Culinary Lab Specialist

Central New Mexico Community College; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Central New Mexico Community College is seeking a Culinary and/or Beverage Operations Specialist to support daily culinary labs and events in Albuquerque. You will ensure labs are prepared, equipment is maintained, and SOPs are created to support instruction and program activities.

The role requires attention to detail, proactive problem solving, and the ability to manage inventory, train staff, and coordinate with vendors while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and 2 years of related experience or high school diploma with 4 years of related experience.
• Credentials in Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry, Brewing & Beverage Management or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up, run, and clean labs for courses and events, ensuring safety and compliance.
• Provide lab equipment demonstrations and support instructors with exercises.
• Administer lab space usage and maintain inventory using FIFO procedures.
• Offer professional development and training to faculty on culinary equipment usage.
• Conduct tours for recruitment and participate in community outreach activities.

Skills

Attention to detail

Proactive problem solving

Customer service orientation

Education

Associate’s degree

High School Diploma

Job description

Compensation:$20.48 - $25.63Compensation Type:HourlyEmployment Type:RegularGrade:NE05Position SummaryThe Culinary and/or Beverage Operations Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day support of Culinary and/or Beverage labs to ensure labs are set up and maintained for course instruction and program events. The specialist will provide overall support to achieve optimal performance across the program, including the creation of standard operating procedures, maintaining compliance records, and related documents. This position requires strong attention to detail and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset, focusing on continual operational improvement to ensure successful performance of the department's business across the CNM organization.Duties & ResponsibilitiesCoordinates, sets up, runs, and cleans labs for credit and non-credit courses and events, ensuring safe, clean, and secure labs and equipment in compliance with OSHA, HACCP, and FDA regulations.Assists in monitoring compliance with fire and safety regulations of labs and equipment.Assists faculty with course evaluations and laboratory exercises.Operates culinary and beverage equipment during demonstrations, including preparation and replenishing between demonstrations, and serves as a standardized customer experience role and student orientation.Sets up and cleans equipment for demonstrations and classes, and performs basic preventative maintenance for culinary and beverage equipment.Administers Lab Space utilization, including creating user groups and program events.Provides professional development and training to faculty and staff in using culinary and beverage equipment.Manages inventory, including ordering, receiving, and inventory of supplies using FIFO procedures, and maintains ongoing communication with vendors.Conducts tours of Culinary, Baking, and Beverage labs to aid in student recruitment and participates in Community Outreach events, including demonstrations and hands-on learning activities.Submits work orders and supports maintaining labs and related equipment to ensure safe and effective operational conditions.Performs other related duties as assigned.Minimum Qualifications:Associate’s degreeANDTwo (2) years of related experienceORHigh School Diploma or EquivalentANDFour (4) years of related experienceDegrees in Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry, Brewing & Beverage Management, or related field are preferredPreferences:Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field from an accredited institution.5 years of industry experience in Baking, Pastry, Culinary, or EntrepreneurshipPrevious teaching experience in a related field.American Culinary Federation (ACF) CertificationBest Consideration Date: September 8, 2026Close Posting: September 18, 2026School of Business Hospitality & Technology (BHT), Culinary ArtsComplete application requirements: Cover Letter, Resume, Transcripts, Industry CertificationsEEO STATEMENT:As an EEO employer, Central New Mexico Community College will not discriminate in our employment practices based on an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, serious medical condition or status as a protected veteran or spousal affiliation. Central New Mexico Community College hires only U.S. citizens and individuals lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.