Culinary Specialist

Culinary Specialist Whittier, CA Job Details Part-time $20

• $21 an hour 1 day ago Qualifications Some college Computer operation Food handling Maintaining an organized workspace Operations management Inventory management ServSafe Computer literacy Cooking First aid Mid-level High school diploma or GED Working with children Baked goods Organizational skills Computer skills Knife skills Nutrition education Laboratory management Clean workspace maintenance Communication skills Teaching Kitchen organization Full Job Description Job Summary The Culinary Specialist will lead and manage daily operations of the Club's Culinary Arts Room/Kitchen Lab, delivering hands-on cooking and nutrition education aligned with the program's healthy lifestyle goals.

This position creates a welcoming and safe environment where youth can explore basic cooking skills, kitchen safety, nutrition concepts, cultural foods, and healthy eating habits. The Culinary Specialist supports youth ages 6-12 in daily programming and provides a Teen Culinary Hour for ages 13-18, offering more advanced skills and culinary exploration. This role helps advance the Club's mission to promote healthy living, life skills, creativity, and real-world competencies through culinary arts. Key Responsibilities Program Implementation Facilitate daily culinary lessons based on monthly themes and nutrition goals. Teach hands-on skills including prep techniques, age-appropriate knife handling, measuring, following recipes, and basic cooking methods. Incorporate lessons about nutrition, food groups, healthy substitutions, and cultural traditions. Adapt activities to meet the needs of different age groups. Kitchen Lab Management Maintain a clean, safe, and organized culinary learning space. Monitor equipment safety and proper food handling. Set up ingredients, tools, and cooking stations each day. Track inventory and communicate supply needs. Youth Engagement Build strong relationships that promote teamwork, creativity, and healthy habits. Encourage youth to explore new flavors, foods, and cooking techniques. Support youth in building confidence and independence in the kitchen. Guide youth in reflecting on what they cooked and learned. Teen Culinary Hour (13-18) Lead advanced activities such as meal planning, cultural and international recipes, baking techniques, and culinary creativity challenges. Host discussions about food industry careers. Program Evaluation & Alignment Align activities with healthy lifestyle program goals. Track attendance, recipes completed, and skill development. Support grant reporting and program impact documentation. Daily Program Schedule 2:30

• 3:00 PM Prep time
• Prep ingredients; set up stations and ensure kitchen safety. 3:00
• 6:00 PM Culinary Programming (Ages 6-12): Hands-on cooking projects; nutrition lessons; cultural food exploration; healthy snacks & recipe creation. 6:00
• 6:30 PM Member dismissal / reset. 6:30
• 7:30 PM Teen Culinary Hour (Ages 13-18): Advanced recipes; baking & meal planning; culinary skills and career exposure.

Required Qualifications Education:

High school diploma or equivalent __48__ College credits or pass equivalency exam

Experience:

Experience working with youth ages 6-18 Interest in culinary arts, nutrition, or food education Ability to lead hands-on cooking activities safely Strong communication and youth management skills

Preferred:

Experience in culinary arts, hospitality, or nutrition Food safety knowledge (ServSafe is a plus) Experience planning or teaching cooking classes

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Youth development Culinary instruction and safe food handling Kitchen management Creativity and recipe development Group management and preparation Collaboration with program staff Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with youth, families, and staff Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple activities, maintain required documentation, and follow program schedules Proficiency in using basic office technology and program-related tools or systems (e.g., email, attendance tracking systems, learning platforms) Ability to understand and comply with organizational policies, safety procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local laws, including child safety and mandated reporting requirements Expected Outcome Improved youth understanding of nutrition and healthy eating Increased confidence in basic cooking skills Exposure to cultural foods and culinary careers Opportunities for youth to prepare dishes and share their creations Preferred Qualifications Experience working with children and/or youth in an educational, recreational, or youth development setting Relevant certifications or training (e.g., CPR/First Aid, Mandated Reporter training, youth development or education-related credentials), if applicable Experience working in a structured, youth-serving environment that requires adherence to policies, safety standards, and program guidelines Ability to effectively engage with youth, families, and staff in a fast-paced, interactive setting Physical Demands Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods Ability to lift up to 30 pounds Ability to use a computer, phone, and standard office and kitchen equipment Ability to supervise youth in an active kitchen environment Work Environment Work is performed in a club-style environment, including open floor plans, recreational areas, and outdoor activity spaces. The role may involve a dynamic setting with multiple priorities, deadlines, interruptions, and regular collaboration with others. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Boys and Girls Club Whittier / Pico Rivera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with California law, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected status. Boys and Girls Club Whittier / Pico Rivera will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious beliefs or practices, in accordance with applicable law. Disclaimer This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. The employer reserves the right to modify job duties as business needs change, consistent with California law.