Regional Commodity Specialist #R1105

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Roanoke, VA

10d • $45,739 - $70,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Marketing, Food Distribution Program is seeking a Regional Commodity Specialist. Based in the Roanoke office, this position has regional responsibility for assigned counties and adjacent cities. It supervises the application of Food Distribution Program regulations and policies for schools and institutions receiving USDA-donated foods. The role requires frequent regional travel, occasionally overnight, to visit Virginia schools and institutions, market Virginia foods, develop institutional food service marketing data, and conduct administrative reviews. The specialist works with food banks to ensure USDA commodity distribution complies with federal and state guidelines, monitors food distributor contract performance, and resolves problems involving distributors and recipient institutions. This is a restricted position dependent on available funding.

Requirements

• General knowledge of institutional food service operations, nutrition or food science/safety principles, inventory systems and control, and reporting processes.
• Exceptional and enthusiastic customer service skills.
• Ability to apply basic marketing principles and promotional concepts.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, work independently, organize and present ideas and materials clearly, and establish and maintain positive working relationships.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting government regulatory and contractual terms and data.
• Ability to provide detailed responses and explanations of procedures, regulations, contracts, and policy requirements to program clients and vendors.
• Experience planning and scheduling workloads.
• Ability to travel frequently, including occasional overnight stays.
• Proficiency with personal computers, including Microsoft Office Suite and related applications.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Must possess or be eligible for, and maintain, a valid driver's license and have a driving record reflecting responsibility for highway safety.

Nice To Haves

• A combination of related education, training, and experience in food science, nutrition, business administration, or a related field, along with experience in marketing, food technology, food service, and federal programs, may substitute for the specified education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise application of Food Distribution Program regulations and policies for schools and institutions receiving USDA-donated foods.
• Travel throughout the assigned region to visit schools and institutions, market Virginia foods, develop institutional food service marketing data, and conduct administrative reviews.
• Work with food banks to ensure USDA commodity distribution meets federal and state guidelines.
• Monitor contractual performance of food distributors and resolve problems involving distributors and recipient food institutions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED