Education Assistant

New York Kitchen

Education Assistant

Department: Education FSLA Status: Non-Exempt Job Type: Part-time

ABOUT NEW YORK KITCHEN:

Since opening its doors on the north shore of Canandaigua Lake in 2006, New York Kitchen, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (formerly known as the New York Wine and Culinary Center) has served as a gateway for residents and visitors alike to experience New York’s incredible agriculture, culinary, and craft beverage industries. New York Kitchen believes that a strong connection between people, place, and produce is essential to promote healthy lifestyles and thriving communities. Each day, New York Kitchen drives this mission forward through its educational hands-on cooking and craft beverage pairing classes (including a youth-focused Junior Chef Initiative in collaboration with community partners and after-school programs), industry certification courses, and 100% New York State Tasting Room. Through partnerships with area farmers, wineries, breweries, distilleries, producers and entrepreneurs, New York Kitchen offers an array of inviting experiences and serves as a major tourism destination for upwards of 70,000 visitors each year, proudly highlighting and promoting the quality, diversity, and economic impact of food and beverages that originate in New York State.

JOB SUMMARY:

The key responsibility of the Education Assistant is to assist instructors with food and room preparations and assisting guests with culinary, beverage, and/or recipe questions during classes by utilizing excellent problem solving and communication skills, and having the ability to multitask while maintaining a professional and positive attitude.

REPORTS TO: Director, Food & Beverage Education Programs

SUPERVISES: There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Assistance:

· Works with instructors as required and ensures rooms are “classroom ready” when not in use.

· Assists instructors during classes as needed.

· Sets up room, ingredient trays, and/or beverage glasses as required by class type.

· Able to follow an event order and follow specific instructions as stated on event order and/or chef instructor.

· Assists participants during the class.

· Understands proper service, including wine service, in classrooms.

· Participates in training as assigned.

· Works as a part of NY Kitchen’s service team, willing to work as assigned and as needed.

Organization:

· Maintains the sanitation standards in the Hands-On Kitchens and/or Wine Spectator Theater.

· Maintains organization of equipment and supplies in the classroom.

· Sets up Hands-On Kitchen and/or Wine Spectator Theater for educational and event experiences.

· Responsible for the proper clean-up of the Hands-On Kitchens and/or Wine Spectator Theater at the conclusion of educational experiences.

· Keeps all supply drawers and storage cabinets properly stocked, cleaned, and organized.

· Rotates all food in refrigerators and makes sure refrigerators are clean and organized. Properly label food, beverages, and left-over ingredients and communicate inventory needed to supervisor.

Operation:

· Understands and can use all the equipment and appliances in all classrooms.

· Reports any equipment service issues and preventive maintenance needs to supervisor.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

· High school diploma required.

· Valid TIPs and ServSafe certifications required as provided by NY Kitchen.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

· Knowledge of culinary arts, pastry and baking arts, and food service, preferred.

· Ability to articulate NY Kitchen’s mission to guests and exemplify it in everything we do.

· Ability to plan for and work under pressure while staying calm in difficult situations.

· Punctuality and professionalism while maintaining a welcoming presence.

· Excellent communication, time management, organization, and customer service skills.

· Desire to learn and have an interest in NYS food, beverage and agricultural products.

· Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and flexibility to perform shift work in addition to being able to multitask.

· Must have night, weekend, and holiday availability.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to maintain a stationary position; stand for long periods of time. The employee must occasionally move up to 25 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.te.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Schedule:

• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person