Culinary Instructor (L'OCA Sherwood Park)

Culinary Instructor – L'OCA Labs 

Employment Type: Contract (10-30 hours/week) 
Location: Sherwood Park, AB 

Who are we?

At L’OCA Quality Market, we don't just provide products. We offer an experience! Our dedicated team combines quality, service, and a pinch of theatre to create a marketplace like no other. If you have a penchant for precision and a heart bursting with passion, you're the kind of person we're looking for.

Position Summary 

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate Culinary Instructor to lead engaging cooking classes in our in-store classroom kitchen at L’Oca Quality Market. The ideal candidate is a trained chef with exceptional communication skills, a genuine love for food, and the ability to share their culinary knowledge in an approachable and inspiring way. An enthusiasm for wine, beer, and spirits — and the ability to incorporate them into lessons — is highly valued. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Coordinating all logistical details such as ingredient preparation, equipment setup, and classroom organization to create a smooth and enjoyable experience for participants. 

• Plan and deliver interactive cooking classes, demonstrations, and tastings in line with seasonal and program themes. 

• Collaborate with other department instructors for the execution of their classes. 

• Teach cooking techniques in an accessible and engaging manner. 

• Incorporate specialty ingredients from the store into lessons, showcasing their story, use and value. 

• Share wine, beer, and liquor knowledge, pairing suggestions, and tasting tips where applicable. 

• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring atmosphere for students of all ages and skill levels. 

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe teaching kitchen in accordance with Alberta Health Services regulations. 

• Keep up-to-date with culinary trends, seasonal products, and new teaching techniques. 

Qualifications 

Required: 

• Minimum 5 years of professional culinary experience. 

• Food safety certification (e.g., Alberta Food Safe or equivalent). 

• Strong communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to teach or present in front of groups. 

Preferred: 

• Red Seal certification is an asset. 

• Previous experience as a culinary instructor, chef demonstrator, or trainer. 

• Wine, beer, or spirits knowledge (e.g., WSET, Prud’homme, or similar certification). 

• Familiarity with specialty ingredients and international cuisines. 

Core Competencies 

• Passion for culinary arts, hospitality, and education. 

• Ability to create a fun, engaging, and memorable learning experience. 

• Creativity in lesson planning and recipe development. 

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities. 

• Commitment to excellence and continuous learning. 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements 

• Standing for extended periods in a kitchen or classroom environment. 

• Lifting up to 50 lbs (ingredients, equipment). 

• Exposure to heat, sharp tools, and kitchen hazards (with safety measures in place). 

Compensation 

• Contract rate commensurate with experience.  

• Flexible scheduling based on program calendar  

L’OCA Quality Market is an emerging specialty grocer and gourmet food retailer in Canada whose purpose is to “Spread the Love” by delivering a world-class food experience. Our core values are Quality, Scratch, Theatre, Service, and Love. Each location is comprised of a full artisanal market experience, including full-service restaurant(s), where traditional artisanal craftsmanship and service on the front end meets new world technology and innovation on the back end. A revolutionary purchasing and org structure, supported by custom technology, allows us to leverage efficiency across the business unit to drive scratch perishable production, massive prepared foods selection, full carcass meat programs, and world class service in a cost-effective format. There is also a special place in our hearts for quality local and Canadian products and we aim to deliver positive change to the food chain through a focus on local sourcing and private label partnerships. We are currently laying the groundwork for a national chain focused initially on western Canada. Our first location is 48k square feet, and located in Sherwood Park, Alberta.