Nutrition Education Associate

tamus; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is hiring a Nutrition Education Associate in Houston. The role teaches nutrition, food safety, and physical activity to adults and youth, using bilingual tools when available, in person or online.

Responsibilities include recruiting participants, delivering evidence-based curricula, preparing food demonstrations, and collecting program data, with mentorship for assistants as needed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED; additional education is not required.
• Six months of related experience working with youth and/or adult audiences.
• Experience with low resource audiences and working with support systems and programs.
• Knowledge or teaching experience related to nutrition, food safety, resource management, and activity topics.
• Experience teaching groups of people.

Responsibilities

• Recruits adults and/or youth who meet program guidelines.
• Uses research-based, approved educational materials to instruct youth and/or adults in-person and/or virtually.
• Prepares food for recipes and demonstrates procedures to participants.
• Collects and tracks program data.
• Assists in mentoring Nutrition Education Assistants when needed.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

MS Office

Zoom / Teams

Public speaking

Curriculum instruction

Record keeping

Independent work

Community knowledge

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Nutrition Education Associate

• Agency: Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service


• Department: Enp - Adult - Harris


• Proposed Minimum Salary: $18.71 hourly


• Job Location: Houston, Texas


• Job Type: Staff

Job Description

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a flagship initiative of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, funded by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) since 1969. EFNEP serves young families and youth with limited resources across Texas—the most at risk for hunger, food insecurity, and lacking access to community support systems. Through locally delivered, evidence-based nutrition education, EFNEP empowers families and youth to make lasting improvements in diet quality, healthy habits, and overall well-being.

EFNEP classes are taught by paraprofessional educators, many of whom are bilingual, ensuring culturally relevant, accessible instruction both in person and virtually. Adult and youth programs utilize research- and practice-tested curricula, available in English and Spanish. Adult education focuses on nutrition, physical activity, food resource management, food safety, and food security, while youth education covers MyPlate, food groups, food safety, and physical activity, all aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards.

EFNEP collaborates with schools, faith-based organizations, housing authorities, shelters, parenting programs, and a variety of local agencies to identify and reach families in need. By partnering with these organizations, EFNEP is able to build strong, lasting community relationships and deliver impactful education where it is needed most. With data showing that 21% of Texas families with children under 18 live below the poverty level, EFNEP's mission is vital to communities across the state.

EFNEP is delivered through county extension offices located in ten urban communities: Bexar, Cameron, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Bend, Harris, Hidalgo, Nueces, Tarrant, and Travis Counties.

Working for EFNEP means joining a dedicated team committed to improving health outcomes for Texas families and youth. Staff members receive training, resources, and support to help empower participants with practical skills for healthier living. If you are passionate about nutrition education, community outreach, and creating meaningful change, consider becoming part of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service's EFNEP team.

Position Information

This position works in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program known as EFNEP. The Nutrition Education Associate, with training and supervision, teaches (in-person and/or virtually) about nutrition, food resource management, food safety, and physical activity in culturally sensitive and appropriate ways for adults and/or youth, for low-income audiences in various community locations.

This position is funded by a Federal grant and is therefore contingent upon availability of funds.

Note to Candidates: This position will start on or after October 19, 2026.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: The following are the functions essential to performing this job.

• Recruits adults and/or youth who meet program guidelines.


• Uses research-based, approved educational materials to instruct youth and/or adults either in-person and/or virtually.


• Prepares food for recipes and instructs youth and/or adults through food demonstrations.


• Collects and tracks program data.


• Assists in mentoring and/or training Nutrition Education Assistants when needed.

Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.


• Proficient computer skills – Microsoft Office programs – Word and Power Point; Excel, etc.


• Working knowledge of Zoom and/or Microsoft Teams to conduct virtual lessons.


• Ability to communicate effectively with adults and/or youth.


• Ability to follow a curriculum including teaching and speaking publicly, strong communication skills.


• Ability to work independently, be self-motivated and give attention to detail and maintain accurate records.


• Ability to keep written logs of activities, complete reports, and organize materials.


• Familiar with the community where the position is located.

Education & Experience

High School diploma or GED, additional education is not considered an advantage.

• Six months of related experience working with youth and/or adult audiences.


• Experience with low resource audiences and working cooperatively with support systems, networks, and agency programs available for low-income people/low resource audience.


• Knowledge or teaching experience related to nutrition, food safety, food resource management and physical activity topics, guidelines, and best practices.


• Experience teaching groups of people.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Must be willing to work necessary hours to fulfill job responsibilities (some evenings and weekends). Hours worked will not exceed 40 per week.