Inventory Specialist
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Salary
$58,872.00 - $76,536.00 Annually
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IHA 00490 06/04/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OES (Office of Economic Security)
Opening Date
06/05/2026
Closing Date
6/14/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
7866 W Mansfield Pkwy. Lakewood, CO 80235
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
roni.schad@state.co.us
Salary Note
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
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
THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT COLORADO RESIDENTS
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
About this 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 United States Department of Agriculture (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.
Administration of these programs includes contracting with nonprofit, for-profit, and other government entities to order, warehouse, and distribute USDA Foods, monitoring, creating policy and procedures, statewide training, evaluation, and support. Core external partners include food banks, food pantries, commercial warehouses and third-party logistics, county government, the USDA, school districts, childcare centers, and food processors.
FDP operates a warehouse for NSLP USDA Foods, which includes receiving, storing, and distributing frozen and ambient foods to 200 school districts and childcare centers across the entire state.
Description of Job
Please Note: Hybrid Position with a minimum of 2 required in-office days @ 1575 Sherman St .
These requirements are subject to change.
This position is responsible for the logistics of $50M of food products including ordering, inventory reconciliation and reporting, using multiple software systems across three federal nutrition programs and emergency management all of which require working directly with our contractors (statewide), USDA and other state agencies, regional and national offices of the USDA, Food and Nutrition Services and American Marketing Services, 200 child nutrition entities, three food banks, two county governments, 300 food pantries, emergency feeding organizations, Colorado Department of Education, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Colorado Department of Public Safety.
Primary Job Duties: Summary of 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.
Summary of 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.
Summary of 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.
Summary of Disaster Food Assistance:
Annually update the State plan for USDA Foods during disasters. Participates in federal, state, and local meetings regarding emergency preparedness and food recalls. Works 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.
Summary of All Other Duties as Assigned:
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
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.
OR 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 judgement 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. (Partnership agreement 10.1.)
Conditions of Employment:
Standard Background ALL CDHS employees (non-direct contact):
CBI name check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), and drug screen (commercial Driver's license)
Motor Vehicle Record Check: This position drives a state-owned vehicle, either in an ongoing capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties, OR onoccasion for trainings/meetings/client visits/etc.
Travel: Occasional travel including USDA Food Shows, local and national conferences, ad hoc statewide for inventory and management evaluations.
This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must: - Disclose that information on the application. - Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position. - Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination, and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.
CDHS Selection Process Explanation
Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs. per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.
Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
Relevant years of state service experience.
Minimum Qualification Screening Process
A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."
You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Comparative Analysis Process - Structured Application Review
After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.
Your Work Experience/Job Duties
Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.
If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.
Supplemental Questions Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing). Appeal Rights
You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board (https://spb.colorado.gov/) website.
You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.
You can find the official appeal form here (https://spb.colorado.gov/sites/spb/files/documents/Consolidated%20Appeal%20-%20Form%20-%202025.pdf) (Download PDF reader) .
You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:
By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or
Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or
Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or
Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.
Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:
At (303) 866-3300, or
Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules (https://spb.colorado.gov/board-rules) webpage.
Supplemental Information
How to apply to the State of Colorado (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuwGdPpOW0) (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)
The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#assessment-process)
About Us & Benefits
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs) (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS . In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:
Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
Medical (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/medical-benefits) and dental (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/dental-insurance) health plans
Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/disability-insurance)
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/app/home)
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 (https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs) .
Our Values
We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.
Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.
We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.
Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.
We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.
Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.
ADA Accommodations
CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our 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 to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to cdhs_ada@state.co.us .
EEO Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer
We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of 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.
Additional Support For Your Application
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support
If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clickingthe "Printer" icon located above the job titleLocation varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
