Specialist, Food and Nutrition Services

JOB SUMMARY: Provide regional leadership, technical assistance, staff development, and support for ESC-20 clients in the area of child nutrition programs.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS/ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university required; major in institutional management, food service, business, nutrition, family and consumer science, public health, education, or other related field required.
• Three years of relevant experience required, including management of school or institutional food service operations.
• Three years of experience training adult learners.
• Advanced-level knowledge or skills required in federal child nutrition programs.
• ServSafe or related Food Handler certification preferred.
• Knowledge of curriculum design and implementation.

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to interpret data and evaluate instruction programs and teaching effectiveness.
• Ability to provide technical assistance and professional development to Contracting Entities.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with standard functions within applications such as Microsoft 365/Google, (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software), e-mail, web browsers, and databases.
• Proficiency with computers (PCs and/or MACs) to include file and desktop management and operations, and working in a cloud-based and/or networked environment.
• Exceptions to these requirements will be considered based on exemplary skills, training, and record of success.

PRODUCTS/OUTCOMES

• Work cooperatively with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and Contracting Entities (CEs) in the administration or program operations of the School Breakfast Program (SBP), National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Afterschool Care Program (ASCP), Child and Adult Care Food Programs (CACFP) and other child nutrition programs.
• Review, develop, and implement all program related materials, professional development courses, and technical assistance documents.
• Provide technical assistance to each CE according to the needs identified by the CE, Administrative Review and in various other reviews performed by TDA and/or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
• Review, evaluate and provide recommendations on CEs' Food and Nutrition policy statements, program operations, contract agreements and annual renewals for child nutrition programs.
• Develop marketing strategies for products, services, and programs that reflect data driven decisions.
• Plan and provide staff development for CEs participating in child nutrition programs in accordance with TDA contract.
• Disseminate information regarding program updates, current nutrition research, and significant developments at the state and national level impacting program operations.
• Teach compliance and program management-related courses annually in three to four ESC Summer Workshops outside the region.
• Design services, products, and professional development to meet identified CE needs related to nutrition education and program compliance.
• Attend required state staff meetings scheduled by TDA.
• Performs advanced-level tasks requiring advanced-level knowledge & skills.

INITIATIVE

• Demonstrate initiative, persistence, and a proactive approach to assigned responsibilities.
• Demonstrate the use of sound judgement and ingenuity in problem solving to meet the needs of the Center and clients served.
• Seek, participate, and engage in job-related learning and development experiences that provide professional growth.
• Remain current with industry standards, developments, and applicable laws/regulations; implement accordingly.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to new situations and assignments.
• Set challenging goals and reach a high standard of performance despite barriers encountered.
• Perform duties with awareness of broader organizational impact, ensuring actions and decisions support department and organizational success.
• Promote and support continuous improvement and organizational change.
• Work under minimal supervision.

COMMUNICATION/HUMAN RELATIONS

• Model the Principles of Public Service (Policy AD LOCAL).
• Communicate in a timely and effective manner and interact professionally.
• Build professional relationships with colleagues and clients, maintaining regular interaction to meet shared outcomes.
• Demonstrate self-confidence, professionalism, and a high level of customer service skills (e.g., courtesy, patience, diplomacy, etc.) at all times and, in particular, when under stressful or unprecedented situations while working with colleagues and clients.
• Demonstrate professional-level written and oral communication skills.
• Work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Keep supervisors informed.
• Regularly handle and maintain confidentiality of sensitive communications and information at all times.

SUPERVISION AND ORGANIZATION OF STAFF

None.

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

• Be aware of and follow Center guidelines of allowable costs when recommending use of public funds for expenditures for supplies, equipment, and facilities in area of assignment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer, peripherals, copy machine, phone, etc.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional standing, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional heavy lifting/carrying (15-50 pounds).
• Environment: This role primarily operates in an in-person, dynamic office setting, characterized by frequent verbal communication, movement, and collaboration among team members (small to large in-person gatherings/meetings); exposure to low or intense illumination; exposure to office equipment noise; may work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent travel; and, occasional remote work (after pre-determined length of employment).
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Champion and model the Center's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Service Standards.
• Function within the policies and procedures of ESC-20.
• Accept other responsibilities as assigned.
• Dress and groom appropriately for the ESC-20 work setting.
• Travel independently to fulfill responsibilities of the position.
• Up to 50% travel required including out-of-town and other ESC regions.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance, majority in-person/onsite.
• Serve at the will of the Executive Director.

FUNDING

• The ESC-20 Food & Nutrition Services program is federally funded by United States Department of Agriculture and administered by Texas Department of Agriculture. The program is in compliance with the provisions of the National School Lunch Act, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, the Health, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA), and the Older American Act, and are implemented in accordance with all applicable statutory and regulatory provisions.
• This position is federally funded by United States Department of Agriculture and administered by Texas Department of Agriculture, and all duties associated with this position are allowable and allocable to the contract. Time and effort records for this position are in accordance with the requirements in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars.

Deadline to apply: September 22, 2026