Child Nutrition Program Specialist

State of South Dakota; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 56,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account

Vacation Leave

Sick Leave

Paid Family Leave

11 Paid Holidays

Longevity Pay

Retirement System

Employee Assistance Program

Semimonthly Pay Periods

Job summary

The State of South Dakota Department of Education invites applications for a full-time position in Pierre to coordinate and administer USDA Child Nutrition Programs across the state. You will work with program operators, ensure compliance, and guide operators through federal rules, while training and outreach efforts expand the reach of nutrition programs.

Travel is frequent, up to 60%, and the role offers comprehensive benefits and retirement options.

Qualifications

• Coordinate and administer USDA Child Nutrition Programs for SD.
• Travel 30-60% as part of the role and travel flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Direct, manage, and evaluate state/federal nutrition programs.
• Collaborate with program operators to ensure compliance and program integrity.
• Read and interpret federal regulations to support operators.
• Develop and conduct training for operators at meetings, webinars, or conferences.
• Plan outreach to expand programming and assist with outreach materials.

Job description

Job ID: 37631

Agency: Department of Education (DOE) - Child and Adult Nutrition Services (CANS)

Location: Pierre, SD

Salary: $28.54/hr.

Pay Grade: J

Closing Date: 10/01/2026

Are you looking to change career paths but still utilize your strengths/skills/talents? Do you enjoy traveling? Then this job may be for you!

We are seeking a self-motivated individual who can help us serve our mission of guiding and supporting South Dakota program operators in their efforts to provide nutritious meals and food to eligible participants. This position will make a difference in the lives of the children we serve. We are willing to provide on-the-job training for USDA nutrition programs and federal rules. As an employee, there are many benefits as well as opportunities for professional growth and development!

What We Offer To You Beyond The Paycheck

• Flexibility with Travel, no On-call Time, and Most Work Done During Normal Office Hours
• Eligibility for Travel Per Diems
• Health Insurance ($0 employee-only premium option)
• Well-Being Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Basic Life Insurance Coverage (free to employees)
• Membership in the South Dakota Retirement System
• Vacation Leave (15 paid vacation days per year)
• Sick Leave (14 paid sick days)
• Paid Family Leave (40 hours per week for twelve weeks for birth or adoption of a child)
• Military Leave (15 paid days per calendar year)
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• Semimonthly Pay Periods

Join the SD Department of Education

The incumbent will coordinate and administer the USDA Child Nutrition Programs for South Dakota. This position will work with the Child Nutrition Programs team to manage, evaluate, and coordinate activities for nutrition programs including the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Special Milk, Afterschool Snack, Child and Adult Care Food, and Summer Food Service programs for the South Dakota Department of Education. To learn more about CANS please visit: https://doe.sd.gov/cans/. This is a full-time, 40 hours weekly position with the Department of Education. Collaboration with federal partners and travel is frequent. Flexibility for travel schedule is allowed. For more information on the Department of Education, please visit https://doe.sd.gov .

Primary Responsibilities For This Position Include

• working with the Child Nutrition Program team to direct, manage, and evaluate state and/or federal programs;
• collaborating with Child Nutrition Program operators (e.g. school districts, childcare centers, non-profits, etc.) to ensure rules and regulations are followed, and program integrity is maintained;
• reading and interpreting federal regulations to guide and assist Child Nutrition Program operators with questions about program operations;
• planning, developing, and conducting training for Child Nutrition Program operators at meetings, workshops, webinars, and/or conferences;
• planning and conducting outreach to expand programming to new organizations;
• assist with developing outreach materials.

In and out-of-state travel is required for this position. Travel is estimated at between 30-60%; although, actual travel amounts will be driven by needs of the job. Travel area will encompass the entire state of South Dakota.

Additional Requirements

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office.

A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"