Child Nutrition Specialist

Esc Region 8 • Pittsburg, TX

4d

About The Position

The Child Nutrition Specialist provides training and technical assistance to Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) contracting entities that administer federal child nutrition programs. The role coordinates, sponsors, and delivers regional training across program operations, using instructor-led, in-person and virtual formats, adult-learning principles, and TDA-developed course curricula. The specialist stays current on federal and state program rules and processes, collaborates with other ESC regions to coordinate statewide training, and attends required TDA meetings, committees, and workgroups. The position maintains program budgets, reporting information, and contracting-entity files according to TDA guidelines, and travels to contracting entities for in-person visits weekly. The position is grant funded, at will, and has up to 226 working days. The grant cycle ends September 30, 2026; grant-funded positions may not exist beyond that date. Up to 50% travel is required, including out-of-town travel and travel to other ESC regions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Institutional Management, Food Service, Business, Nutrition, Family and Consumer Science, Public Health, Education, or a related field.
• Three years of experience managing school or institutional food service operations.
• Up to 50% travel, including out-of-town travel and travel to other ESC regions.
• Recommendation of the ESC Executive Director.
• Ability to comprehend complex verbal and written directives, guidance, and instructions.
• Ability to communicate complex information to diverse groups.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and direction.
• Skill in conflict management, project management, and time management.
• Knowledge of federal nutrition programs and current research, effective practices, and trends in child nutrition programs.
• Knowledge of menu planning, food quantity production, and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points-Based Food Safety Plans.
• Ability to meet adult learners’ needs and work one-on-one with Child Nutrition Directors with varying levels of experience.
• Ability to evaluate data objectively and provide pertinent feedback.
• Ability to use formal training to enhance job performance and/or personal development.
• Ability to demonstrate effective training skills using differentiation strategies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience as a Child Nutrition Director.
• Three years of training experience with adults.
• Certified School Nutrition Specialist credential.

Responsibilities

• Provide training and technical assistance to TDA contracting entities administering federal child nutrition programs.
• Coordinate, sponsor, and deliver regional training in all areas of program operations for child nutrition program staff.
• Conduct instructor-led training in person and virtually, applying adult-learning principles and following TDA-developed course curricula.
• Stay up to date on federal and state rules, regulations, and processes for TDA-administered child nutrition programs.
• Collaborate with other ESC regions to schedule and implement statewide training and ensure equitable availability of training specialists.
• Attend required state staff meetings scheduled by TDA and participate in special committees and workgroups as directed by TDA.
• Maintain program budgets, reporting information, and contracting-entity files according to TDA guidelines.
• Travel to contracting entities for in-person visits weekly.
• Complete timekeeping, travel reporting, and other paperwork in a timely manner.
• Follow ESC safety rules, policies, processes, and procedures; support the ESC mission, goals, and objectives.
• Maintain professional attire and grooming, punctuality, regular attendance, and professional conduct.
• Build collaborative, positive relationships with schools and coworkers; contribute to team and organizational goals.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines, working independently and as part of a team.
• Keep the supervisor informed of pertinent financial and operational business; follow through on services and assigned work.
• Use required technology and continue developing technology skills as directed by the supervisor.
• Uphold confidentiality when required and respond constructively to criticism.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor or TDA.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level