Inventory Specialist

About the Unit This position resides in the Department of Human Services within the Division of Food and Energy Assistance (FEAD). The Food Distribution Programs (FDP) unit administers USDA nutrition programs, currently providing more than $70M in food to alleviate hunger in Colorado. The USDA Foods programs include the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Child and Adult Care Food Programs (CACFP), Department of Defense (DoD) Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program, the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) called Everyday Eats in Colorado. FDP also has responsibility for mass and disaster feeding programs and a variety of grant programs related to emergency hunger relief and local agriculture. Hybrid Position Requirements Hybrid Position with a minimum of 2 required in-office days at 1575 Sherman St. Primary Job Duties Managing & Reconciling Inventory and Report Preparation This position creates new processes and procedures for the unit and its contractors to track inventory using a federal database, and the implementation of new data systems within the Division. Travel is required to conduct an annual physical inventory of contractors’ inventory in their warehouses. Entitlement Management, Strategic & Participant-focused Ordering & Receipting of USDA Foods This position creates methods and procedures to combine millions of dollars in food orders, track those orders by contractor, while following tight deadlines and ensuring compliance. This position forecasts the flow of food in relation to entitlement spend down, contractor capacity, and community need. Subject Matter Technical Expert This position maintains current knowledge and expertise for three different federal nutrition programs including laws, administrative rules, policy memos and USDA guidance. This position maintains a professional network across the US to stay current on best practices in other states. Disaster Food Assistance Annually update the State plan for USDA Foods during disasters. Participate in federal, state, and local meetings regarding emergency preparedness and food recalls. Work with others to establish a clear understanding of our role in an emergency. Act as the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) liaison for food distribution as requested. All Other Duties as Assigned Other duties as assigned. Experience Only Six (6) years of relevant experience in inventory management. This must include: Ordering, inventory reconciliation, and preparation of reports Experience working with data systems and spreadsheets to track inventory and support ordering decisions Experience providing technical assistance and training Education and Experience A combination of related education in Business administration, Mathematics, Human Services, Public Administration, Supply Chain/Operations, Information Technology, and/or relevant experience in inventory management. This must include: Ordering, inventory reconciliation, and preparation of reports Experience working with data systems and spreadsheets to track inventory and support ordering decisions Experience providing technical assistance and training equal to six (6) years Preferred Qualifications Meticulous attention to detail Experience with multiple software systems Good customer service, strong communication and interpersonal skills working with internal team and external stakeholders Time‑management, organizational, and problem‑solving skills Demonstrated experience with report preparation Experience in preparing, analyzing and submitting highly complex USDA Foods orders Ability to work well independently and as part of a team Ability to exercise flexibility, initiative, good judgment and discretion Relevant years of State service should be considered as a preferred qualification to be used to determine the top candidates on the referral list Conditions of Employment Standard background checks for all CDHS employees (non‑direct contact), including CBI name check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, reference checks, professional license verification, and drug screen Motor vehicle record check – position requires use of a state‑owned vehicle for job duties and occasional travel Occasional travel for USDA food shows, conferences, and statewide inventory and management evaluations Colorado residency required at time of application and throughout employment Former state employees disciplined or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose details and provide employee number; failure to provide may disqualify from future state employment Benefits Strong, secure, and flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans Medical and dental health plans Employer‑supplemented Health Savings Account Paid life insurance Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave Access to State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center Employee wellness program Excellent work‑life programs such as flexible schedules, training, and more Remote work arrangements for eligible positions Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program ADA Accommodations CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment. This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please direct inquiries to View email address on click.appcast.io. EEO Statement The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL” among our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr