Part-Time Children’s Cooking Class Instructor

Sticky Fingers Cooking Orange County; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 97,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Cooking kit provided

Job summary

Sticky Fingers Cooking Orange County is seeking enthusiastic, part-time Chef Instructors to bring hands-on cooking classes to kids at schools, recreation centers, and libraries across Orange County. You will lead hour-long sessions for children ages 3–18, teaching kitchen skills, nutrition, and teamwork.

Classes typically run Monday–Friday between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM; training and prep time are included in compensation, and a mobile cooking kit is provided.

Qualifications

• Availability to teach at least 2 days per week (Mon–Fri) between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
• Reliability with full-session commitments (4–12 weeks).
• Access to a reliable vehicle to transport cooking kit and groceries.
• Capable of lifting up to 30 lbs and supervising groups.

Responsibilities

• Lead hour+ long, engaging cooking classes for kids ages 3–18.
• Review curricula, shop for fresh ingredients, and set up the class.
• Create a safe, inclusive environment that boosts confidence and curiosity.

Skills

Teaching

Child engagement

Kitchen safety

Classroom management

Education

ServSafe Certification

Job description

Are you ready to TURNIP the BEET on what KIDS EAT®?

Sticky Fingers Cooking® is looking for enthusiastic, part-time Chef Instructors to join our team! We bring the kitchen to the kids, teaching hands‑on cooking classes at schools, recreation centers, and libraries across Orange County. If you are passionate about food, love working with children, and want a job that fits a school‑day schedule, we'd love to "TACO" 'bout it!

THE SCOPE OF THE ROLE

As a Chef Instructor, you are the face of our company. You will lead hour+ long, healthy, and engaging cooking enrichment classes for students aged 3–18.

• Teach: Lead students through kid-tested recipes while teaching kitchen skills (chopping, measuring, mixing) and exploring history, geography, and nutrition.
• Prepare: Review weekly curricula and shop independently for fresh ingredients.
• Inspire: Foster a safe, fun, and inclusive environment that builds children's confidence and curiosity.

COMPENSATION

• Teaching Wage: $60 per one hour class (@ $30 per hour x 2 hours for prep, set up, teach for one hour and clean up time).
• Grocery Reimbursement: $14.00 per class + additional reimbursement if needed.
• Training & Admin Wage: All required training, onboarding meetings, grocery shopping and administrative work are compensated at $20 per hour.
• Classes are typically held Monday–Friday between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Holidays and weekends are optional.
• Cooking Kit Provided: We provide a mobile cooking kit with all the equipment you need.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Availability: Must be available at least 2 days a week (Mon–Fri) between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Ex: Classes may be every Monday and Wednesday from 2:30-3:30pm.
• Reliability: Commitment to teaching full sessions (ranging from 4–12 weeks).
• Transportation: Access to a reliable vehicle to transport your cooking kit and groceries to various sites.
• Physical Ability: Comfortable lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Punctuality: Ability to arrive on time and manage groups of 8–14 children.

REQUIREMENTS

• Background Check: In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and AB 506, a conditional offer of employment will be contingent upon a successful Fingerprint Background Check (Live Scan) through the DOJ and FBI.
• Certifications: You must possess or be willing to obtain a ServSafe Food Handler Certification prior to your first day of teaching.
• Mandatory Training: To ensure the highest safety standards, all staff must complete Mandated Reporter Training (AB 506).
• Harassment Prevention Training (SB 1343) within the first 90 days of employment

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE HIRING PROCESS

We utilize a comprehensive two-step interview process to ensure we find the best fit for our team and for you:

1. 1st Interview: A 30-minute phone interview to learn more about your experience and answer initial questions.
2. Zoom Interview: A 45–60 minute second interview conducted via Zoom, which includes a short teaching demonstration. We make hiring decisions shortly after the Zoom interview.
3. Once a conditional offer is accepted and the background check is successfully cleared, we move forward immediately with onboarding forms and required safety training.

ABOUT US

We are an independently owned and operated franchise dedicated to cultivating 'cool'inary curiosity. We attract and retain amazing instructors by offering great pay, a friendly schedule, and individualized support.

READY TO JOIN US IN THE KITCHEN?

SFC Orange County LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, religion, sex, age, disability, and all other characteristics protected by federal and California law, including intersectionality and reproductive health decision-making.

In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act, any offer of employment is conditional and contingent upon successfully passing a fingerprint background check (Live Scan) through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI.