Food Distribution Programs Driver and Warehouse Specialist
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Salary
$22.40 - $31.36 Hourly
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IHA 07057 07/30/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OES (Office of Economic Security)
Opening Date
07/30/2026
Closing Date
8/13/2026 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
Non-Exempt; position is 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
The FDP Distribution Specialist loads pallets and cases of food into refrigerated trucks and delivers them to school districts and childcare centers across Colorado. This position operates a one-axle refrigerated truck on paved, gravel and dirt roads including traversing mountain passes to deliver food following a route. This position unloads industrial-sized food products primarily by the case (30 to 50 lbs. per case) using dollies. This position must keep food products at the proper temperature, ensure paperwork is completed properly, and maintain good relations with schools.
The FDP Distribution Specialist receives, loads and stores ambient and frozen foods in the Food Distribution warehouse. The Position accepts or refuses deliveries by verifying the quality and quantity of contents against orders, bills of lading, specifications and other reports. They safely move, load, store and rotate products in the warehouse which includes working in below freezing conditions. This position picks, packs and labels outgoing orders. The work involves climbing, lifting and operating power equipment to load, unload, move, stack and tier items in the warehouse. This position is also responsible for adhering to a cleaning and pest control schedule, cleaning associated equipment, and ensuring regular maintenance for equipment is completed.
Primary Job Duties: Summary of Food Delivery to Customers :
This position loads pallets, equipment and supplies on a single axle truck following written and verbal guidelines and delivery schedules. Unloads food at destinations using a 2-wheel dolly or small electric pallet jack into school and childcare buildings. Completes pre-drive and post-trip inspections of trucks, logs and files records according to record retention schedules. Monitors the mechanical condition and cleanliness of the equipment, inspecting and maintaining fluid and air pressure levels. Reports truck damage or mechanical problems immediately and schedules maintenance/repairs. Has knowledge and understanding of food safety to ensure food is always kept at proper temperatures and fit for human consumption. Verifies orders for accuracy, optimal condition, temperature, and food safety. Returns excess food to proper storage areas. Ability to operate electric forklift, electric pallet jack, manual pallet jack, dollies and carts. Uses a purchase card to fuel and maintain the vehicle. Responsible for keeping receipts, disputing unauthorized charges, and reconciling the car for the travel department each month. Maintains cell phone and tablet with charge and responds to calls and emails. Provides excellent customer service when delivering products to childcare centers and school districts. Must act in a professional manner to all internal and external personnel, understanding that small rural schools may be difficult to get to or unload at.
Summary of Receiving, Picking, and Loading Product in Warehouse :
This position is r esponsible for the receipt, storage and loading of USDA Foods in accordance with State and Federal regulations, policies and procedures. Monitors and documents temperatures of food products and storage areas, ensuring equipment is holding correct temperature ranges. Receives and inspects food deliveries verifying the bill of lading for accuracy and confirming it matches the requisition request. Identifies if a delivery is out of compliance and makes the decision to refuse the order; adjustments are made to BOL and follow-up is completed with USDA. Enters receipts into the USDA's web-based inventory system. Maintains safe and efficient inventory storage by using reasoning to determine proper utilization of storage area. Picks, packs and loads outgoing orders in a timely manner and completes all necessary paperwork accurately. Uses first-in, first-out method when picking orders to prevent food spoilage. Keeps the warehouse clean and notifies pest control if signs of infestation are present. Safeguards USDA Foods from theft by securing the warehouse at the end of each shift. Ability to operate an electric forklift, electric pallet jack, manual pallet jack, dollies and carts.
Summary of All Other Duties as Assigned:
Other duties as assigned
During school holidays, such as winter holidays or summer, drivers may be assigned to other work units at the State that are doing substantially similar work. Additionally, drivers may be assigned other duties within Food Distribution Programs such as assisting with physical inventory at food bank warehouses.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Experience Only:
Three (3) years of relevant experience in receiving, picking, loading, and driving food products to multiple locations throughout the state. Experience must include:
6 months minimum, 1 year preferred driving experience with a clean driving record
6 months minimum, 1 year preferred forklift, hand truck, and electric/manual pallet jack experience
Ability to lift 75 lbs.
OR - Education and Experience:
A combination of related education, a High School Diploma, a valid driver's license with a clean driving record, and/or relevant experience in receiving, picking, loading, and driving food products to multiple locations throughout the state, equal to three (3) years. This must include:
6 months minimum, 1 year preferred driving experience with a clean driving record
6 months minimum, 1 year preferred forklift, hand truck, and electric/manual pallet jack experience
Ability to lift 75 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications:
CDL License
Meticulous attention to detail
Material handler
Forklift operator
Inventory experience
Good customer service, strong communication and interpersonal skills
Time-management, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
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:
Full Background CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons): CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, TRAILS (child abuse / neglect database system check), Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services), CAPS (direct contact with adults - Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers))
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: This position makes deliveries throughout Colorado which necessitate multi-day routes with paid hotel stays and a per diem for meals. Daily routes could be up to 11 hours of driving time and 14 hours of maximum working time. This position is expected to drive in all weather and road conditions.
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.
Pre-employment Physical/Tests
Ongoing Functional Capacity Testing
Current/Valid and non-restricted CO Driver's License: Regular
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/
