Kitchen Education Specialist

PEAS - Partners for Education, Agriculture, and Sustainability; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

80% healthcare coverage

50% dental coverage

7+ weeks paid time off per year

Job summary

PEAS (Partners for Education, Agriculture, and Sustainability) seeks a Kitchen Education Specialist to deliver engaging hands-on cooking lessons across partner schools, inspiring students to build joyful connections with food, the environment, and one another.

You will work closely with the Kitchen Program Manager to implement TEKS-aligned curriculum, ensure high-quality delivery, coordinate with teachers, and adapt to changing school schedules.

Qualifications

• Passion for environmental education, food education, or youth development.
• 3+ years working with elementary-aged children in a school or camp setting.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Reliable transportation for travel between school sites.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• Teach hands-on kitchen education lessons at assigned partner schools.
• Foster inclusive, engaging learning environments using culturally responsive practices.
• Arrive prepared with time to set up lessons and represent PEAS professionally.
• Adapt to changing school schedules and instructional needs.
• Coordinate lesson rescheduling with teachers and school staff.
• Serve as a positive liaison between PEAS and school communities.
• Substitute for other kitchen educators when needed.
• Support kitchen programming during summer camps and special events.
• Participate in farm days and cross-program learning opportunities.
• Assist with maintaining tools and equipment and cleaning related to kitchen programming.
• Coordinate with the Kitchen Program Manager to prepare for upcoming lessons.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Independent work

Google Workspace

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

Organization: PEAS (Partners for Education, Agriculture, and Sustainability)

Employment Type: ~ 40 hours/week (occasional weekend or evenings required with advance notice.)

Compensation: $40-$45k annually starting dependent on experience. Includes 80% paid healthcare, 50% dental, over 7 weeks of time off per year, and other benefits.

Position Summary

The Kitchen Education Specialist delivers engaging, hands-on cooking education that inspires students to build joyful connections with food, the natural world, and one another. This position works closely with the Kitchen Program Manager to implement TEKS-aligned kitchen lessons across multiple school campuses and ensure high-quality program delivery through strong organization, communication, and collaboration.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys teaching, working with children, staying organized, and being part of a collaborative nonprofit team. As the organization grows, this position offers opportunities to develop skills in curriculum development, program coordination, communications, and educational leadership.

• Teach hands-on kitchen education lessons and activities at assigned partner schools.
• Foster inclusive, engaging learning environments using culturally responsive classroom management practices.
• Arrive prepared with sufficient time to set up lessons and represent PEAS professionally.
• Adapt to changing school schedules and instructional needs.
• Coordinate lesson rescheduling with teachers and school staff as needed.
• Serve as a positive liaison between PEAS and school communities.
• Substitute for other kitchen educators when needed.
• Support kitchen programming during summer camps and special events.
• Participate in farm days and other cross-program learning opportunities to strengthen understanding of PEAS programming.
• Assist with maintaining tools and equipment and cleaning related to kitchen programming.

Program Coordination

• Coordinate with the Kitchen Program Manager to prepare for upcoming lessons.
• Order, organize, and transport groceries and lesson materials.
• Maintain organized kitchen equipment and supplies.
• Send weekly lesson communication and emails to teachers.
• Assist with media release collection and organization.
• Upload receipts and required documentation on a weekly basis.
• Contribute ideas to improve kitchen curriculum and lesson activities.
• Support ongoing refinement of instructional materials.
• Observe programming across PEAS education programs to strengthen instructional practices and cross-program collaboration.

Communications & Storytelling

• Capture photographs during programming while following media release procedures.
• Help showcase the kitchen program by planning and scheduling social media content.
• Share stories and successes that highlight student learning and program impact.

Data & Reporting

• Track student participation and program metrics.
• Maintain accurate records of classes, attendance, and program outcomes.
• Assist with collecting information needed for organizational reporting and evaluation.

Organizational Responsibilities

As a member of the PEAS team, all staff are expected to:

• Positively represent PEAS in schools, the community, and at organizational events.
• Communicate professionally and promptly with colleagues and partners.
• Collaborate effectively using Google Workspace and organizational systems.
• Follow all organizational safety, security, and confidentiality policies.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and occasional evening or weekend events scheduled in advance.
• Support organizational priorities and collaborate across programs as needed.
• Embrace a spirit of flexibility, shared ownership, and continuous learning.
• Additional duties as required to be responsive to our community or organizational needs.

QualificationsRequired

• Passion for environmental education, food education, or youth development.
• 3+ years working with elementary-aged children in a school or camp setting.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
• Comfortable lifting up to 50 pounds and transporting program supplies.
• Reliable transportation for travel between school sites.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace.

Preferred

• Experience teaching cooking, nutrition, gardening, or environmental education.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience with culturally responsive teaching practices.
• Knowledge of food safety and basic kitchen operations.
• Experience creating social media content or photography.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to the Kitchen Program Manager.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, bending, lifting, and movement throughout the school day.
• Ability to lift and transport program supplies up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in classrooms, school kitchens, gardens, and outdoor environments in varying weather conditions.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position. Work hours generally align with the school day, with occasional evening or weekend events scheduled in advance.