Culinary Arts Instructor

Culinary Arts Instructor

The Evelyn Rubenstein JCC is seeking an enthusiastic and engaging Culinary Instructor to lead hands-on cooking classes and workshops for community members of all ages, including children, teens, and adults.

The Culinary Instructor is responsible for developing class menus and recipes, preparing the kitchen for instruction, and delivering interactive culinary experiences. The ideal candidate has a passion for cooking and teaching, strong communication skills, and the ability to create a welcoming and educational environment for participants of varying skill levels.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and lead hands-on cooking classes, workshops, and culinary demonstrations for children, teens, and adults.
• Design and organize class menus, recipes, and instructional plans appropriate for participants' ages, skill levels, and class duration.
• Ensure the Culinary Studio is fully prepared with all necessary ingredients, equipment, and supplies at least 30–45 minutes before each class.
• Provide clear, engaging, and age-appropriate instruction while demonstrating cooking techniques and proper food preparation methods.
• Foster a positive, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment that encourages participation, creativity, and confidence in the kitchen.
• Adapt teaching methods to accommodate participants with varying culinary experience and learning abilities.
• Ensure all food safety, sanitation, and kitchen safety procedures are followed throughout each class.
• Supervise participants to ensure the safe and proper use of kitchen equipment and utensils.
• Collaborate with the Culinary Arts Program Coordinator to submit menus, recipes, ingredient lists, and equipment needs in advance of scheduled classes.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment before, during, and after each workshop.
• Assist with specialty workshops, private events, and community culinary programs as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience in culinary instruction, professional cooking, food education, or a related field preferred.
• Ability and willingness to teach cooking classes to both children and adults is required.
• Current ServSafe Food Handler Certificate or equivalent accredited food handler certification required.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain culinary techniques to participants of all ages.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and group management skills.
• Ability to independently develop engaging menus, recipes, and culinary activities.
• Patient, enthusiastic, and adaptable teaching style with the ability to work collaboratively with staff.

Additional Requirements

• Availability to teach scheduled classes, including weekday afternoons, evenings, and weekends.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform tasks associated with cooking instruction and kitchen preparation.
• Must follow all Culinary Studio policies, including food safety, sanitation, and dietary guidelines.
• Must be comfortable working in a kosher-style dairy kitchen where meat products are not permitted.
• Must maintain a professional, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants.