Exposure to Elements: Heat/Cold

Handling of Dangerous Equipment: Scissors, knives, stove, oven, mixer, grills, steamer, coffee urn, and dish washing machine

Risk of Assault or Injury: Minimal, but works with trustees and community service workers

GENERAL BENEFITS:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Selective optional insurances available to the employee and eligible dependents on a cost share basis between employee and the organization
• Life insurance and employee only medical insurance is available at no cost to the employee
• Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA)
• Employees contribute 4% of their salary to a 401(a) retirement account fully matched with 4% from the County
• Optional 457(b) tax advantaged deferred-compensation retirement plan
• Paid time off is accrued at 14 hours per month to start
• 11 paid holidays per calendar year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that includes 6 counseling sessions along with some legal and financial support counseling
• Modified work schedules for positions and employees that qualify
• Additional employee discounts and fringe benefits are available

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Employees may be required to perform additional duties of a similar and like skill set. Delta County reserves the right to revise the job description.