STEPS Teaching Kitchen Associate

University of Kentucky; Kentucky; On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY is seeking a STEPS Teaching Kitchen Associate to support culinary education in the Teaching Kitchen within the Dietetics and Human Nutrition department. In this hands-on role you will assist with meal preparation, coordinate participants, training, and scheduling for educational programs, and help maintain a safe, welcoming environment during events.

This temporary, full-time position requires strong organization, culinary skills, ServSafe

Qualifications

• Project management and culinary skills are required.
• ServSafe certification or ability to obtain is required.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication, time management, and prioritization.

Responsibilities

• Assist with meal preparation and support kitchen activities.
• Coordinate scheduling, training, and participants for educational programs.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming kitchen; support events and outreach.

Skills

Project management

Culinary skills

ServSafe certification

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title STEPS Teaching Kitchen Associate

Requisition Number TE09490

Department Name 81500:Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Work Location Lexington, KY

Salary Range $17.00/hour

Type of Position Temporary

Position Time Status Full-Time

Physical Requirements Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs., working teaching kitchen environment with exposure to smells and heat.

Shift 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday – Friday

Expected # of Hours Per Week 40

Job Summary

Are you passionate about food, education, and creating memorable experiences? Join our team as the STEPS Teaching Kitchen Associate and play a key role in bringing culinary education to life! This position is the heartbeat of the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition’s Teaching Kitchen, serving as the primary contact for educational and outreach programming.

In this dynamic role, you’ll work hands-on in the kitchen to support meal preparation and collaborate closely with students and community members in interactive culinary and nutrition activities. You’ll help maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment while ensuring events run smoothly and participants feel supported and inspired.

Beyond the kitchen, you’ll take on administrative responsibilities such as scheduling, training, and coordinating participants, while fostering strong relationships with internal and external partners. This is an opportunity to combine organizational skills with culinary creativity to make a real impact on campus and in the community.

If you love food, enjoy working with people, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, this role is for you!

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Project management, culinary skills, ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain) interpersonal and oral communications, time management and task prioritization.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Deadline to Apply 09/03/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.