Federal Work-Study (FWS) Internship Program: Teaching Kitchen Assistant TFWS Intern (Student Wage) FWS

Summary of position:  

A Teaching Kitchen Assistant Intern is needed to support Hoo’s Cooking nutrition education and culinary skills classes at the Student Health and Wellness Teaching Kitchen (TK). The mission of the Teaching Kitchen is to help students build skills and knowledge in food preparation, budgeting, and nutrition that support health, honor culture, promote food stewardship, build community, and foster joy and confidence in cooking.

Hoo’s Cooking programming includes hands-on cooking classes led by students, dietetic interns, registered dietitians, and/or professional chefs. Individual Sign-up classes, open for all students to register, and Group classes, arranged for specific student organizations, teams, or UVA departments, are offered weekly during the fall and spring semesters. Additionally, virtual cooking demos are filmed and posted online. 

The Teaching Kitchen Assistant Intern (TKAI) helps keep cooking classes running smoothly, from prep to wrap up, and additionally behind the scenes supporting system operation. The TKAI reports to the Senior Nutrition Educator and works closely with the Well-Being Services Senior Administrative Assistant, TK facilitators, and other TK student staff. This position provides experience in leadership, teambuilding, budgeting, food safety, culinary, marketing, research, and production skills. Student Health and Wellness and the TK will provide orientation and training. 

Schedule/Time Commitment:

• The position requires a time commitment of 10 hours per week for fall and/or spring semester(s). 
• One to 2 weekday evening shifts are required weekly and occasional daytime shifts are available. Shifts last 3 hours.
• Additional hours (up to 7) involve operational support. Some of this time will be during business hours on weekdays and some can be completed on a flexible schedule.

Specific Responsibilities:
  
The TK Assistant Intern supports instructors in conducting cooking classes:
•    Pre-class: 

• Set up equipment at stations
• Wash produce, open packages
• Measure/prep ingredients for instructor
• Manage print materials

•    During class:

• Manage attendance
• Help supervise and coach participants
• Clear and clean

•    Post-class:

• Wash dishes, wipe tables, general clean up
• Pack and label leftovers
• Update inventory checklists

The TK Assistant Intern also supports system operations:

• Marketing: support advertising and promotional efforts 
• Research: maintain database and assist with survey result analysis
• Special projects: create educational materials related to nutrition, culinary skills, and budgeting

Qualifications and Expectations: 

• Pre-requisite – previous participation in at least 1 Hoo’s Cooking class
• Participate in a structured internship experience through the Internship Placement Program (IPP). If selected, interns must enroll in either UNST 3910 (1 cr.) or UNST 3920 (1 cr.). See details at end of post.
• Full time undergraduate student enrolled at the University of Virginia
• Basic cooking skills
• Excellent communication skills – reading, speaking
• Attitude – positivity, supportive manner 
• Professionalism – punctuality, responsibility to schedule
• Prioritize safety – hygiene, equipment handling
• Ability to move food/dishes/equipment around the kitchen

 
In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, the Teaching Kitchen Assistant will be expected to:

• Demonstrate strong organizational, communication, facilitation, and time management skills with attention to detail
• Maintain department standards and protocol with respect to processes, confidentiality, and other issues as may arise
• Demonstrate professional standards and ethics, and foster a culture of professionalism among peers
• Be flexible, open-minded, proactive, and maintain a positive attitude
• Support the weight neutral approach of the UVA Teaching Kitchen

Compensation:

Pay is $13.00/hour, up to $1,040.00 total per semester (fall/spring). Federal Work Study eligibility is required. Please contact Student Financial Services at 434-982-6000 or visit the SFS website to inquire about FWS eligibility. Additionally, meal provided at cooking class shifts worked.

In addition to the job duties and responsibilities outlined above, this position will participate in a structured internship experience through the Internship Placement Program (IPP). If selected, interns must enroll in either UNST 3910 (1 cr.) or UNST 3920 (1 cr.). The courses are offered 9+ times during the fall, offering plenty of options to choose from. We also have an asynchronous, co-curricular option for students. Through this robust internship experience, students will receive dedicated career support from their supervisor and gain key skills and competencies that align with future job interests. The FWS Internship will look great on your resume and provide the student with impactful stories to share in interviews. TFWS Internships are best suited for students in their 2nd – 4th years.

Supervisor Contact Information:

Melanie Brede, RD

Senior Nutrition Educator

434-924-1513

melanieb@virginia.edu

Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Current UVA undergraduate student with Federal Work Study eligibility
Experience: None
Licensure: None

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.