Farm to School Chef/Culinary Instructor (Intermittent)-Education and Workforce

Job Description

Job Title: Farm to School Chef/Culinary Instructor (Intermittent)

Company: Education and Workforce

Location: Franklin County, OH – Columbus, OH

Pay: $40 per hour

AI Pay Analysis: An hourly rate of $40 for the role of “Farm to School Chef/Culinary Instructor (Intermittent)” in Franklin County, OH, particularly in the Columbus area, is generally competitive, especially considering the specialized nature of the position which involves culinary skills and the integration of local food systems into educational programs. According to various industry standards and salary surveys, culinary instructors typically earn between $25 to $50 per hour, depending on their experience and the specific demands of the role. Given that the Columbus area has a lower cost of living compared to major metropolitan centers, this rate would be considered attractive, particularly for intermittent or part-time positions that offer flexibility. Overall, the compensation reflects positively on the local market for culinary education-focused roles.

Job description:
The Office of Child Nutrition is seeking a temporary, intermittent Farm to School Chef/Culinary Instructor. We are looking for an experienced culinary professional who will be responsible for developing culinary-focused professional development programs for Child Nutrition food service staff. This role involves utilizing the Department’s Mobile Teaching Kitchen for “train the trainer” events, where the instructor will teach school nutrition staff culinary techniques, methods, and menus, emphasizing the Harvest of the Month foods. Additionally, the instructor will create professional development trainings, both virtually and in-person, centered around general food safety and culinary techniques for utilizing fresh produce, beans, legumes, and whole cuts of meat. Collaboration with the Department’s Communications team will also be required to produce seven food skills training videos aimed at front-line food service staff.

This position offers a compensation of $40 per hour for up to 1,000 hours per fiscal year (from July 1 to June 30) and is projected to conclude on September 30, 2026. The instructor will have responsibilities throughout the year.

Key Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Farm to School Assistant Administrator at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (the Department), the Culinary Instructor will develop lesson plans and provide training and technical assistance on cooking skills and techniques based on the statewide Harvest of the Month campaign. The primary audience will consist of food service professionals employed at schools and childcare centers across Ohio. The specific duties include:

– Developing a minimum of 24 culinary lesson plans related to specific food products or recipes provided by the Department. These plans will encompass both technical and non-technical skills in utilizing local foods, while integrating applicable food safety principles, along with detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for future instructors.

– Delivering in-person instruction at a minimum of 24 “Train the Trainer” events statewide, implementing developed lesson plans to provide hands-on training to food service professionals on the necessary food safety and culinary techniques for the recipes provided.

– Coordinating and leading at least twelve in-person food demonstration events utilizing the Department’s mobile kitchen, including one event targeted at providers of Family Day Care Homes, which may require weekend hours.

– Managing pre and post-test surveys for “Train the Trainer” participants.

– Collaborating with the Department’s Office of Communications and Outreach to produce a coordinated series of a minimum of seven instructional videos showcasing various culinary techniques used in Harvest of the Month recipes.

– Offering instructional guidance to school-age students participating in the Department’s youth menu contests.

– Providing technical assistance to sponsoring organizations of the National School Lunch Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program on food service practices, menu planning, and culinary techniques for fresh produce, beans, legumes, and whole cuts of meat.

– Designing and conducting a minimum of three professional development trainings for Office of Nutrition staff focusing on culinary techniques, skills, and food service operations.

– Developing and maintaining the project budget.

Minimum Qualifications:
– Culinary degree or relevant experience required; a Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
– A minimum of three years of culinary industry experience required.
– Preferred experience in teaching adult learners.
– Experience in the child nutrition program setting is preferred.
– Current Ohio Department of Health Manager Certification in Food Protection is required.
– Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and self-report any convictions.

Job Posting Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2025 01:55:24 GMT

Apply now!