Nutrition Aide

The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law; Idaho; On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Annual leave accrual

Paid state holidays

Job summary

The University of South Dakota in Dakota ValleyHead Start program is seeking a Nutrition Aide to assist with meal service and snack preparation for children aged 3-5. The position runs 8:00 a.m. to 2:00–3:00 p.m. with an unpaid lunch, about 87.5% time, for 9.5 months annually.

Responsibilities include serving meals, grocery shopping for snacks, and supervising children during meal times, while meeting Head Start performance standards and state benefit eligibility.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Head Start classroom preferred.
• Must pass a clear background check and meet federal Head Start performance standards.
• Employee must be authorized to work in the United States; sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Serve breakfast and lunch in the classroom.
• Purchase groceries for snacks and prepare/serve snack portions.
• Work directly with children aged 3-5 and support classroom activities.

Skills

Food service

Snack prep

Classroom interaction

Job description

Logo Institution The University of South Dakota

Working Title Nutrition Aide

Posting Number CSA02799P

Department USD-Head Start

Physical Location of Position (City) Dakota Valley

Posting Text

USD Head Start is seeking a Nutrition Aide for the Dakota Valley Head Start classroom. This position is 87% time for 9.5 months (mid-Aug – end of May annually) and provides food service to children ages 3-5 enrolled in the Dakota Valley Head Start program located at the Dakota Valley Elementary School.

This position serves breakfast and lunch (provided by the district,) and purchases groceries for snack then prepares and serves snack. Works directly with children and other children in classroom. This position is eligible for the full state benefits package, including health insurance, accrual of annual and sick leave and paid state holidays.

Preferred candidates will have experience working in this Head Start classroom.

Work Authorization: Employee must be authorized to work in the United State. This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Posting Date 08/24/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 08/31/2026 Advertised Salary Starting rate $16.68; commensurate with qualifications, plus benefits Duration of the Term 9.5 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 87.5 Work Hours

This position is in the Dakota Valley Elementary School. The position works from approximately 8 a.m. to 2 or 3:00 p.m. with 1/2 hour unpaid lunch (when working over 6 hours.) Regular schedule will be set in conjunction with classroom need and staff availability.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Other, Valid Drivers License If other, please indicate Clear fingerprint background check and meet HS federal performance standards regarding vaccination Department Description and Cultural Expectations

Must pass clear fingerprint background check and meet Head Start Performance Standards.

Education

USD Head Start provides free health, education and development services to families with young children. A federally funded program, we work with families to recognize their unique characteristics, cultural values and strengths, and offer services like:

• Individualized learning
• Vision, hearing and developmental screenings
• Nutritious meals and snacks
• Health services
• Parent education
• Community resource information

We offer services in Clay, Lincoln, Turner and Union counties. These services are available in-home or at one of our local centers and some are offered on a full-day, year-round basis.

https://www.usd.edu/education/head-start

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements
Comprehend, Logic, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-average, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Latex Gloves, Protective Clothing, Other If other protection is used please identify

Following Head Start Federal Performance Standards and CACFP regulations.

Physical Requirements

Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Grasping, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting light, Pushing/Pulling, Reaching, Squatting, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Driving, Kneeling, Lifting moderate, Repetitive Motion Describe any of the conditions selected
Will be retrieving food from the kitchen in the school using a cart – must then portion out the food into serving bowls or portion serve individually plated meals. Sit at child-size table to supervise and assist children during meal service. May be helping with child areas where sitting or kneeling at child level is needed to build trust and relationship with children. Cleaning of dining area after each meal service.

Sensory Requirements

Vision (With and without corrective lenses), Speaking, Hearing

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Changes of Temperature, Exposure or Potential Exposure to Blood/Body Fluids, Exposure to Infectious Diseases, Exposure to Noise, Vaccination recommended due to potential occupational exposure, Chemical Hazards, Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc) Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above
May encounter temperature changes if supervising children outdoors. Will be working with children ages 3-5 so exposure to noise and potential exposure to blood/body fluids. Will work with a bleach mixture to sanitize surfaces.

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Classroom Environment, Outdoors Environment If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Other
• Reference List

Optional Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Other
• Reference List