Health Educator 1- Peak of Season Nutrition Education and Culinary Program

Company Description

Founded in 1996, Food Access LA is a leading Southern California nonprofit organization, connecting people to healthy food, promoting economic development, and building sustainable food systems. We operate the largest network of mission-driven farmers’ markets in Los Angeles as well as programs that provide nutrition education, food access, and opportunities for small regional farms and local food businesses to thrive.   

Our programs include:   

• Operating a network of community-based certified farmers’ markets in Los Angeles.    
• Piloting and championing programs that stretch public nutrition benefits for the purchase of fresh, nutrient-rich food.     
• Providing extensive nutrition education programs to low-income families and to children in underserved schools, parks, and community-based sites.   

Job Description

• Title: Health Educator I – Peak of Season Nutrition Education and Culinary Program 
• Status: Full-Time 36-40 hours/week, Non-Exempt *Hybrid*
• Compensation: $20/hr-$25/hr  
• Employment Period: Through the end of May 2026 
• Reports to: Program Manager, Nutrition Programs 

Food Access LA is seeking a dynamic individual to support in the teaching of food and nutrition education classes for its highly acclaimed Pompea Smith Good Cooking/Buena Cocina Nutrition Education Programs. The Health Educator will be responsible for the implementation of hands-on teaching of nutrition, physical activity, and culinary classes as well as assist with other primary goals within the program’s scope of work such as participation in events, program outreach, data collection and input, and program evaluation measures.  

Food Access LA has contracted with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to provide the Peak of Season Nutrition Education and Culinary Program. The program provides youth, adults, and caregivers with culturally relevant specialty crop education showcasing California’s seasonal variety and specialty crop growers, focusing on underserved communities and Title I schools located within proximity to our Food Access LA farmers’ markets. Food Access LA serves a predominately, 90%, Spanish-speaking population, written and verbal communication in Spanish is required.  

The Peak of Season Nutrition Education and Culinary Program is a grant-funded position and as such is time-limited and funded through the end of May 2026, with a possibility of an extension if additional grant funding is secured. The position is a hybrid remote and in-person role. The position will require in-person attendance for scheduled meetings or assigned days at Food Access LA’s main office, nutrition, physical activity, and culinary classes and events at schools, Los Angeles County Parks, and community-based sites within Los Angeles County.  

The ideal candidate is flexible, a fast learner, thrives in a fast-paced and structured environment, enjoys teaching varied audiences, and is passionate about nutrition education, physical activity, and the promotion of local California farmers. 

Qualifications

Required 

• Bilingual English/ Spanish, written and verbal; 
• Must have reliable transportation with valid California Driver’s License and self-insured vehicle, as transporting class equipment/materials to and from class sites is an essential part of this position. 
• A minimum of 2 years of experience as an educator;  
• Demonstrated progressive leadership capabilities; 
• Reliable, self-driven, and able to follow clear directives with minimal supervision; 
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks effectively; 
• Proactive problem-solving skills; 
• Comfortable working collaboratively in a team setting with diverse groups of people and engaging families in an interactive class setting 
• Excels at public speaking & providing presentations to a group of up to 40 people; 
• Ability to operate within tight deadlines and produce exemplary work with high level of attention to detail; 
• Works cooperatively and supportively with staff, volunteers, participants, etc.; 
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner consistently and dependably via E-mail and phone; 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and SharePoint cloud platform; 
• Comfortable using internet applications and digital platforms such as Canva and Givebutter;  
• Ability to use social media platforms including Instagram and Facebook. 

Desired 

• Professional experience providing nutrition or health education and food preparation experience; 
• Working knowledge of Food Safety regulations, ServSafe Certification Required (can be attained upon hiring); 
• Experience working with underserved, low-income communities with awareness and integrity. 

Responsibilities

• Become fully versed in Peak of Season (POS) Nutrition Education and Culinary Program project goals, objectives, activities, and expected outcomes; 
• Become fully versed and lead classes using Food Access LA Peak of Season curricula; 
• During the project period, as part of a team, achieve the grant objectives of conducting the specified amount of classes to reach a specified number of class participants; 
• Participate in outreach and promotional activities which may include but are not limited to health/community fairs and events; 
• Handle sensitive information in a confidential manner  
• Responsible for maintenance of files, records, intake information, pre & post-tests and surveys for each site; 
• Input and maintain required grant reporting data utilizing designated reporting database; 
• Ensure operation of program and staff equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements and maintaining equipment inventories; 
• Ensure a safe, professional and interactive environment for the hands-on nutrition and cooking classes 

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard, reach, stoop, and kneel to install computer equipment. Most work will take place indoors, but some work will take place outside in rainy, hot, or cold weather conditions.  

Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general contents and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. May perform related duties as assigned by management. 

Compensation and Benefits

• Market competitive salary, dependent on experience 
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to/from community sites 
• Employer covered Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Coverage upon completion of 90-day probationary period 
• Open PTO plus 14.5 Holidays 
• Option for 403b Retirement Plan 
• Voluntary Pet Insurance, Flexible Spending Account  

Additional Information

Food Access LA makes hiring decisions without regard to gender, race, color, religion, gender, gender orientation, identity, or expression, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class and is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from groups that have been historically underrepresented.