Culinary Apprentice

SailFuture • St. Petersburg, FL

7d • $2,080 • Onsite

About The Position

SailFuture is a nonprofit organization in St. Petersburg, Florida, dedicated to helping youth who have experienced significant life challenges build meaningful, independent futures. Through residential foster care, a private high school, workforce development, international sailing expeditions, and social enterprises, we provide young people with the relationships, education, and opportunities they need to achieve economic freedom. Our Culinary Team plays a critical role in that mission. Every healthy meal prepared, catered event served, and product created helps provide exceptional nutrition to our students while generating revenue that directly supports scholarships and tuition assistance for students at SailFuture Academy. More than a kitchen, our culinary enterprise is a mission-driven business that creates meaningful learning opportunities, strengthens our community, and helps sustain the life-changing work of SailFuture.
The AmeriCorps Culinary Apprentice is a hands-on service position for individuals who want to build a career in the culinary and hospitality industry while making a meaningful impact in their community. Working alongside experienced chefs and culinary professionals, apprentices help prepare approximately 600 nutritious school lunches each day, produce fresh baked goods for local businesses, and support catering events for community partners. Through this work, apprentices develop professional culinary skills while contributing to a mission that creates educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced kitchen, values teamwork, and wants to gain experience in high-volume food production, baking, catering, and commercial kitchen operations.

Requirements

• Be a United States citizen, United States national, or lawful permanent resident
• Be at least 17 years of age at the start of service
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent
• Not have exceeded the maximum allowable AmeriCorps service terms
• Not be listed on any state or national sex offender registry
• Not have been convicted of murder, as defined in 18 U.S.C. §1111
• Interest in culinary arts, baking, hospitality, or food service.
• Strong work ethic and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Positive attitude and commitment to service.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing approximately 600 healthy school lunches each day for local students.
• Prepare ingredients, cook meals, and portion food according to established recipes and nutritional guidelines.
• Produce baked goods for local businesses and community partners.
• Support catering events through food preparation, packaging, setup, service, and cleanup.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen cleanliness.
• Operate commercial kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
• Receive, organize, and properly store food deliveries.
• Assist with inventory management and product rotation.
• Work collaboratively with chefs, staff, volunteers, and fellow AmeriCorps members.
• Maintain quality, consistency, and presentation standards across all food production.
• Represent SailFuture professionally while interacting with customers, vendors, and community partners.
• Contribute to a culinary enterprise that generates revenue supporting student tuition and educational programming at SailFuture Academy.
• Participate in AmeriCorps trainings, service projects, and professional development opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Living Allowance: $2,080
• $1,500 Max 401k Contribution per year
• $6910 annual health insurance plan
• $12,000 value: On-site room & board including a furnished room, utilities & food
• $7,395 Education award eligibility on completion of year
• Access to sailboats and kayaks during time off
• Clearwater Community Sailing Center Membership; includes the use of facility and equipment
• YMCA Gym Membership

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED