Nutrition Specialist

Metis Nation Saskatchewan•Prince Albert, SK

97d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nutrition Specialist is responsible for planning, preparing, and coordinating nutritious, safe, and culturally relevant meals and snacks for children within the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Early Learning & Child Care program. This role ensures all food services meet provincial health regulations, childcare licensing standards, and MN–S program guidelines. The Nutrition Specialist incorporates Métis cultural food practices whenever appropriate, supports wellness programming, and collaborates with staff and families to promote healthy eating habits for Métis children and all children.

Requirements

Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Level I, Level II or Level III certification (or equivalent qualification recognized by provincial standards) is required.
Food Safe or equivalent Saskatchewan-approved certification is required.
Valid First Aid and CPR (within first 3 months of employment)
Must have a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
Must be willing to travel weekly where needed.

Nice To Haves

Certificate or training in Nutrition, Dietary Technology, Culinary Arts, Food Services, or a related field preferred.
Experience in childcare, school, or community food service settings preferred.
Knowledge of early childhood nutrition and menu planning for young children.

Responsibilities

Plan weekly and monthly menus in alignment with Canada’s Food Guide and MN–S ELCC standards.
Prepare nutritious meals and snacks appropriate for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children as well as Early Childhood Educators. There will be 90 children and approximately 25 employees daily.
Incorporate Métis cultural food knowledge and traditional ingredients when appropriate, such as berries, seasonal foods, Bannock variations, and approved wild foods.
Modify menus to accommodate food allergies, cultural practices, and individual dietary needs.
Maintain accurate menu plans, nutrition records, and allergy-safe recipes.
Adhere to all Saskatchewan food safety regulations and MN–S ELCC policies for food handling, storage, sanitation, and temperature control.
Ensure the kitchen consistently meets public health and licensing requirements, including inspection readiness.
Keep detailed logs for cleaning schedules, food temperatures, equipment maintenance, and health standards.
Follow strict allergy management protocols and always prevent cross-contamination.
Support educators in teaching children about healthy eating habits, Métis cultural foods, and positive mealtime practices.
Provide guidance and information to staff and families regarding nutrition, dietary adjustments, and allergy-safe practices.
Participate in MN–S community wellness initiatives, family events, cultural food days, and land-based learning activities related to food and nutrition.
Involve children in food preparation and routines where possible.
Share nutritional knowledge with the children, staff, and families.
Be familiar with Play & Exploration and the Essential Learning Experiences and support integration of the principles of early learning into the nutritional activities of the early learning program.
Works with other caregivers to provide opportunities for children to learn about food, gives advice/suggestions on how to make healthier or better options.
Share the kitchen with other employees and children when doing special snacks or projects and offer your expertise as needed.
Order food and kitchen supplies within approved MN–S budgets.
Monitor inventory, rotate stock, and reduce food waste.
Source local and culturally relevant ingredients whenever possible.
Maintain accurate purchasing records and collaborate with administration on financial tracking.
Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant kitchen environment in accordance with health regulations.
Safely operate kitchen equipment and promptly report maintenance or safety concerns.
Follow MN–S guidelines for food storage, labeling, sanitation, and waste management.
Perform other related duties as assigned.