Nutrition Program Consultant

State of Minnesota; Mankato (MN); Remote; USD 44,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Minnesota’s Education Department seeks a Nutrition Program Consultant to oversee and coordinate USDA school nutrition and community nutrition programs across Minnesota. You will evaluate sponsors, provide technical assistance, and develop training materials for participating institutions in accordance with federal and state laws.

The role requires 3 years of nutrition project experience or a Bachelor's/Master's degree with 2 years of experience, strong writing and analytical skills, and

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience working on nutrition projects or programs.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree with 2 years of experience in nutrition programs.
• Must have excellent critical thinking, writing, and the ability to calculate complex fiscal action.
• Must have excellent organizational skills and be able to manage 20-30 open projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Conduct administrative, follow up, and new sponsor reviews of schools and organizations in federal child nutrition programs.
• Provide technical assistance to help sponsors comply with federal and state laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and procedures.
• Develop and deliver training materials for participating sponsors according to federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures.

Skills

Critical thinking

Writing

Fiscal calculation

Organizational skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Job description

Working Title: Nutrition Program Consultant

Job Class: Nutrition Program Consultant

Agency: Education Department

• Job ID : 98013
• Location : Minnesota Southeast Area
• Telework Eligible : Remote work in Southern MN
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
• Who May Apply : Open to bidders and all qualified job seekers. Bidders will be considered through 11/02/2026.
• Date Posted : 10/27/2026
• Closing Date : 11/02/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Education Department / MDE-Southern MN-MAPE
• Division/Unit : Education-St Paul / School Nutrition Programs
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : Yes - Up to 50% of the time
• Salary Range: $31.81 - $46.96 / hourly; $66,419 - $98,052 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

This position provides in-person support to customers in Southern Minnesota. Candidate will be required to reside in one of the following MN counties while employed in this position: Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Jackson, Le Seuer, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Olmstead, Pipestone, Redwood, Rice, Rock, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Watonwan, Winona.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

School Nutrition Program Consultants at the MN Department of Education provide professional nutrition and food service program coordination, evaluation, consultation, technical assistance, and training to institutions, facilities, or agencies participating in USDA school nutrition and community nutrition programs throughout the state of Minnesota. Duties include:

• Conduct administrative, follow up, and new sponsor reviews of schools and organizations participating in federal child nutrition programs
• Provide technical assistance to help sponsors comply with federal and state laws, regulations, policies, guidance, instructions, and procedures
• Develop and deliver training and materials for participating sponsors according to federal and state laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and procedures.

This position provides in-person support to customers in Southern Minnesota. Candidate will be required to reside in one of the following MN counties while employed in this position: Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Jackson, Le Seuer, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Olmstead, Pipestone, Redwood, Rice, Rock, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Watonwan, Winona.

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Three (3) years of experience working on nutrition projects or programs.

OR

A Bachelor's or Master's degree AND two (2) years of experience working on nutrition projects or programs.

Experience must include the following skills:

Must have excellent critical thinking skills, excellent writing skills, and be able to calculate complex fiscal action. Must have excellent organizational skills and be able to successfully manage 20-30 open projects at any given time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing projects and meeting deadlines
• Experience presenting to large groups
• Experienced utilizing spreadsheets
• Experienced reviewing and analyzing menus or diets
• School district central office or state agency USDA School Nutrition Program experience

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Driver's License Check
• Criminal Background Check

The Minnesota Department of Education will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.