Seasonal Culinary Instructor

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org.

Hourly Rate: $19.00-$21.00/hour 

Rates are determined based on relevant experience. 

Housing: NOTE:For those applying from off the island, please note that we do not have staff housing available. Since rental properties on the island can be difficult to come by in summer, TFI staff acts as liaisons to aid in locating and securing summer rentals. However, securing housing is ultimately the responsibility of the employee.    

Hours per week: 36-40 hours/week; including afternoons and evenings 

Job Classification: Non-exempt, Seasonal 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: June 8–September 18, 2026 

Location: The FARM Institute, Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, MA 

What You’ll Do: 

Your Impact: 

Do you love to cook local and seasonal recipes? Are you interested in helping people understand where their food comes from, loving vegetables, and eating healthy, farm-fresh foods? The FARM Institute’s daily camp cooking lessons and public programs are inspired by seasonal farm produce they help grow.  

The FARM Institute in Edgartown, MA on Martha’s Vineyard prides itself on offering quality and locally focused cooking and skill-based classes in our teaching kitchen for our year-round and visiting communities alike. Summer classes include bread making, ice cream and pasta workshops, and making meals with local chefs where participants harvest from the garden and enjoy the food they have created during a shared dinner experience. Our summer camp engages 4–13-year-olds in daily farm activities, strengthening their connection to the food we eat and the land that sustains us. Afternoon cooking classes using food harvested from our educational Friendship Garden are a favorite camp activity.   

The Role: 

As a Culinary Instructor, you'll use farm-fresh ingredients to develop and lead three cooking classes each Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoon from 1-2:30 PM during the nine weeks of summer camp. This includes planning with garden and camp staff, set-up, and clean-up.  

Additionally, you'll assist in twice-weekly public programs and assist guest chefs in leading cooking classes for families and adults 2-3 evenings a week in July and August. Adult cooking classes include registration, set-up, class prep, as well as break-down and clean-up. Assisting with 2-3 farm dinners a summer is also part of the role. 

Specifically, you’ll:  

• Lead and develop curriculum for camp cooking lessons 
• Program lead on family cooking classes and adult cooking classes with guest chefs  
• Plan and supply shop for culinary classes 
• Build The Farm Institute brand by documenting and creating content for social media  
• Work with the engagement manager to build programming at The Farm Institute including farm dinners, festivals, cooking classes, and more  
• Keep kitchen areas organized, clean, and orderly to deliver a positive visitor experience. 
• Communicate regularly with TFI’s Senior Engagement Manager and the Education Manager/Camp Director and staff to report safety concerns, incidents, maintenance needs, and program assessment. 
• Welcome and orient visitors and work towards a positive experience for everyone visiting The Farm Institute 
• Assist with other operations as needed, including set up and break down at events  
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation  

This is a seasonal nonexempt position working 32-40 hours/week, reporting to both TFI’s Engagement Manager and the Islands Education Manager/Camp Director. 

Requirements

What You’ll Need: