Nutrition Program Consultant

Minnesota Department of Education; Minnesota City (MN); Remote; USD 44,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Education seeks a Nutrition Program Consultant to support Southern Minnesota communities with school nutrition programs. You will provide nutrition program coordination, evaluation, consultation, technical assistance, and training to participating sponsors.

The role involves in-person support, travel up to 50%, and collaboration with districts and institutions to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements. Relevant nutrition credentials preferred.

Qualifications

• 3 years of nutrition project experience.
• Bachelor's or Master's with 2 years nutrition experience.
• Strong critical thinking, writing, and ability to calculate complex fiscal action.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Nutrition programs

Critical thinking

Writing skills

Organization

Budget management

Education

Bachelor/Master in Nutrition

Tools

Spreadsheets

Job description

Job Class: Nutrition Program Consultant

• 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
• 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: Yes

Working Title: Nutrition Program Consultant

Job Class: Nutrition Program Consultant

Agency: Education Department

CURRENT permanent-classified MDE employees represented by MAPE who are eligible for interest bidding for the position should consult Article 16, Vacancies, Filling of Positions, Section 3, Job Posting and Interest Bidding, of their negotiated agreement. In order to be considered for the position as an interest bidder your application must be received by the "Closed for Bid" date listed above AND you must email [e-mail] with your intent to bid.

**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

• 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

• 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.

Working together to improve the state we love.

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.

If you have questions about this position, contact us at [e-mail].