Stellar Farmers Markets Culinary EducatorsUnit: Healthy Eating (Temp)

Stellar Farmers Markets Culinary Educator

Culinary Educators will work as part of a team of at least three people to prepare and deliver nutrition and cooking workshops in-person at NYC farmers markets, farmstands, and Health Centers from August to November 2026.

The Stellar Farmers Markets (SFM) program is seeking community chefs interested in promoting community wellness through cooking demonstrations for a 17-week Culinary Educator position from late July through November. SFM staff engage New Yorkers in interactive nutrition education workshops at NYC farmers markets, farmstands, and Health Centers located in underserved and under-resourced neighborhoods. The goal of SFM is to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables by building on New Yorkers' knowledge and skills in healthy eating.

Through a comprehensive training program, educators will build professional skills encompassing public speaking, facilitation using a trauma-informed approach, and delivering culturally responsive culinary demonstrations all while promoting the joy of food and community connection.

This opportunity offers a unique chance to gain insights into a community nutrition education program and contribute to public health equity efforts. Culinary Educators will use their cooking knowledge and skills in a local food and community nutrition setting and participate in training and networking opportunities with emerging public health professionals and Health Department staff. Ample support and opportunities for feedback will be provided via monthly meetings and recurring check-ins with program leads and teammates. Upon completion of the season, Culinary Educators will receive a Community Nutrition and Food Education Certificate in recognition of their community work and for the completion of SFM trainings.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in a required, paid 5-day training in July 2026 (7/21, 7/22, 7/24, 7/27, and 7/28)
• For the entirety of the season, participate in required monthly staff meetings at the Health Department's office in Long Island City, Queens, to share program updates, collaborate on building team communication and teamwork, and receive role specific training and support.
• Prepare for and implement interactive cooking demonstrations, using recipes that feature local and seasonal produce as part of nutrition education workshops.
• Collaborate with a diverse team of three or more at each workshop site which includes a Nutrition Educator, responsible for leading the team and implementing the nutrition education lesson, and a Bilingual Educator, responsible for interpretation.
• Prepare for and implement trauma-informed culinary demonstrations in accordance with program curriculum and recipes at assigned locations.
• Actively assist with and ensure proper set-up and breakdown of the tent, cooking equipment, and educational materials.
• Maintain food safety, including cleaning and sanitation of all cooking equipment used in cooking demonstrations.
• Market and promote program at NYC farmers markets, farmstands, and Health Centers to ensure the desired level of participation is achieved.
• Other duties as assigned to support the overall goals and mission of the department/organization.

Qualifications:

• Basic knife skills and ability to execute basic cooking techniques
• Experience or training in nutrition or culinary arts
• Commitment to and strong interest in teamwork and effective communication practices
• Dynamic personality and excellent presentation, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Ability to adapt recipes to reflect the food culture of communities served
• Knowledge about regional produce
• ServSafe certification or successful completion of the NYC Food Protection course and exam (prior to August 2026)
• Ability to work in multi-cultural settings with racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse populations
• Willing and able to stand for long periods of time and work outside, including in inclement weather conditions
• Willing and able to regularly lift and transport items weighing up to 25 pounds (to and from storage site and workshop location each market day)

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience implementing cooking demonstrations
• Experience working as part of a team
• Understanding of and experience with regional food systems and food security issues and the underlying causes of health inequities in NYC communities

Physical Requirements:

• Willing and able to stand for long periods of time and work outside in inclement weather conditions
• Willing and able to regularly lift and transport items weighing up to 25 pounds (to and from storage site and workshop location each market day)

Additional Information:

• Note: this position is contingent upon final confirmation of funding, which is anticipated by June 30th.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• This position will be hired through a staffing agency.

This is not a remote job. Most, if not all, responsibilities require on-site or in-office work.

Suggested deadline to apply is May 10, 2026, although applications will still be accepted beyond this date. Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

FPHNY is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

At-Will Employment Statement:

Employment with FPHNY is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.

Residency Requirement:

You must live in the New York City Tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) to be considered for a position at FPHNY.

Fund for Public Health in NYC