Culinary Innovation Internship

Position Summary

The Culinary Innovation Specialist will spend 10 weeks immersed in WesleyLife's culinary culture, operations, and innovation efforts. The ideal candidate is a recent culinary graduate, or emerging culinary professional who is passionate about food innovation, hospitality, nutrition, and improving the dining experience for older adults. This position is designed as a talent pipeline opportunity, with the goal of identifying future culinary team members interested in joining WesleyLife following the completion of the program.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities 

• Participate in community tours and culinary immersion experiences. 
• Research industry-leading adaptive dining and finger-food programs. 
• Develop creative culinary concepts and recipes. 
• Conduct recipe testing, tastings, and resident evaluations. 
• Analyze nutrition, production feasibility, and food costs. 
• Create standardized recipes and production procedures. 
• Document culinary innovations. 
• Gather resident and team member feedback. 
• Assist in establishing the framework for future WesleyLife culinary internship programs. 
• Present a final project and recommendations to WesleyLife leadership. 

Education & Experience 

• Recently graduated from a Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Food Science, Nutrition, or related program
• ServSafe Certification required  
• Passion for culinary innovation and hospitality
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Previous restaurant, hotel, healthcare, or foodservice experience preferred 
• Interest in senior living, wellness, healthcare dining, or culinary research and development
• Interest in pursuing a culinary career within WesleyLife following the completion of the program

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