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Culinary Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY The Food Enthusiast Instructor is responsible for planning, executing and ... Demonstrate culinary techniques that are adopted as professional in standard and, in accordance ...

Chef Culinary Instructor (Scuola Chef)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Culinary Instructor oversees programming in La Scuola: teaching, planning, preparing and managing all events. Reports to the Events and Education Manager. Works closely with the Events and ...

Showing results 21-40

Culinary Instructor information

See California salary details

$21.2K

$58K

$99.7K

How much do culinary instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary instructor in California is $58,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,400.00 and $62,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary instructor?

As a culinary instructor, also called a chef instructor, you often teach in culinary arts programs where students train to work in professional kitchens. Your job duties as a culinary educator include preparing lesson plans and demonstrating cooking techniques. You supervise students as they practice their new skills and provide feedback on their execution. As a culinary instructor, you may teach general skills courses or specialized classes like butchery, sauces, or classes on regional cuisines. As students advance, you help cultivate professionalism in your students and help them prepare to work in the industry.

What does a culinary instructor do?

A Culinary Instructor teaches students about cooking techniques, food safety, kitchen equipment, and various cuisines. They develop lesson plans, demonstrate recipes, and oversee hands-on practice to help students build practical culinary skills. Culinary Instructors may work in culinary schools, community colleges, or private cooking classes, and they often assess students' progress through exams or practical evaluations. Their goal is to prepare students for careers in the culinary industry or to improve their cooking abilities for personal use.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Instructor, you need advanced culinary expertise, teaching experience, and often a degree or certification from a culinary school. Familiarity with industry-standard kitchen equipment, food safety regulations, and learning management systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to inspire and mentor students are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality instruction, safe kitchen practices, and effective student engagement, which are crucial for student success and program reputation.

What are some common challenges culinary instructors face when teaching diverse groups of students?

Culinary Instructors often teach students with varying skill levels, cultural backgrounds, and learning styles, which can make it challenging to ensure everyone keeps pace and feels included. Balancing hands-on instruction with classroom theory, maintaining kitchen safety, and managing time effectively during practical sessions are frequent hurdles. Additionally, adapting teaching methods to engage both beginners and advanced students requires flexibility and creativity. Successful instructors foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment while maintaining high standards and encouraging teamwork.

What is the difference between Culinary Instructor vs Pastry Chef?

AspectCulinary InstructorPastry Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesPastry arts certifications, culinary degrees
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, culinary schoolsRestaurants, bakeries, hotels
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, culinary schoolsFood service industry, hospitality
Primary FocusTeaching cooking techniques and recipesCreating and preparing baked goods and desserts

While both Culinary Instructors and Pastry Chefs have culinary expertise and certifications, Culinary Instructors focus on teaching cooking skills in educational settings, whereas Pastry Chefs specialize in baking and pastry creation in commercial kitchens. Their work environments and primary responsibilities differ, but both roles require strong culinary knowledge and passion for food.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Instructor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Culinary Instructor jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Instructor jobs in California?

For Culinary Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary Instructor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary Instructor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Culinary Instructor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Culinary Instructor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Instructor jobs in CA?

For Culinary Instructor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Culinary Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,007 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Part Time Educator Assistant

The Salvation Army Del Oro Division

Napa, CA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Salvation Army rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

591st of 773 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

The Salvation Army Mission Statement:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

  1. BASIC PURPOSE

This position assists with the direct day-to-day operations of the Culinary Training Academy program. Responsibilities include assisting in the instruction of approved program content/curriculum, execution of training, and assisting students toward successful program completions. Supervise kitchen operations in the absence of the Culinary Instructor / Kitchen Manager.

  1. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assistant Culinary Instructor Assignments

  1. Assists with the coordination of teaching and instruction for culinary students.
  2. Instructs students, as requested, in culinary theory, lab exercises, and hands on training in the kitchen.
  3. Assist the culinary instructor with teaching for culinary students and instruct as requested in theory, lab exercises and hands-on training in the kitchen.
  4. Along with the Student Support Specialist and Culinary Instructor/Kitchen manager assist in the tracking and maintaining of records of all graduating culinary students.
  5. And other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Assistant Cooking Assignments

  1. Assists in supervising all personnel assigned to the kitchen including volunteers during shift and/or in absence of the Culinary Instructor/Kitchen Manager.
  2. Assists the Culinary Instructor/Kitchen Manager with catering duties and emergency disaster responses.
  3. Provide meal service for any special event (i.e. Advisory Board meetings, Out of the Fire Gala, Christmas meals for volunteers, and PR events).
  4. Prepare meals during his/her shifts.
  5. Assists with storage and receipt of food/goods received.
  6. Reports problems in writing (Incident Report or Maintenance Request) to Culinary Instructor/Kitchen Manager and corps officers.
  7. Assists the Culinary Instructor/Kitchen Manager with maintaining efficient and competent performance of all operations related to the kitchen (i.e. food procurement, food preparation, food storage, sanitization of kitchen utensils and kitchen cleanliness).
  8. Ensures meal setup and cleanup happens during his/her shift, including but not limited to dishwashing, cleansing, and sanitizing equipment, and systematic cleaning of major appliances.
  9. Ensures safe, sanitary, nutritious, and attractive food preparation (meals, snacks, special occasions, etc.).
  10. Schedules pick up of supplies and limited donations (e.g. food, Christmas related items, etc.).
  11. Assists in researching of and communicates different methods of minimizing food expenses (e.g. obtaining bids from various vendors, searching for best prices, utilizing food bank purchases, etc.).
  12. Assists in maintaining a weekly schedule of assignments for the students and volunteers.
  13. In coordination with the Culinary Instructor/Kitchen Manager develop weekly menus that are creative, nutritious, and appealing, making maximum use of donated foods.
  14. Assist in conducting monthly physical inventory of kitchen food and supplies as well as maintain daily usage records to be submitted to the Culinary Instructor/Kitchen Manager.
  15. And other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Assistant Supervisory Responsibilities

This position assists with the supervisory responsibilities of the culinary students, community service clients, and food service volunteers, in the absence of the Culinary Instructor/Kitchen Manager.

  1. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS
  2. High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. Certified from a Culinary Program or 3 years’ experience in the hospitality industry.
  3. Must be a person of high integrity, beliefs, and lifestyle that agrees with The Salvation Army’s mission, recognizing the culinary training academy has a special focus of ministering to individuals in recovery.
  4. Organizational capacity and leadership qualities.
  5. Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision.
  6. Must be knowledgeable and experienced in food service ordering, inventory management, budgeting, food preparation, servicing, cleaning, and equipment maintenance.
  7. Ability to read and comprehend simple to complex instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple, clear correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to students, community members, and other employees of the organization.
  8. Must possess a food handlers’ certification at time of employment and be able to complete the manager level ServeSafe training within 60 days of employment start.
  9. Ability to work in a team environment and multitask required duties.
  10. Must maintain confidentiality or sensitive materials and information.

  1. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  2. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, extreme cold, and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
  3. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, hold, feel, taste or smell.
  4. Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis
  5. Ability to grasp, push, and/or pull objects
  6. Ability to reach overhead
  7. Ability to operate telephone
  8. Ability to regularly lift/move up to 25lbs, and frequently lift/move up to 100 lbs.
  9. Ability to operate a computer
  10. Ability to process written, visual, and/or verbal information
  11. Ability to operate basic office equipment and tools PC, Fax Machine, Telephone, Calculator, Copier, Printer.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed would not result in undue hardship.


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About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US