Kitchen Education Specialist

Organization: PEAS (Partners for Education, Agriculture, and Sustainability) Employment Type: ~ 40 hours/week (occasional weekend or evenings required with advance notice.) Compensation: $40-$45k annually starting dependent on experience. Includes 80% paid healthcare, 50% dental, over 7 weeks of time off per year, and other benefits. Position Summary The Kitchen Education Specialist delivers engaging, hands-on cooking education that inspires students to build joyful connections with food, the natural world, and one another. This position works closely with the Kitchen Program Manager to implement TEKS-aligned kitchen lessons across multiple school campuses and ensure high-quality program delivery through strong organization, communication, and collaboration. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys teaching, working with children, staying organized, and being part of a collaborative nonprofit team. As the organization grows, this position offers opportunities to develop skills in curriculum development, program coordination, communications, and educational leadership. Teach hands-on kitchen education lessons and activities at assigned partner schools. Foster inclusive, engaging learning environments using culturally responsive classroom management practices. Arrive prepared with sufficient time to set up lessons and represent PEAS professionally. Adapt to changing school schedules and instructional needs. Coordinate lesson rescheduling with teachers and school staff as needed. Serve as a positive liaison between PEAS and school communities. Substitute for other kitchen educators when needed. Support kitchen programming during summer camps and special events. Participate in farm days and other cross-program learning opportunities to strengthen understanding of PEAS programming. Assist with maintaining tools and equipment and cleaning related to kitchen programming. Program Coordination Coordinate with the Kitchen Program Manager to prepare for upcoming lessons. Order, organize, and transport groceries and lesson materials. Maintain organized kitchen equipment and supplies. Send weekly lesson communication and emails to teachers. Assist with media release collection and organization. Upload receipts and required documentation on a weekly basis. Contribute ideas to improve kitchen curriculum and lesson activities. Support ongoing refinement of instructional materials. Observe programming across PEAS education programs to strengthen instructional practices and cross-program collaboration. Communications & Storytelling Capture photographs during programming while following media release procedures. Help showcase the kitchen program by planning and scheduling social media content. Share stories and successes that highlight student learning and program impact. Data & Reporting Track student participation and program metrics. Maintain accurate records of classes, attendance, and program outcomes. Assist with collecting information needed for organizational reporting and evaluation. Organizational Responsibilities As a member of the PEAS team, all staff are expected to: Positively represent PEAS in schools, the community, and at organizational events. Communicate professionally and promptly with colleagues and partners. Collaborate effectively using Google Workspace and organizational systems. Follow all organizational safety, security, and confidentiality policies. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and occasional evening or weekend events scheduled in advance. Support organizational priorities and collaborate across programs as needed. Embrace a spirit of flexibility, shared ownership, and continuous learning. Additional duties as required to be responsive to our community or organizational needs. QualificationsRequired Passion for environmental education, food education, or youth development. 3+ years working with elementary-aged children in a school or camp setting. Strong organizational and time management skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team. Comfortable lifting up to 50 pounds and transporting program supplies. Reliable transportation for travel between school sites. Proficiency with Google Workspace. Preferred Experience teaching cooking, nutrition, gardening, or environmental education. Bilingual in English and Spanish. Experience with culturally responsive teaching practices. Knowledge of food safety and basic kitchen operations. Experience creating social media content or photography. Reporting Relationship Reports to the Kitchen Program Manager. Physical Requirements Frequent standing, bending, lifting, and movement throughout the school day. Ability to lift and transport program supplies up to 50 pounds. Ability to work in classrooms, school kitchens, gardens, and outdoor environments in varying weather conditions. Work Schedule This is a full-time, exempt position. Work hours generally align with the school day, with occasional evening or weekend events scheduled in advance. #J-18808-Ljbffr PEAS - Partners for Education, Agriculture, and Sustainability