Child Nutrition Specialist I/ Farm to School Specialist I

Best to Apply By 9/17/26.

ESD 113 learns from and cares for our staff, schools, students, families, and the land, works alongside communities to build pathways that expand opportunity, and acts with collective purpose to advance educational justice.

The Child Nutrition Co- Op is looking to fill a position which performs the duties of a Child Nutrition Specialist I and a Farm to School Specialist I. Strong candidates for this position will have experience performing the duties of each position, which are outlined in the job descriptions below. This is a new position that could expand as the cooperative grows.

Position is scheduled for between 210-260 days/year, 8 hours/day. Final schedule will be determined by program need at hire.

Position is grant funded and has a projected duration of one year, and may be extended longer than one year dependent upon grant renewal.

Benefits include Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance; FSA/DCAP; Life/AD&D Insurance; LTD Insurance; EAP; Retirement; DCP; Annual Leave, Sick Leave Holiday Pay and Personal Leave.

Required attachments: Transcript, Resume and Cover Letter

Please see the two job descriptions below for a list of Essential Functions and Job Requirements.

Child Nutrition Specialist I Job Description

Purpose Statement

The job of Child Nutrition Specialist I is done for the purpose/s of working directly with School District Foodservice personnel, offering support for implementing healthy school meal programs, following USDA, Federal, and state school regulations.

Essential Functions

Team Collaboration Collaborates with departmental coworkers for the purpose of creating a cohesive team environment.

Recipe and Menu Development Develops healthy recipes and menus using nutrient analysis software for the purpose of Federal nutrition standards.

Training Sessions Facilitates weekly/monthly training sessions with other staff members for the purpose of sharing and gathering information.

Staff Training Development Identifies training needs, develops curriculum, and delivers ongoing training and assistance to school nutrition staff for the purpose of improving knowledge and understanding of the SBP/NSLP.

School Foodservice Program Leadership Leads school foodservice programs in improving menu quality for the purpose of meeting the district Wellness policy.

Scratch Cooking Support Provides support to districts in scratch cooking for the purpose of increasing their abilities to provide nutritious meals to students.

Travel Requirements Travels, as needed, (e.g. school districts, child nutrition events, etc.) for the purpose of performing the essential functions of the position.

Other Functions

Personnel Assistance Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of work activities.

Related Duties Performs other related duties as assigned. Related duties may not specifically be listed but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work for the purpose of supporting the school food service program.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge Required Knowledge is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: in-depth knowledge of seasonality of foods and knowledge about the regional food system. Knowledge of National School Lunch Program, including Federal regulations. Understands food service management, including menu planning, scratch cooking techniques, forecasting, and procurement. Manages multiple projects and timelines.

Skills Required Skills are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: Demonstrates excellent communication verbally, in writing, in person, and virtually. Operates standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications (i.e. Zoom, Microsoft Office, Outlook, and nutrient analysis software). Plans menus that meeting federal meal pattern regulations, including the use of nutrient analysis software.

Abilities Required Ability is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate.

Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups in a nonjudgmental manner; working flexible hours; maintaining confidentiality; promoting a caring and cooperative workplace; working as part of a team; establishing and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues; and managing multiple priorities.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization's services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 40% sitting, 35% walking, 25% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Education and Experience Requirements

Experience: Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is desired.

Education: High School diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency: Associates degree preferred in nutrition, dietetics or food service management OR certified nutrition counselor or dietitian assistant certification.

Position Information

FLSA Status: Non Exempt

Approval Date: 10/12/2022

Pay Grade: Range 48

Required Testing, Certificates and Licenses

Required Testing:

None Specified

Certificates and Licenses:

Valid Driver's License and Evidence of Insurability
Food Handler's Certification

Continuing Education and Training:

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances:

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
WA State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release

Farm to School Specialist I Job Description

Purpose Statement

The job of Farm to School Specialist I is done for the purpose/s of developing, implementing, expanding and maintaining farm to school systems for school districts within the applicable ESD regions. This position focuses on expanding the relationship between, schools local farmers, community and state organizations and businesses by fostering meaningful relationships between all parties.

Essential Functions

Farm to School Curriculum Development Assists in expanding farm to school and school garden curriculum for the purpose of increasing student engagement in nutrition education and strengthening connections between local agriculture and classroom learning.

School Garden Development Assists in the development of onsite school gardens for the purpose of enhancing access to fresh produce and supporting nutrition education.

Training Session Participation Attends weekly/monthly training sessions with other staff members for the purpose of sharing and gathering information.

Team Collaboration Collaborates with departmental coworkers for the purpose of creating a cohesive team environment.

Promotional Materials Development Develops promotional materials for the Farm to School program for the purpose of expanding the program.

Farmer and Food Hub Relationships Develops strong relationships with farmers and local food hubs (when available) for the purpose of identifying product availability for school districts.

Food Systems Integration Integrates food systems, agriculture, nutrition and environmental education into schools for the purpose of developing students' knowledge of healthy food choices, sustainable agriculture, and environmental responsibility.

Procurement Support and Training Offers support and training in procurement for the purpose of ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and promoting efficient use of program resources.

Promotional Event Organization Organizes promotional events in schools for the purpose of showcasing local foods and providing nutrition education.

Partnership Event Planning Plans annual farm to school partnership events for the purpose of coordinating farm to school efforts.

School District Support Provides ongoing support for school districts' food service directors and staff for the purpose of enhancing farm to school programming.

Travel Requirements Travels, as needed, (e.g. school districts, child nutrition events, farms/suppliers, etc.) for the purpose of performing the essential functions of the position.

Child Nutrition Coop Collaboration Works closely with Child Nutrition Coop staff for the purpose of planning menus and incorporating local foods.

Food Ordering Coordination Works with partnering organizations for the purpose of coordinating local food ordering and deliveries to school districts.

Other Functions

Personnel Assistance Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of work activities.

Related Duties Performs other related duties as assigned. Related duties may not specifically be listed but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work for the purpose of supporting the school food service program.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge Required Knowledge is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: in-depth knowledge of seasonality of foods and knowledge about the regional food system. Understanding of local, state and federal food service regulations. Knowledge of farm to school program models and best practices. Understanding of sustainable agriculture and food sourcing options.

Skills Required Skills are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: Demonstrates excellent communication verbally, in writing, in person, and virtually. Operates standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications (i.e. Zoom, Microsoft Office, Outlook, and data management systems). Plans and develops programming that meets federal meal pattern regulations. Works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Abilities Required Ability is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate.

Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups in a nonjudgmental manner; working flexible hours; maintaining confidentiality; promoting a caring and cooperative workplace; working as part of a team; establishing and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues; managing multiple priorities; and demonstrating initiative.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization's services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 40% sitting, 35% walking, 25% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Education and Experience Requirements

Experience: Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is desired.

Education: High School diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency: Associates degree preferred in nutrition, food service management, agriculture, or related field.

Position Information

FLSA Status: Non Exempt

Approval Date: 10/12/2022

Pay Grade: Range 48

Required Testing, Certificates and Licenses

Required Testing:

None Specified

Certificates and Licenses:

Valid Driver's License and Evidence of Insurability
Food Handler's Certification

Continuing Education and Training:

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances:

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
WA State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release

Capital Region ESD 113 is an Equal Opportunity Employer

ESD 113- Child Nutrition Specialist I/Farm to School Specialist I