On-Call Substitute Chef Instructor

Job Description

Job Description

Ready to Be the Secret Ingredient When We Need You Most? 

SFC NOVA LLC dba Sticky Fingers Cooking® is looking for reliable, energetic On-Call Substitute Chef Instructors to help us Cultivate COOLinary Curiosity in Kids®!

This is the perfect role for someone who loves working with kids, enjoys cooking, and wants flexible, occasional teaching opportunities without committing to a regular weekly class schedule.

When one of our scheduled Chef Instructors needs a last-minute substitute, you're the kitchen hero who steps in!

We Are Hiring in 3 Northern Virginia Areas!

We are currently looking for On-Call Substitute Chef Instructors in:

• Herndon / Fairfax

• McLean / Arlington

• Annandale / West Springfield

You must be able to reliably travel to schools within your assigned area.

We're looking for instructors who can commit to being on call at least 2 out of 3 days each week - Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Availability for all 3 days is preferred!

Why You'll Love This Job

• Get Paid to Be Available: Earn $25 for each on-call day you commit to being available.

• Earn More When You Teach: If you are called in to substitute, you'll receive the regular $60 teaching rate PLUS your $25 on-call pay.

• Flexible Schedule: On-call coverage is primarily needed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

• Know by 10 AM: You'll know no later than 10 AM whether you're needed to teach that day.
  If you are not contacted by 10 AM, you're officially released from on-call duty and free to make other plans for the rest of your day.

• Stay Local: You'll primarily provide coverage within the Northern Virginia area you are hired to support.

• Make an Impact: Help kids build confidence, creativity, and lifelong cooking skills.

• All the Support You Need: We provide the curriculum, recipes, equipment, and training.

How the On-Call Schedule Works

It's simple!

1. Commit to your on-call days:
Be available at least 2 of 3 days each week: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Availability for all 3 days is preferred.

2. Join one of our coverage areas:
You'll be assigned to one of our priority hiring areas based on your location and availability:

Herndon / Fairfax | McLean / Arlington | Annandale / West Springfield

3. Be on call:
On your assigned on-call day, keep your morning available and remain reachable until 10 AM .

4. Get paid $25:
You'll receive $25 for being on call, whether or not you are ultimately needed to teach.

5. Know by 10 AM:
If we need you to substitute, we'll contact you by 10 AM with the class details.

If you have not heard from us by 10 AM, you're officially released from on-call duty and are free to make other plans for the rest of your day.

6. If you're activated:
You'll receive your regular $60 teaching rate PLUS your $25 on-call pay.

Example

On call Tuesday, not needed: $25 on-call pay

On call Tuesday + called to substitute: $25 on-call pay + $60 teaching pay = $85 total

What You'll Do

• Be Ready to Step In: Keep your morning available and be reachable until 10 AM on your assigned on-call day.

• Teach Hands-On Cooking Classes: If activated, lead a fun, engaging cooking class using our proven Sticky Fingers Cooking curriculum.

• Bring the Energy: Help kids chop, mix, measure, taste, and explore new foods.

• Follow the Recipe: Prepare for class using our curriculum and ensure ingredients and materials are ready.

• Create a Positive Experience: Keep kids engaged, safe, curious, and excited about cooking.

Who You Are

• Experienced working with children - this is required.

• Available at least 2 out of 3 days per week: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

• Availability all 3 days is preferred.

• Able to keep your morning available and remain reachable until 10 AM on assigned on-call days.

• Punctual, reliable, and confident managing groups of 8–12 kids.

• Comfortable stepping into a class with relatively short notice.

• Must be able to arrive 15–20 minutes before class when activated (varies by school).

• Have or be willing to obtain a ServSafe Food Handler Certification.

• Able to lift up to 30 lbs and transport teaching materials.

• Must have a reliable car, valid driver's license, and ability to drive to school locations within your assigned coverage area.

• Must pass state & FBI background checks.

• An FCPS badge and/or DCPS clearance is a plus (not required).

What We Offer

• $25 on-call pay for each assigned on-call day

• $60 teaching pay when activated to substitute, in addition to the $25 on-call pay

• Food reimbursement when applicable

• All cooking tools and equipment provided

• Curriculum, recipes, and lesson plans provided

• Training and ongoing support

• Flexible work that fits around your existing schedule

• A meaningful, joy-filled opportunity to make a difference in kids' lives

A Day in the Life

As an On-Call Substitute Chef Instructor, you are an important part of our Sticky Fingers Cooking team.

On your assigned on-call day, you'll keep your morning available and remain reachable until 10 AM . If we need you, we'll contact you with the class details. If you don't hear from us by 10 AM, you're officially released and free to make other plans for the rest of your day.

If activated, you'll head to a school within your assigned Northern Virginia coverage area, bring our recipes to life, and give a group of young chefs an exciting, hands-on cooking experience.

Some days you'll be the backup. Other days, you'll be the reason a class can happen as planned.

About Sticky Fingers Cooking®

Since 2011, Sticky Fingers Cooking® has brought the joy of cooking to thousands of children nationwide. We believe cooking should be fun, educational, and accessible , and our Chef Instructors make that possible every day.

Join Our Team + Be Our Kitchen Hero! 

If you're dependable, love kids, enjoy cooking, and like the idea of a flexible role where you can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Meet some of our amazing Chefs here!

All Sticky Fingers Cooking® instructors must undergo a fingerprint background check with the state and FBI. Your employment is continent upon a clear background check.