Rural Community Nutrition Educator

Purdue University; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Purdue University Extension seeks a Community Nutrition Advisor to advance Smart SNAP Education under Indiana’s Rural Health Transformation Program. Working in regional cohorts, you will help improve nutrition security, healthy eating, physical activity, and cardiometabolic health through direct education, partnerships, and community engagement.

You will deliver evidence‑based nutrition and physical activity education in rural settings such as health departments, libraries, schools, and

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 4 years of experience in community-based work, education, public health, nutrition, physical activity promotion, health promotion, or a related field
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, including speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, internet-based applications, and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• Ability to learn and utilize program reporting systems, data collection platforms, mobile applications, and other technology required for program delivery
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to travel throughout assigned service areas and to Purdue Extension offices, trainings, and community partner locations
• Ability to regularly lift and carry 10-20 pounds and occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds
• Ability to transport educational materials, supplies, and equipment and navigate stairs and community-based settings as needed
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends based on community programming needs
• Must obtain ServSafe Food Handler certification within the first year of employment (training provided) or possess a current ServSafe certification
• Must successfully complete all Purdue University required trainings, including but not limited to Title IX Mandatory Reporter Training, Civil Rights Training, Youth Protection Training, and other required compliance trainings
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Responsibilities

• Recruiting, scheduling, coordinating, and delivering evidence-based nutrition, food resource management, food safety, and physical activity education programs in community settings throughout assigned service areas
• Delivering approved curricula through one-time programs, multi-session series, food demonstrations, community events, and virtual platforms
• Supporting implementation of place-based strategies that embed nutrition education and health promotion within trusted community environments
• Assisting with implementation of policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies that compliment direct education and reinforce healthy behaviors and improve access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities
• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with local health departments, YMCAs, public libraries, food pantries, schools, healthcare organizations, community centers, workforce development organizations, and other community partners
• Delivering programming to rural residents across the lifespan, including adults, older adults, youth, families, and community groups
• Assisting with recruitment, training, and support of Smart SNAP Community Champions to expand community reach and reinforce key health messages
• Supporting multi-level interventions that strengthen nutrition security and improve health outcomes in rural communities combining direct education, community engagement, and environmental supports
• Collecting, maintaining, and reporting program data in accordance with Purdue Extension and funding agency requirements
• Administering participant evaluations using approved reporting tools
• Maintaining proficiency in approved curricula, public health strategies, community engagement approaches, and emerging nutrition and physical activity recommendations
• Completing program goals and assigned responsibilities with minimal supervision while maintaining timely and accurate records
• Staying informed of local demographic, community, and health trends to support program planning, outreach, and partnership development
• Contributing to statewide reporting efforts by documenting program reach, partnership engagement, Community Champion activities, and PSE implementation efforts
• Contributing to statewide planning efforts and share best practices with regional and statewide colleagues

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Relationship-building

Public health education

Travel willingness

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Purdue University Extension seeks a Community Nutrition Advisor to advance Smart SNAP Education under Indiana’s Rural Health Transformation Program. Working in regional cohorts, you will help improve nutrition security, healthy eating, physical activity, and cardiometabolic health through direct education, partnerships, and community engagement.

You will deliver evidence‑based nutrition and physical activity education in rural settings such as health departments, libraries, schools, and