Chef/Culinary Arts Instructor

Chef/Culinary Arts Instructor St. Louis, MO Job Details Full-time $40,000 - $50,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Paid training Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Paid time off Vision insurance Flexible schedule Qualifications Food and beverage product quality management Hospitality Computer operation Food safety management Student performance assessment strategies ServSafe Computer literacy Culinary arts instruction Student record keeping E-learning (training delivery method) Safety standards in production Cooking Engaging lesson design (student motivation techniques) Mid-level Menu planning Sanitation procedures Culinary Arts Entrepreneurship Bachelor's degree Curriculum implementation Quality control Instructor-led training (training delivery method) Organizational skills Classroom experience Online instruction Instructional materials development ServSafe Food Manager Certification Productivity software Classroom behavior management Classroom Teaching Collaborative teaching Adult learning Communication skills Technical Proficiency Teaching Workforce development Adult education Full Job Description About Propel Kitchens Propel Kitchens is a social-enterprise 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to utilize nutrition, food industry training, and education initiatives as tools to equip and enable Saint Louis residents and communities to combat persistent economic and health inequities. Our programs address employment gaps and create job opportunities in the commercial food industry, helping disrupt cyclical economic barriers for residents of the St. Louis Promise Zone. Propel Kitchens plays a pivotal role in addressing food insecurity and community-wide food-related economic development. Job Summary Propel Kitchens is seeking a passionate and dynamic Chef/Culinary Arts Instructor to inspire aspiring culinary professionals from all walks of life. In this role, you will teach a curriculum designed to provide students with technical proficiencies, business and job-readiness skills, and the practical experience needed to advance personal career goals. You will lead engaging hands-on cooking classes, develop comprehensive lesson plans grounded in adult learning principles, and foster a vibrant, supportive learning environment that nurtures creativity, technical mastery, and a lifelong love of the culinary arts. This position offers an exciting opportunity to combine culinary excellence with educational impact—making a measurable difference in the lives of Saint Louis community members. The schedule for this position is first shift, Monday - Friday, with some nights and weekends required Responsibilities Spearhead workforce development training programs, including paid work experience and apprenticeships. Design and implement innovative, skills-based lesson plans covering fundamental and advanced culinary techniques, kitchen management, and entrepreneurship development. Deliver high-quality instruction across classroom, kitchen, and online settings using diverse methods—including demonstrations, hands-on practice, and virtual training—to address varied learning styles. Create and adapt curriculum materials using adult learning principles, tailored to diverse learners, including those from at-risk or underserved backgrounds. Lead hands-on cooking demonstrations and applied learning activities that simulate real-world, industry-relevant environments. Develop recipe and menu concepts; oversee preparation using established recipes and ensure consistent quality control. Assess learner progress using established program criteria; provide constructive, individualized feedback and maintain accurate records. Identify and address the needs and challenges of students pursuing food-based business ventures, providing guidance on entrepreneurship and business readiness. Train, comply with, and enforce sanitation regulations and safety standards in accordance with local laws and ServSafe recommendations. Serve as the primary point of contact for trainees and students, building professional, supportive relationships throughout their program experience. Collaborate with colleagues to create interdisciplinary learning opportunities that connect culinary arts with broader workforce and life skills development. Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers, students, and customers. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Diploma in Culinary Arts from an accredited institution (Bachelor's degree preferred). Proven culinary experience with a strong background in professional cooking, food production, and technical instruction. Experience teaching or training diverse and/or at-risk populations; knowledge of adult learning principles is a plus. Prior experience as a restaurateur, caterer, food-industry entrepreneur, or culinary educator preferred. Excellent classroom management and communication skills; ability to maintain a positive, inclusive learning environment. Ability to adapt instructional strategies for students with varying learning needs, backgrounds, and skill levels. Current ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain promptly upon hire). Good organizational skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office and basic computer proficiency. Able to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a dynamic, mission-driven team. Join us in shaping the next generation of culinary professionals and community leaders. This role offers an energetic, mission-driven environment where your passion for cooking meets your dedication to education—creating lasting impact and opportunity in the Saint Louis community.

Pay:

$40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Paid time off Paid training Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person