Culinary Arts Instructor

TOHONO O'ODHAM COMMUNITY COLLEGE; Sells (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Tohono O’odham Community College in Sells, AZ is seeking a Culinary Arts Instructor/Chef to build and lead a new program, develop curriculum for a certificate and an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts, and launch a real-world food service operation on campus.

The role combines teaching theory with hands-on kitchen work, manages program budgets and purchasing, and provides essential On-the-Job Learning experiences for college and dual-enrollment high school students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and professional certifications in the culinary arts.
• Experience as a chef is preferred.
• Experience managing the financial aspects of a business and knowledge of Native communities is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a functioning food service business that serves as a practical training ground for students to earn required OJL hours.
• Teach both the theoretical and practical sides of culinary arts, covering core techniques, nutrition, and industry regulations.
• Craft an innovative culinary curriculum that integrates traditional foods within the Tohono O’odham Nation.
• Oversee the program's budget, spending records, and equipment inventory/purchasing.
• Foster community relationships and uphold the college’s core values in program operations.
• Work evenings and weekends as required to meet programmatic and business needs.

Skills

Teaching

Culinary arts knowledge

Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in culinary arts

Tools

Microsoft Office

Canvas

Job description

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Culinary Arts Instructor

Full Time Wisag Kos Mascamakud- "West Campus", Sells, AZ, US

21 days ago Requisition ID: 1009

Salary Range: $55,000.00 To $60,000.00 Annually

Join Tohono O’odham Community College as a Culinary Arts Instructor/Chef!

Are you a passionate culinary professional looking to inspire the next generation of chefs while building a unique food program from the ground up? Tohono O’odham Community College is seeking an innovative Culinary Arts Instructor/Chef.

In this dynamic role, you won't just teach—you will reestablish and oversee a culinary program, developing a curriculum for both a certificate and an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts. You will also design, launch, and manage a real-world food service business in Sells, AZ, providing essential On-the-Job Learning (OJL) for college and dual-enrollment high school students.

Salary Hiring Range: $55,000 - $60,000 salary commensurate with experience

What You'll Do:

• Develop and manage a functioning food service business that serves as a practical training ground for students to earn required OJL hours.
• Teach both the theoretical and practical sides of culinary arts, covering everything from core techniques and nutrition to industry regulations.
• Craft an innovative culinary curriculum that integrates traditional foods grown and gathered within the boundaries of the Tohono O’odham Nation.
• Oversee the program's budget, spending records, and equipment inventory/purchasing.
• Foster great relationships with the community and support the T-So:son (Our Core Values): T-Wohocudadag (Our Beliefs), T-Apedag (Our Well-Being), T-Pi:k Elida (Our Deepest Respect), and I-We:mta (Working Together).
• Work evenings and weekends as required to meet programmatic and business needs

What We Are Looking For:

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and professional certifications in the culinary arts field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience working as a chef.
• Background in starting, running, or managing the financial aspects of a business.
• Knowledge and understanding of the history and contemporary issues facing Native people.
• Ability to speak and understand O’odham and/or Spanish.

Skills:

• Strong teaching skills with the ability to motivate and mentor college and high school students.
• Deep knowledge of culinary arts, managerial practices, and health/food safety regulations.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite (for scheduling, database management, and tracking assignments) and educational platforms like Canvas.

Licensing & Certifications:

• Valid state Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check and hold (or be able to obtain) a fingerprint clearance card.
• Possess a valid Food Handlers Card.
• ServSafe, local, and state certifications (or the ability to obtain them).
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification within three months of hire.

Physical & Environmental Expectations:

Because this position blends classroom instruction with running a fast-paced food service business, candidates should expect a hands-on environment. This includes sustained periods of standing and walking, lifting and moving kitchen items, fine motor work (fingering/grasping), and navigating typical commercial kitchen conditions (such as heat or noise).