Variable LCC Cooking Instructor

City of Lakewood•Lakewood, CO

12d

About The Position

The Lakewood Cultural Center is seeking a knowledgeable, versatile and engaging Cooking Instructor to teach community culinary classes for children, teens and adults. The instructor plans and leads educational, hands-on cooking experiences that encourage creativity, build practical culinary skills and foster appreciation for food and cooking. Classes cover varied dishes, ingredients and culinary methods, with instruction adapted to participants’ ages, experience levels and learning styles. Curriculum planning is required. This role takes place in a community learning kitchen rather than a professional restaurant kitchen. The instructor’s primary responsibility is to create a welcoming, organized, safe and educational environment where participants learn by doing, while delivering high-quality programs, excellent customer service and a positive participant experience. The role is a variable, at-will position working in a seasonal or temporary capacity, with a schedule based on business needs. It is part-time and non-benefitted. The hiring manager requests a resume with the application.

Requirements

Demonstrated culinary knowledge and the ability to teach a broad range of cooking and baking techniques.
Proficiency in preparing and teaching savory and sweet recipes, including meats and other proteins, baked goods, breads and desserts.
Ability to adapt recipes, menus and instruction to different age groups, skill levels and class themes.
Ability to teach and demonstrate culinary techniques clearly and effectively in a hands-on learning environment.
Ability to work with children ages 4–15 and adults ages 16 and older.
Experience leading or assisting with cooking programs, classes, workshops or related activities.
Experience leading or assisting groups of varying sizes.
Ability to motivate and inspire students and foster a positive learning environment.
Effective classroom management and ability to maintain a safe, organized and productive class.
Knowledge of culinary safety, food handling, sanitation and kitchen cleanliness.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, participants, parents and caregivers.
Strong communication, organization and interpersonal skills.
Dedication to culinary arts, community education and sharing knowledge with others.
Ability to use hands to chop, whisk, slice, stir, juice and demonstrate other culinary techniques.
Ability to distinguish differences in flavors and odors.
Ability to reach, push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch and perform other physical activities associated with demonstrating techniques and retrieving or replenishing supplies and equipment.
Ability to lift or move kitchen equipment weighing up to 35 pounds.
Successful completion of a required background check.
One year of experience teaching children.
One to two years of kitchen operations experience.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Professional culinary training or equivalent hands-on experience demonstrating the breadth of knowledge needed to teach diverse cooking and baking topics; a culinary degree or equivalent chef experience is considered in lieu of a degree.
A resume is requested with the application.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop and teach engaging, hands-on community cooking classes for children, teens and adults, emphasizing skill development, participation and culinary exploration.
Develop and review recipes and lesson plans that provide a well-rounded learning experience and accommodate different ages, skill levels and program themes.
Demonstrate and teach a broad range of culinary techniques, ingredients and preparations, including everyday cooking skills and specialized classes or camps.
Guide participants through recipes and techniques, explain cooking methods, answer questions and provide appropriate hands-on support.
Prepare the teaching kitchen by organizing ingredients, equipment, supplies and materials before each class, and restore the space to a clean and orderly condition afterward.
Maintain food safety, sanitation, cleanliness and organization throughout classes; ensure food is prepared, handled, stored and served at appropriate temperatures and in accordance with applicable food safety requirements.
Create a welcoming, inclusive, supportive and engaging learning environment that builds participants’ confidence and culinary skills.
Provide excellent customer service and respond professionally to participant questions, needs and concerns.
Maintain an inventory of supplies and pantry items and communicate restocking and purchasing needs to the Cultural Programs Coordinator.
Maintain attendance records, report injuries and complete required documentation.
Support participants throughout their program experience and encourage active participation and learning.
Recommend future class topics, recipes, culinary activities and program opportunities.
Work collaboratively with the Cultural Programs Coordinator and other team members, demonstrating initiative, flexibility and professionalism.
Perform other related duties as assigned.