Child Nutrition Specialist

Texas ESC Region 18; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas ESC Region 18 in Midland, Texas is seeking a Child Nutrition Program Specialist to provide training and technical assistance to contracting entities and to oversee regional training across the state. This role supports program compliance and professional development for CNP staff.

The position requires knowledge of federal nutrition programs, strong communication and project-management skills, and the ability to travel up to 50% to ESC regions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• Three years of experience in managing large-scale school or institutional food service operations.
• Up to 50% travel required, including out-of-town and other ESC regions.
• Experience in training adults and working with diverse groups is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide training and Technical Assistance to Contracting Entities (CEs) of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).
• Coordinate, sponsor, and deliver regional training for CNP staff; conduct instructor-led training (in-person and virtual) per curriculum.
• Stay up-to-date on federal/state CNP rules, regulations, and processes.
• Collaborate with other ESC regions to schedule statewide training for equitable access.
• Attend required state staff meetings scheduled by TDA.
• Attend and participate in special committees and workgroups as directed by TDA.
• Maintain program budgets, reporting information, and CE files per TDA guidelines.
• Travel to CEs for in-person visits weekly.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by TDA.

Skills

Directive comprehension

Communication skills

Adaptability

Conflict management

Project management

Time management

Nutrition programs knowledge

Menu planning knowledge

HACCP knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

Child Nutrition Specialist

Texas ESC Region 18 REGION 18 ADMIN BUILDING - Midland, Texas Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Region 18 Education Service Center , and Region 18 Education Service Center Consortium

Job Details

Job ID: 5275075

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Re-Posted: Jul 28, 2026 5:0 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Position : Child Nutrition Program (CNP) Specialist

Duties and Responsibilities: may change from year to year or during the year, subject to changes in the legislation, regulations, and policies governing the school meal programs, and as prescribed by TDA.

• Provide training and Technical Assistance to Contracting Entities (CEs) of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), who administer federal child nutrition programs
• Coordinate, sponsor, and deliver regional training in all areas of program operations for CNP staff. Conduct instructor-led training, both in-person and virtually, using adult-learning principles and adhering to the course curriculum developed by TDA
• Stay up-to-date on federal and state program rules, regulations, and processes for all child nutrition programs administered by TDA
• Collaborate with other ESC regions in scheduling and implementing statewide training to ensure equitable availability of training specialists across the state for all training events.
• Attend required state staff meetings scheduled by TDA
• Attend and participate in special committees and workgroups as directed by TDA
• Maintain program budgets, reporting information, and CE files according to TDA guidelines
• Travel to CEs for in-person visits weekly
• Perform additional duties as assigned by TDA

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to comprehend both verbal and written complex directives, guidance, and instructions
• Ability to communicate complex information to diverse groups
• Ability to adapt well to changing priorities and direction
• Skill to manage conflict well
• Skill in project management
• Skill in time managementKnowledge of federal nutrition programs
• Knowledge of current research into effective practices and current trends in Child Nutrition Programs
• Knowledge of menu planning and food quantity production
• Knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points-Based Food Safety Plan
• Ability to meet the needs of adult learners
• Ability to work one-on-one with Child Nutrition Directors of various experiences
• Ability to objectively evaluate data and provide pertinent feedback
• Ability to use any formal training to enhance job performance and /or personal development
• Ability to demonstrate effective training skills in differentiation strategies

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Institutional Management, Food Service, Business, Nutrition, Family and Consumer Science, Public Health, Education, or related field
• Three years of experience in the management of school or institutional (the large-scale planning, preparation, and delivery of meals in organized public and private facilities, such as schools, hospitals, and corporate cafeterias) food service operations
• Up to 50% travel required, including out-of-town and other ESC regions

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Kylee Portocarrero
• PO Box 60580
• Midland, Texas 79711-0580
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]