Food Truck Chef

Job Objective

The GRACE Food Truck Chef & Instructor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the GRACE Kitchen Food Truck, booking events and forging partnerships with businesses, leading cooking classes for participants, and supporting culinary community outreach initiatives such as Dan on the Street. This role requires strong culinary expertise, instructional abilities, and excellent time management skills to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment for individuals with autism and other disabilities.

Core Responsibilities1. Culinary Instruction & Training

• Develop and teach adaptive cooking classes tailored to participants’ abilities, fostering independence and confidence in the kitchen.
• Oversee food preparation, safety, and cleanliness standards in all cooking sessions.
• Create and distribute instructional materials, including recipes, visual guides, and worksheets to support learning.
• Supervise and collaborate with participants for Dan on the Street cooking segments, assisting with on-camera cooking demonstrations.

2. Food Truck Operations & Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the GRACE Kitchen Food Truck, including meal preparation and service at community events, farmers’ markets, and festivals.
• Train and guide participants in safe and sanitary food handling practices while working on the food truck.
• Maintain and manage inventory, purchasing, and menu planning to ensure cost-effective and high-quality meals.
• Ensure food truck cleanliness, organization, and maintenance before and after each event.
• Drive the GRACE Kitchen Food Truck to off-site locations and follow all safety and regulatory guidelines.

3. Community Outreach & Program Growth

• Lead culinary outreach programs, including demonstrations, public cooking events, and special community engagement initiatives.
• Work closely with community partners, restaurants, and sponsors to enhance the GRACE Kitchen program.
• Assist with developing revenue-generating initiatives such as paid cooking workshops, food truck sales, and catering services.
• Support fundraising efforts including sponsorship outreach and donor engagement for GRACE Kitchen programs.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

This position requires a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings for food truck events and community outreach activities. Day-to-day hours will be 8 am-4 pm, with some flex time depending on community events, farmers’ markets, and festivals.

Job Skills & QualificationsRequired:

• 3 years of culinary experience (restaurant, catering, or instructional experience preferred).
• Experience teaching, training, or working with individuals with disabilities in an inclusive setting.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills to manage kitchen operations and training.
• Must obtain (or already possess) NYC Food Protection Certification and Food Protection for Mobile Vendors.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high food quality standards.
• Passion for community engagement and ability to collaborate with partners, staff, and participants.
• Ability to drive and operate a food truck (valid driver’s license required).

Preferred:

• Experience in food truck operations, catering, or mobile food service.
• Knowledge of point-of-sale (POS) systems for food truck sales.
• NYS Teaching License, CTE or SpEd
• Bilingual ability is a plus but not required.

Work Requirements

• Must be able to lift 50lbs
• Must be able to work in non-climate-controlled environments
• Must be able to work in a standing position for long periods (4 hours at a time)

Work Authorization & Background Check

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal history check and driving record check to ensure eligibility to operate the food truck.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

​​EEO Statement

The GRACE Foundation of NY is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and maintaining a capable and committed workforce. EOE/M/F/D/V

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• Day shift
• Morning shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000 - $75,000