Culinary Program Instructor

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Culinary Arts Instructor

Department: Workforce Development

Reports To: Program Director

Classification: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

The Culinary Program Instructor is responsible for delivering structured classroom and hands-on instruction in Culinary Arts while overseeing Department of Labor (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship programs. This role combines professional culinary expertise with strong instructional leadership to equip participants with technical skills, industry certifications, and workforce readiness. The Instructor administers American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and ServSafe certification exams and ensures compliance with apprenticeship standards and regulatory requirements. All responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Zaman International’s Core Values: Empowerment, Compassion, Integrity, and Excellence.

• Develop and deliver structured lesson plans in Culinary Arts including cooking techniques, pastry arts, bread production, food safety, knife skills, and plating.
• Utilize adult learning principles and differentiated instruction strategies to support diverse learners.
• Create and implement competency-based assessments and maintain accurate grading and attendance records.
• Integrate job readiness and professional workplace skills into daily instruction, modeling Excellence.
• Administer and proctor AHLEI and ServSafe certification exams in compliance with testing standards and maintain exam integrity.
• Oversee Culinary Arts and Baking Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs, tracking competencies and required hours.
• Maintain regulatory compliance documentation with integrity and accuracy.
• Provide mentorship and individualized support to students, fostering Empowerment and Compassion.
• Maintain a safe, sanitary, and organized commercial kitchen and baking kitchen in compliance with food safety standards.
• Manage inventory, equipment maintenance, and collaborate with leadership on continuous program improvement.

• Demonstrated teaching or vocational instructional experience (required).
• Current ServSafe Manager Certification (required).
• Minimum 3–5 years of professional culinary and/or baking experience.
• Experience developing curriculum, lesson plans, and student assessments.
• Ability to administer and proctor AHLEI and ServSafe exams.
• Experience overseeing or supporting Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.

• Associate’s degree or higher in Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry Arts, Hospitality, Education, or related field.
• Teaching certification or vocational credential.
• Experience working with adult learners or workforce development programs.

• Instructional leadership and curriculum development
• Apprenticeship compliance management
• Student mentorship and engagement
• Regulatory documentation accuracy
• Commitment to Zaman International’s mission and core values
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work in a fast paced agile environment

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced commercial kitchen environment.