Company description

The Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc. (RIPA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works with the City of New York and local communities to provide an innovative and exciting destination through a wide range of sports venues, cultural events and environmental exploration. As the dedicated steward of Randall’s Island Park, the Alliance sustains, maintains, develops and programs the Park to support the wellbeing of all New Yorkers.

RIPA is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for employees and partners while working together as an organization to cohesively fulfill RIPA’s mission.

The Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA) is the proud steward of the beautiful Randall’s Island Park, which is uniquely situation between three boroughs – Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens. For over 30 years, RIPA has worked in partnership with the City and the Parks Department to restore, maintain, sustain, develop, manage and program Randall’s Island Park as a place for all New Yorkers to enjoy.

Job description

Title: Community Food Educator - Food Demos

Department: Urban Farm
Job Type: Contracted; Part-time, Weekends Required

Duration: May 20, 2026 – October 7, 2026

Pay Rate: $300 Per Food Demo, plus $50 for Food Supplies

Work Location: Randall’s Island Park and East Harlem

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Randall's Island Park Alliance seeks a Community Food Educator to conduct food demonstrations at our Urban Farm and in East Harlem at Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service’s (LSA) Food Pantry.

Since 2020, the Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA) Urban Farm has partnered with the Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service’s (LSA) Food Pantry in East Harlem, donating 3,000 lbs. of produce annually at weekly distributions from May through October. Alongside this emergency food distribution, RIPA offers evidence-based nutrition and culinary education through its food demos in East Harlem and Randall’s Island, helping connect clients and residents to the seasonal produce grown on its one-acre Urban Farm.

This position involves on-site work at Randall’s Island Urban Farm and in East Harlem. The Community Food Educator will report to the Urban Farm Manager.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct six scheduled food demos from 10am – 12pm at the LSA food pantry in East Harlem, during Wednesday distribution hours, one demo per month from May to October (5/20, 6/10, 7/8, 8/5, 9/2, 10/7)
• Conduct six scheduled food demos at the Urban Farm from 12:30pm – 2:30pm during Saturday open hours, approximately one demo per month from May to September (5/30, 6/13, 7/11, 8/1, 8/22, 9/12)
• Create recipes for food demos featuring seasonal farm produce
• Independently set-up and breakdown pop-up tent, folding table, and other materials for tabling and recipe sampling
• Maintain food safety, including cleaning and sanitation of all cooking equipment used in culinary demos
• Engage the public with evidence-based, behavior-focused nutrition information

General Tasks

• Purchase ingredients needed for food demos
• Collect and record required metrics
• Build and maintain relationships with the LSA community of clients, volunteers, and staff
• Represent and promote RIPA programming and facilities
  

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Relevant degree or degree in process and/or related work experience
• Excellent ability to work with and interact with the public with a friendly demeanor
• Confident kitchen and cooking skills, including experience with menu planning
• Knowledge of, and willingness to teach a variety of cuisines representing diverse, multi-cultural populations
• Interest or familiarity with sustainable farm practices, food systems, and other social and environmental issues
• Comfort with record keeping
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented with strong time management skills and ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks
• Ability to collaborate and maintain positive working relationships
• Willing to work outdoors in all types of weather and ability to perform physical labor
• Able to work well independently while maintaining strong communication with the larger team and staff.
• Flexibility and creativity, ability “to think on your feet” and find appropriate solutions to unique challenges

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification in nutrition or studying for a master's in nutrition, food studies or public health
• Experience teaching cooking, healthy eating, food or nutrition classes
• Fluent or functional in Spanish and/or Mandarin
• Food Protection Certificate/Food Handler’s License
  
  

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline