KITCHEN SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

Position Number: 22133682
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: 9/17/2026
Anticipated Starting Salary: $39,171
[[section]]

Hiring Official: Nicole Fisher

This position is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing.

All jobs offers and continued employment are contingent upon passing the pre-employment drug-screening, criminal background check, and adult maltreatment central registry checks (if applicable). You have the right to obtain a copy of the reports from the registries.

The State of Arkansas offers employees access to health and dental benefits, retirement plans, life insurance, disability coverage, paid leave, wellness programs and much more.

The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs serves Arkansas Veterans, and their eligible dependents, through advocacy and education to access federal and state benefits, high-quality long-term nursing care, and burial honors.

Position Information

Job Series: Food Service – Career-path

Classification: Kitchen Supervisor/Expert

Class Code: TFS05P

Pay Grade: SGS03

Salary Range: $39,171 - $57,973

Job Summary

The Kitchen Supervisor/Expert oversees the kitchen staff and ensures that food is prepared according to established health and safety standards. This position provides guidance and leadership to kitchen staff, ensuring that cooking, cleaning, and storage protocols are followed meticulously. The Kitchen Supervisor/Expert plays a key role in maintaining the efficiency of kitchen operations.

Primary Responsibilities

The assignment of supervisory duties is determined by the hiring agency's operational needs. Non-supervisory roles will serve as senior technical experts. Supervise kitchen staff, including cooks and food prep workers, ensuring adherence to recipes, cooking procedures, and food safety regulations. Manage kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating of meals, ensuring quality and consistency. Ensure kitchen equipment is functioning properly and arrange for repairs or maintenance as needed. Monitor food storage and inventory, ensuring that food is stored at proper temperatures and used within safety guidelines. Conduct regular safety and sanitation checks in the kitchen to ensure compliance with regulations. Supervises staff by interviewing, recommending staff for hire/fire, assigning and reviewing work, counseling, and evaluating the performance of incumbents. Assists in taking inventories; maintains records on food cost and food waste. Assists with budget tracking, expense reporting, and revenue monitoring. Ensure compliance with Arkansas food safety, alcohol service, and labor laws. Train kitchen staff on proper cooking techniques, safety protocols, and food storage practices. Assist in menu planning and portion control to minimize waste and ensure cost-effective meal service. Ensure that all food preparation areas are clean, organized, and ready for use.

Knowledge and Skills

Expertise in food preparation, cooking methods, and kitchen operations. Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations. Ability to supervise and train kitchen staff effectively. Strong organizational and time-management skills to maintain kitchen efficiency. Problem-solving skills to address issues with food preparation, staff performance, or kitchen equipment. Strong communication skills for working with kitchen staff and other departments.

Minimum Qualifications

At least three years of experience in a kitchen or food preparation environment, with at least one year in a leadership capacity.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

Must obtain and maintain ServSafe Food Manager Certification within six months of hire. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.