Child Nutrition Specialist

ESC Region 8; Pittsburg (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

ESC Region 8 in Pittsburg, Texas is seeking a Child Nutrition Specialist to provide training and technical assistance for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s child nutrition programs. The role involves coordinating regional training, traveling to contracting entities, and collaborating with ESC regions to ensure statewide training coverage.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of relevant experience, with preference for prior Child Nutrition Director experience

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 food service operations.
• Up to 50% travel required, including out-of-town and other ESC regions.
• Recommendation of ESC Executive Director.
• Preferred qualification: Prior experience as a Child Nutrition Director.
• Three years of training experience with adults.
• Certified School Nutrition Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Provide training and Technical Assistance to Contracting Entities (CEs) of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).
• Coordinate, sponsor, and deliver regional training in all areas of program operations for CNP staff.
• Collaborate with other ESC regions to schedule statewide training.
• 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.

Skills

Travel willingness

Three years food service mgmt

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Qualifications :

• 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 food service operations
• Up to 50% travel required, including out-of-town and other ESC regions
• Recommendation of ESC Executive Director
• Preferred Qualification-
• Prior experience as a Child Nutrition Director
• Three years of training experience with adults
• Certified School Nutrition Specialist

CENTER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process all personal timekeeping, travel reporting and other paperwork in a timely manner
• Maintain professional attire and grooming appropriate for specific job position.
• Demonstrate punctual and regular attendance on the job
• Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities
• Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC
• Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC
• Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures
• Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor
• Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor
• Exhibit professionalism in all situations at the ESC
• Develop collaborative and positive relationships with schools and co-workers
• Exhibit planning and leadership on assigned tasks and projects
• Ability to take initiative and exhibit innovative thinking
• Keep supervisor advised of all pertinent financial and operations business
• Ability to handle constructive criticism in a positive manner
• Evidence of following-up and following-through with services
• Evidence of professional loyalty
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to handle and see to completion multiple projects simultaneously and on deadline
• Demonstrates positive attitude with excellent interpersonal skills
• Be willing to work as a member of a team but also independently
• Attends all departmental staff meetings and general staff meetings
• Upholds confidentiality of the information processed in all work, if required
• Contributes to the accomplishment of departmental, Integrated Academic Team, and organizational goals

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 management
• Knowledge 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

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Up to 226 working days

This is an at-will employment position.

In the event of an economic slump, a reduction-in-force may be necessary. Employees will be notified in writing.

FUNDING SOURCE-

Grant funded. Grant Cycle End Date: September 30, 2026 Grand-funded positions may not exist past the end date.

Child Nutrition Specialist

Esc Region 8 ESC Region 8 Office - Pittsburg, Texas Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5984597

Application Deadline: Dec 04, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)

Posted: Nov 05, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Categories:

Organization-level Positions > Specialist

Other Professional > Other Certified Professional

Job Requirements

• At least 3 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Bachelor degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Cathy Blue
• 4845 US Highway 271 North
• Pittsburg, Texas 75686
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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