STEPS Teaching Kitchen Associate

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Kentucky is seeking a STEPS Teaching Kitchen Associate in Lexington, KY. This temporary, full‑time Teaching Kitchen role supports the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition by assisting with meal prep, activities, and event coordination.

You will work in the teaching kitchen, help run friendly, interactive nutrition activities, and coordinate participants while maintaining safety and cleanliness. A ServSafe certification or the ability to obtain it is preferred.

Qualifications

• Project management experience or ability to manage program activities in an educational kitchen.
• Culinary skills applicable to teaching kitchen activities and demonstrations.
• ServSafe certification or ability to obtain certification.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication abilities for teaching and outreach.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in meal preparation and kitchen activities during teaching sessions.
• Support interactive culinary and nutrition activities with students and community members.
• Schedule, train, and coordinate participants and events for outreach programs.
• Maintain a safe, clean kitchen and support event logistics and partnerships.

Skills

Project management

Culinary skills

ServSafe certification

Interpersonal communications

Time management

Job description

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.

Work Shift

7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday - Friday

Expected # of Hours Per Week

40

Deadline to Apply

09/03/2026

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

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.