Adjunct Culinary Instructor

Company Description

Woodland Community College (WCC) offers a range of Associate in Arts and Science programs, career-technical education certificates, and personal enrichment opportunities. The institution is committed to assisting students with various support services, including counseling, tutoring, and career exploration. Known for its exceptional faculty, counselors, staff, and administrators, WCC creates a welcoming and student-focused environment to support academic and personal success. At WCC, students are encouraged to soar like Eagles and achieve their educational goals.

Role Description

We’re seeking an enthusiastic Adjunct Culinary Instructor to teach hands-on culinary labs and support student success in a dynamic, industry-aligned program. This is an excellent opportunity for working chefs and culinary professionals who enjoy mentoring, demonstrating techniques, and helping students build job-ready skills.

This is a part-time, on-site role for an Adjunct Culinary Instructor based in Greater Sacramento. The Adjunct Instructor will be responsible for preparing and delivering course materials, engaging students in dynamic and inclusive lessons, assessing student performance, and providing feedback. Additional responsibilities include maintaining accurate records, participating in departmental events, and contributing to curriculum planning and program development to support student success.

What You’ll Do

· Develop and deliver engaging instruction for culinary lecture and lab courses (up to approximately 10 hours/week, depending on assignment).

· Demonstrate professional techniques in foundational and/or advanced cooking topics (e.g., knife skills, stocks/sauces, sauté, grill, garde manger, baking basics, menu execution, sanitation).

· Plan, organize, and supervise safe, well-managed kitchen labs—including setup, production flow, and cleanup procedures.

· Assess student learning using clear criteria (skills check-offs, practical exams, written work) and provide timely, supportive feedback.

· Maintain accurate records for attendance, grades, and learning outcomes in the learning management system (LMS).

· Model and enforce industry standards for food safety, sanitation, professionalism, and kitchen culture.

· Collaborate with full-time faculty and staff to align curriculum, lab ordering, equipment use, and program needs.

· Participate in required meetings, trainings, and compliance activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

· Associate in culinary

· Industry experience in culinary arts, food service, or hospitality (full-time or part-time equivalent) with demonstrated technical competence.

· Ability to teach and supervise students safely in a commercial kitchen environment.

· Commitment to equitable, inclusive teaching and working effectively with community college students from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds.

· Strong communication, organization, and classroom management skills.

·  Ability to meet community college minimum qualifications (or qualify through equivalency) in accordance with California Community Colleges standards.

Preferred Qualifications

· Prior teaching, training, or mentoring experience (community college, apprenticeship, restaurant training programs, or workforce development).

· Current ServSafe (or equivalent) Food Protection Manager certification.

· Experience with high-volume production, catering, or restaurant operations (ordering, inventory, costing, scheduling, POS systems).

· Familiarity with Canvas or another LMS; ability to use Microsoft Office tools for course materials and grading.

· Credentials or memberships such as ACF certification (or willingness to pursue professional development).

If you love the rhythm of a busy kitchen, the satisfaction of nailing the perfect technique, and the joy of watching students have that “aha!” moment, you’ll fit right in. Our culinary team is supportive, collaborative, and seriously passionate about great food and great teaching—come share your skills, your stories, and your favorite chef tips while helping the next generation build confidence and careers. We’d love to cook up something amazing with you!