Summer Cook It Up Instructor

NOW HIRING FOR SUMMER 2026! This position will support each of our Summer Day Camp sites. Access to reliable transportation is required.
 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Cook It Up Program Instructor is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the Cook It Up Program. Instructors must stay current with nutrition, wellness, and personal well-being trends; and must be highly motivated, engaging, and flexible. This position requires face-to-face interaction with community members (primarily youth), delivery.  This is a seasonal position that runs from early June through mid August. Day camp programming operates Monday – Friday, 7:00am-6:00pm. Staff shifts vary.  

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

• Preparing recipe ingredients and executing food demonstrations
• Organizing inventory and practicing safe and sanitary food handling methods.
• Execution of evaluation plan consistent with program policies and procedures
• Maintains a system to record mandatory grant documentation such as receipts, time logs and expense forms
• Cross-collaborates with other YMCA departments and community partners
• Initiates and maintains partnerships with community organizations that support the mission and work of the Community Outreach department
• Implements the Cook It Up curriculum at program sites
• Communicates necessary information to site coordinators and program director
• Weekly submission of shopping list to Food Specialist
• Properly transitions students between activities during programming
• Maintains adequate rosters for each program and makes periodic reports to director
• Oversees accuracy of data collection and attendance tracking
• Administers program evaluations as necessary

Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Association.

COMPENSATION

$17.09 - $21.36 ; Seasonal, Non-Exempt (up to 25 hours/week)

BENEFITS

• Free YMCA Individual Membership – Enjoy full access to facilities.
• Retirement Savings – 12% employer retirement contribution, no match requirement (upon eligibility) and a 403(b) savings plan. 
• Paid Sick Time – Earn paid sick leave so you can focus on feeling your best when it matters most. 
• Professional Growth – Access to ongoing training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential resources and counseling for you and your family.

QUALIFICATIONS:

B.S. degree preferred in culinary, education, and nutrition or related field. This position requires excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication and computer skills. The ability to work independently or as part of team; Experience in licensed kitchen and culinary programming is preferred. ServesSafe certification is preferred. Past supervision of K- 5th, 6th-8th or high school age group experience preferred. Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles. Must have reliable transportation.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (required)
• First Aid Certification required within the first 60 days
• AED-Oxygen Certification required within the first 60 days
• Blood Borne Pathogen training
• DHS clearance
• Fingerprinting
• State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT)

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TRAVEL:

80% of local travel within the state of Michigan; occasional out-of-state travel may be required for educational conferences or training.