What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Cook It Up Instructor position at YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids?
Description
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.
Requirements
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.
Salary : $17 - $21