Are you passionate about cooking and nutrition? Do you enjoy working with children and families? Do you speak English and Spanish fluently?

We are seeking a dynamic educator with a passion for nutrition and healthy cooking to join our team as a part-time/per diem Nutrition Educator in Austin, TX (bilingual - English/Spanish). The ideal candidate is a teacher-who-can-cook or cook-who-can-teach to work, and is a Registered Dietitian who has professional experience working with clients or patients. 

A Common Threads Nutrition Educator is the face of the organization, teaching hands-on cooking classes and nutrition education to PreK-8th grade students, parents, and teachers in schools and academic spaces, and building relationships with partner sites and the community. Nutrition Educators teach classes in both virtual and in-person settings.

All of our programming consists of nutrition lessons, ranging in topic from basic information to targeted health conditions. Each program emphasizes healthy eating habits and healthy cooking methods with affordable nutrient-dense ingredients. Programs may also engage participants in hands-on cooking through the teaching of basic culinary skills and techniques.

This is a part-time variable hour position that will generally work 5-10 hours a week when classes are in session. Evenings and/or weekends may be required.

Responsibilities: 

• Complete training on Common Threads curriculum, policies and procedures, and administrative responsibilities
• Teach children and adults cooking skills and provide nutrition education, virtually and/or in person
• Follow the approved course curriculum and lesson plans
• Complete all grocery shopping and recipe demonstrations, and submit required documentation as needed
• Administer pre- and post-surveys to program participants and manage paperwork
• Communicate with Common Threads partner organization staff, as well as with Common Threads staff

The above statements are intended to describe the essential job functions of this role and are not an exhaustive list of all duties performed by personnel occupying this position.

Required Qualifications: 

• Experience teaching nutrition and/or healthy eating to children and adults
• Experience teaching and working with culturally diverse audiences
• Must be conversationally fluent in English and Spanish
• Instructors may be asked to teach virtual classes and must possess adequate technology such as reliable internet service, a laptop/computer/digital tablet, video camera, headphones/mic, etc.
• Must have access to reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license
• Must hold current food service sanitation certification or obtain within first 30 days of employment
• Reliable and dependable -- able to commit to programs, arrive on time, and proactively communicate any needs or issues
• Must be organized and demonstrate problem solving skills
• Ability to be flexible with scheduling and possess a go-with-the-flow attitude
• A commitment to the mission and values of Common Threads

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Degree in nutrition, dietetics, or similar field of study
• Experience as a culinary and/or nutrition teacher
• Culinary school and/or food industry experience
• Experience working to improve food access and nutrition security

Compensation & Benefits:

• Compensation rates 
  • For teaching classes, range is from $75 to $150 per lesson
  • For administrative duties (i.e., training, attending meetings, documentation), $20/hour
• Nutrition Educators are employees of Common Threads who are eligible for paid sick time, professional development opportunities, and access to resources within our Employee Assistance Program.

Additional information: 

• Common Threads job applicants are subject to a background check prior to employment
• Candidate must reside in the Austin-Travis County area
• Position reports to the Associate Director of Programs

About Common Threads: 

Common Threads is a nonprofit that teaches children and families cooking and nutrition education to encourage health and wellness. We equip under-resourced communities with information to make affordable, nutritious and appealing food choices wherever they live, work, learn, and play. We know that food is rooted in culture and tradition, so we promote diversity in our lessons and recipes. We believe that adequate and healthy food contributes to wellbeing. For more information, visit our website or Common Threads’ social media accounts (@CommonThreadsOrg on Instagram).

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands/fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Common Threads’ EEO Statement: 

Common Threads provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Common Threads complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Common Threads expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Common Threads’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.