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Cooking Instructor Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

Ken Caryl Ranch

Youth Programs Instructor

Littleton, CO · On-site

$20.10/hr

In our B&A Recreation Programs, elementary school students enjoy drama, science, art, cooking, yoga ... The instructor leads and implements enriching activities for groups of K-6th grade students.

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Cooking Instructor information

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How much do cooking instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking instructor in Denver, CO is $98.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89.09 and $108.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cooking instructor do?

As a cooking instructor, your job is to teach children or adults how to cook. During your classes, you may demonstrate cutting techniques, show how to measure different ingredients, explain how to read recipes, and otherwise teach people to cook food, whether basic or gourmet. The specifics of this job vary by position. If you work with children, most of your time focuses on small, simple recipes that teach the basics. Cooking instructors also host classes for adults who want to develop their skills, and a few teach high-level cooking skills at professional schools. You may need to write up lesson plans, conduct tests, and adjust your lessons to account for each student's strengths and weaknesses.

How does a cooking instructor typically structure classes to accommodate different skill levels among students?

Cooking Instructors often design their classes to cater to a range of skill levels by offering step-by-step guidance and adapting recipes or techniques as needed. They may begin with foundational skills for beginners, while providing optional advanced tasks or tips for more experienced participants. Instructors also encourage group collaboration and foster a supportive environment so everyone can learn at their own pace. This approach helps ensure all students are engaged and leave the class with improved confidence and abilities.

What does a cooking instructor do?

A Cooking Instructor teaches individuals or groups how to prepare and cook a variety of dishes, often focusing on specific cuisines, techniques, or dietary needs. They develop lesson plans, demonstrate cooking methods, and provide hands-on guidance to students. Cooking Instructors may work in culinary schools, community centers, or online platforms, and often adapt their teaching to suit beginner or advanced skill levels. Their goal is to help students gain practical cooking skills, confidence in the kitchen, and a deeper understanding of food and nutrition.

What is the difference between Cooking Instructor vs Culinary Teacher?

AspectCooking InstructorCulinary Teacher
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary school degreesCooking certifications, culinary school degrees
Work EnvironmentCooking classes, workshops, community centersEducational institutions, culinary schools
Employer & IndustryPrivate classes, culinary schools, community programsSchools, colleges, culinary institutes
Search & Comparison IntentLearning cooking skills, hobby classesFormal culinary education, career training

Both Cooking Instructors and Culinary Teachers require similar credentials and often work in educational or community settings. The main difference lies in the context: Cooking Instructors typically teach hobbyists in informal settings, while Culinary Teachers work in formal educational institutions preparing students for culinary careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooking instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cooking Instructor, you need advanced culinary skills, a solid understanding of food safety, and experience in professional kitchens, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, instructional technology, and food safety certification (such as ServSafe) is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to motivate and engage diverse learners are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective teaching, student safety, and an inspiring learning environment that fosters culinary growth.

What qualifications do you need to teach a cooking instructor?

To become a cooking instructor, individuals typically need culinary training or a related certification, along with experience in cooking or food preparation. Strong communication skills and the ability to demonstrate techniques are also important, and some employers may require food safety certifications such as ServSafe.
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Cooking Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Instructor job openings in Denver, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $205,855 per year, or $99 per hour.

Youth Programs Instructor

Ken-Caryl Ranch Metropolitan District

Littleton, CO • On-site

$20.10/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description

Now Hiring: Youth Programs Instructors

Make a difference, have fun, and gain valuable experience with flexible work schedules and strong benefits!


Dates: August 2026 to May 2027

Pay: $20.10/hour

Schedule and hours: vary, see program hours below


Why You Should Join Our Team

Flexible schedule, weekdays only - Work 10 to 30 hours a week, Monday-Friday. No weekends!

Training & Development - Gain leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Make an Impact - Mentor and inspire youth through social and emotional development, group games, and art activities. Plus more! Our program is the best because of the amazing staff we have!

Work-Life Balance - Enjoy holidays off and the ability to adjust your schedule to suit your needs. Can be a perfect pair with college classes!

Part-time Employee Benefits:

  • Free drop-in access to outdoor pools (when in season) and an indoor community fitness center for employee and immediate family members
  • 20% discount on recreation program registration and facility rental fees
  • Retirement Savings: Part-time employees contribute 6.2%, matched by the District.
  • Work Environment & Perks:
  1. Flexible schedules and a fun, team-oriented atmosphere.
  2. Training opportunities in leadership, safety, and customer service.
  3. Potential for advancement and year-round employment.

About Us:

Ken-Caryl Ranch Metropolitan District is a small, yet diverse Special District in Littleton providing the Ken-Caryl Ranch community with a variety of recreational opportunities. We strive to strengthen community connections through exceptional park, recreation, and educational experiences.


Before & After School Recreation Program Overview:

In our B&A Recreation Programs, elementary school students enjoy drama, science, art, cooking, yoga, hiking, field trips and more! Our program is far from a day care - we provide enriching recreational opportunities both indoors and out all year long.

Programs are held out of 2 different locations: Ranch House (7676 S. Continental Divide Rd) and Dakota Lodge (14422 W Ken Caryl Ave). B&A Instructors may work at either of the locations depending on program needs and availability.

Program Hours:

2:15-6:00pm (Ranch House)

6:30-9:00am and 3:15-6:00pm (Dakota Lodge)

8:00am-5:00pm (Ranch House on no school days and holiday breaks)


Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Youth Programs Supervisor and Coordinators, the Youth Programs Instructor facilitates the school-age Before and After Care (B&A) program, Holiday Break Camps, Full Day programs, and other special events. The instructor leads and implements enriching activities for groups of K-6th grade students.


Instructor Responsibilities*:

  • Implements fun, engaging, and hands-on group activities for kindergarten to 6th grade students in collaboration with the other instructors in both indoor and outdoor settings
  • Maintains a safe environment for program participants and ensure that proper safety precautions are being followed during program, field trips, and all excursions
  • Transports students in a 14 passenger mini-bus (if qualified, see below)
  • Supervises students during program, field trips and all excursions
  • Communicates effectively, professionally, and regularly with the supervisor, teammates, and families through verbal and written communication
  • Cultivates an inviting and nurturing environment for every child.
  • Attends staff meetings, trainings, and keeps up to date with all required certifications
  • Follows District's philosophy of behavior management which includes positive reinforcement and redirection
  • Consistently promote a positive, professional image of the District and provide excellent customer service at all times

*This list is illustrative and not intended to be all-inclusive

Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years old and have at least three months of verified experience working with school age students (Group leader or teacher-licensure certification a plus, but not required)
  • Experience managing small and large groups of students (if no experience, willing to learn)
  • Self-starter, fun-loving and enthusiastic
  • Passionate about one or more of the following: science, art, cooking, sports, drama, music, etc.
  • Ability to work independently and as a team member
  • Flexible and positive in a dynamic environment

Preferred qualifications:

  • Be at least 20 years of age and be willing to drive a District 14-passenger mini bus with passengers.
  • Possess or ability to obtain a valid Colorado driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and be insurable by the District's carrier.
  • Have excellent communication skills to build open and trusting relationships with children, parents, and other team members
  • Possess, or ability to obtain, valid First Aid and CPR certifications upon hire as well as all applicable licensing requirements and certifications
  • Medication administration certification, or ability to acquire certification within 30 days of hire date.
  • Availability for listed program hours and willingness to work special events throughout the school-year, including but not limited to Parents Night Out programs. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  1. Knowledge, understanding, and application of positive classroom management techniques.
  2. Be highly organized, punctual, flexible, and demonstrate compassion and patience.
  3. Flexible and positive in an intense and dynamic work environment; utilizes creative problem solving within an intense, dynamic, and sometimes challenging environment; ability to make quick, rational decisions in situations affecting the safety and wellbeing of program participants and possess the ability to carry out such decisions.
  4. Effective and clear written and oral communicator with a variety of audiences including staff, parents, and supervisors.
  5. Ability to work a schedule that includes mainly Monday-Friday and minimal evenings and weekends.
  6. Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language at a level adequate to perform the job.
  7. Able to drive a 14 passenger mini bus and other applicable vehicles - must be at least 20 years old.
  8. Understands the general philosophy of public recreation agencies and adheres to the organization's mission.
  9. Ability to occasionally support other recreation programming including special events.
  10. Develop and maintain relationships with District employees, volunteers, the community, public agencies, and the private sector.

Work and Physical Requirements:

This position requires work in a variety of locations and conditions, including the outdoors, classrooms, gymnasiums, offices, and various venues around the Denver metro area. Some of the work is outside and requires physical labor.


FIELD ENVIRONMENT:

Working Environment

  1. Moderate physical activity will be required frequently.
  2. Work will be required indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
  3. Work may be required under hazardous and adverse conditions, including, but not limited to, slippery and uneven surfaces and proximity to moving mechanical equipment.
  4. Use of sensory activities, such as talking, seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling (identifying objects by touch), depth perception and color vision will be required frequently.
  5. Work will involve periods of high physical, mental and/or emotional stress.

Physical Requirements

  1. Have ability to lift items in excess of 50 pounds occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently.
  2. Have ability to stand, walk, sit, kneel, stoop, bend, lift, squat, push, pull, crawl, jump, slide, climb, pinch, grip, reach overhead, reach away from body, and perform repetitive motions.

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