Culinary Educator

About Moonwater Farm

Moonwater Farm is a community urban farm in Compton, California, that improves food access through education, food cultivation, economic opportunity, and caring for land and natural resources. Through hands‑on education, regenerative farming practices, and youth leadership development, we create pathways for young people to explore hands‑on skills while strengthening their connection to land, culture, and community. We believe food is more than calories, it nourishes vitality, creativity, entrepreneurship, and social change.

• Date:
  June 03, 2026
• Location:
  
  Compton, CA
• Category:
  Agriculture / Education
• Job type:
  Part‑Time

Moonwater Farm is seeking a part‑time Culinary Educator and Mentor to guide fellows through a 24‑week learning experience focused on culinary skill building, product development, entrepreneurship, and food systems education. Working alongside program staff, interns, and guest educators, you will facilitate weekly hands‑on sessions that blend technical skill development with creativity, teamwork, and real‑world application.

• Lead engaging weekly culinary education sessions
• Develop lesson plans, demonstrations, and hands‑on learning activities
• Teach culinary fundamentals, food safety, preservation techniques, and recipe development
• Introduce concepts related to food entrepreneurship, licensing, pricing, and product development in accordance with California Class B Cottage Food Operations requirements
• Prioritize the use of farm‑grown ingredients in educational activities and meal preparation
• Mentor fellows and support their growth as leaders, collaborators, and entrepreneurs
• Facilitate discussions that explore the connections between food, health, culture, and community
• Plan and oversee 8–10 plant‑forward family‑style meals serving approximately 35–40 people throughout the fellowship
• Collaborate with staff to source ingredients and maintain a safe, organized kitchen
• Work alongside interns, fellows, and program staff to prepare seasonal community meals
• Accommodate dietary needs and food allergies
• Participate in curriculum planning, program evaluation, and reflective practice

• Develop foundational skills in culinary arts, food systems, and product development
• Apply basic business concepts including pricing, budgeting, and market evaluation
• Collaborate effectively in team‑based production and enterprise activities
• Explore how food, fiber, and medicine connect to health, culture, environmental stewardship, and local economies
• Strengthen communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills
• Contribute to the creation and testing of a market‑ready product or service
• Build confidence in their ability to create positive change within their communities

• Experience creating welcoming, inclusive learning environments for youth and young adults
• Culinary experience in professional, educational, entrepreneurial, or community settings
• Strong communication and group facilitation skills
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community‑centered education
• Ability to adapt instruction to different learning styles and experience levels
• Food safety knowledge and safe kitchen practices
• A collaborative spirit and willingness to contribute to a team environment

• A consistent part‑time schedule
• A collaborative, mission‑driven team culture
• Support from culinary interns and program staff
• Opportunities to shape curriculum and contribute creative ideas
• Meaningful relationships with young people and community members
• Work grounded in food, land stewardship, culture, and community development

• $26 per hour, non‑exempt
• Temporary part‑time position (minimum 12 hours per week)
• Grant‑funded term:
  August 2026 – May 2027
• Located in Compton, California
• Employment contingent on background check

Moonwater Farm is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for staff, fellows, and community members. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and professional pathways to apply.

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