Program Coordinator – The Sylvia Center

The Sylvia Center (TSC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to
inspire young people to become healthy eaters and advocates for healthy
food
in their families and communities. Through our programs, youth learn what
fresh food is, how delicious it tastes, and how to prepare it for
themselves
and their families.  In our Learning Garden, outdoor kitchen on Katchkie
Farm,
and in local schools and community centers, we teach skills that inspire
children to establish independent healthy eating habits ­ so that they may
lead healthy and productive lives.

LOCATION: KINDERHOOK, NY

Job Summary
The Sylvia Center at Katchkie Farm is seeking a full-time Program
Coordinator.
The Program Coordinator will work closely with the Director of Programs to
schedule, prepare for, and conduct culinary education programs‹both on our
farm and in the community. Primary duties include: coordinating ingredients
and supplies for all programs, acting as the lead Chef Assistant during
programs, and supporting the Director of Programs in coordinating program
schedules, paperwork, and outreach.  This position requires a flexible
schedule, as the work week and daily hours will vary over the course of the
growing season and the school year.  The Program Coordinator will report to
the Director of Programs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Procure, prepare, and organize all equipment and ingredients for both
on-farm
and off-site culinary programs.
Act as lead Culinary Assistant in preparing for, conducting, and teaching
educational culinary programs that teach healthy cooking to youth, teens,
and
families.
Assist with meal creation for groups of 5-55 participants. This includes
cutting vegetables, cooking on a propane cook top or grill, operating a
wood-
fired oven (training provided), and other culinary tasks.
Organize and set up all equipment and ingredients in kitchen classrooms
(both
on and off farm programs). Breaking down, packing up, and cleaning of
dishes
and equipment following each program.
Prepare program materials for classes, including recipes, printed
curricula,
etc.
Coordinate the acquisition, aggregation, storage, and distribution of
ingredients and Fresh Food Shares from our food service partners for our
school based cooking classes at several different sites.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with our food service partner
organizations.
Communicate with the Director of Programs to review culinary lesson plans
prior to the programs.
Organize outreach for, schedule, and manage paperwork for the Fresh Food
Comes
from the Farm programs.
Organize and manage paperwork, recipes, curricula and photographs from all
programs.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of our prep kitchen and outdoor field
kitchen.
Occasionally act as Lead Chef Instructor or work in different areas of
Fresh
Food Program (garden and with animals)
Assist with other programs, special events, and farm related tasks as
necessary.

Required Qualifications
Extremely well organized and detail oriented.  Able to coordinate aspects
of
systems with many moving parts.
Passionate about food, cooking, working with children and working on a
farm.
Able to anticipate what needs to be done, work independently on projects,
and
take action without being asked.
Able to take initiative, follow instructions, and learn quickly with a
positive attitude and sense of humor.
Experience with basic culinary technique (knife skills, baking, roasting,
etc.), ideally in a work setting. Interest and experience cooking seasonal,
simple and delicious food with freshly harvested organic vegetables.
Enthusiastic, able to work quickly in a fast paced environment,
responsible,
focused, and excited to work with children.
Interest and experience teaching children and adults about the importance
of
cooking and eating well and a willingness to support all aspects of our
farm
to table programs.
Desire and ability to assist with occasional projects on the farm, in the
garden or with the animals.
Must have an exceptional and cooperative work ethic, excellent
communication
skills, and the ability to rise to the occasion with a positive attitude
when
unexpected tasks need to be completed.
Able to lift up to 50 lbs, and perform physical, outdoor jobs in inclement
weather.
Flexible schedule and ability to accommodate evening hours.
Current Adult & Child CPR and First-Aid Certification, or ability to obtain
before startdate.
Valid Driver¹s License and a reliable vehicle that can be used for weekly
supply runs (mileage will be reimbursed).
Adventurous eater with gardening skills is a big plus.

Compensation: Full-time, salaried with benefits

To Apply: Send cover letter and résumé to jenn.so@sylviacenter.org.