WIC Nutrition Educator

Ramsey County; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Ramsey County’s WIC program seeks a Nutrition Educator to assess eligibility, provide nutrition education, and connect families with services. You will support breastfeeding and help families access community resources and medical referrals, while documenting care and maintaining program procedures.

The role emphasizes individualized nutrition plans, WIC benefit education, and collaboration with clinic staff to promote health equity and access to care.

Qualifications

• Completion of an Associate Degree in Dietetic Technology and registration or eligibility for registration as a Dietetic Technician.
• Substitutions allowed: Bachelor's in Nutrition-related field or Home Economics with nutrition emphasis.
• If eligible by education, must be registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration by end of probation.

Responsibilities

• Assess WIC eligibility through comprehensive nutrition and social factors.
• Provide nutrition education and breastfeeding support to participants.
• Connect families to community services and resources; make referrals to medical providers.
• Issue WIC benefits and educate on use of benefits; promote program policies and eligibility.
• Assist with data entry, scheduling, and training of new WIC educators.

Education

Associate Degree in Dietetic Technology

Registered Dietetic Technician (DTR)

Job description

Position Summary

St. Paul–Ramsey County Public Health Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has an opening for WIC Nutrition Educator. In this role, you will assess WIC eligibility, provide nutrition education and breastfeeding support, connect families to community services, share resources, and make medical referrals as needed.

To determine eligibility for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program through a comprehensive assessment process; provide nutrition education and breastfeeding support; connect families to other social and community services; provide educational resources; make referrals to medical providers; and perform related duties as assigned.

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Examples of Work Performed

• Determine program eligibility by a comprehensive assessment (nutrition, social, economic, health, cultural, etc.) of the client/family.
• Perform anthropometric screening and assessment including complete height and weight measurements and assess growth according to World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) growth grids, pregnancy weight gain grids; and perform hemoglobin blood test; complete and evaluate a health history form to aid in identifying risk factors; and complete a dietary assessment.
• Assess the participant health and nutrition status based on anthropometric and nutrition screening; and develop and implement individualized patient care plans to address any dietary or health concerns to meet identified nutritional, social, cultural, health, economic needs based on WIC program criteria.
• Coordinate, provide direct services, and document appropriate referrals to health care and community resources and programs; and monitor and re-evaluate participate health and nutritional status.
• Educate, counsel, and advise clients using nutrition, health and community resources to address identified needs by building on individual and family strengths; incorporate motivational interviewing and behavior change techniques to provide tailored nutrition education; and motivate families to make healthy changes.
• Determine appropriate food package for participants based on assessed needs through health and nutrition screenings.
• Issue WIC benefits and educate participants on use of the WIC benefits; and promote redemption of WIC foods.
• Provide breast/chest feeding promotion, education and support to pregnant participants.
• Explain WIC program policies, procedures, rights and responsibilities to WIC participants.
• Assist with other duties such as, but not limited to: filing; data entry; appointment scheduling; phone calls and reminder calls; and assist clinic coordinator.
• Assist in the training of new WIC Nutrition Educators by orienting them to clinic procedures.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Completion of an Associate Degree program in Dietetic Technology and registered or eligible to be registered as a Dietetic Technician by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Experience:

None.

Substitution:

The following options may substitute for the education requirement: (a) Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition Sciences, Community Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, Dietetics, or Public Health Nutrition from a college or university accredited by the Association of Colleges and Schools; (b) Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics with emphasis in nutrition as defined by the Minnesota Department of Health WIC Program; or (c) any other nutrition related Bachelor's Degree acceptable to the State WIC Program. (No other substitution for education allowed.)

Certifications/Licensure:

If minimum qualifications are met by completion of Associate Degree in Dietetic Technology, must be registered as a dietetic technician by the Commission on Dietetic Registration before the end of the probation period.

Exam/Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for WIC Nutrition Educator will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions –do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

Eligible List

The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a WIC Nutrition Education. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 60 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.

Veteran's Preference

This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks

All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation

Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact: [e-mail]

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
  • Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
  • MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered
  • VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered
• Pre-tax Benefit Program
  • Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
• Paid time off
  • Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
  • 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
  • Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
  • Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
  • Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
• Retirement benefits
  • Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
  • New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
  • Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
  • Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
• Transit and parking
  • Fully funded Metropass.
  • Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
• Employee well-being
  • Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
  • Wellness programming
  • Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
• Life Insurance and Disability leave
  • County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
  • Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
  • Short-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period
• Career development
  • Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
  • Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
  • County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey County's 2026 benefits, visit: https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf

01

• Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.
• Yes
• No

02

• Please select the option that best applies to you if you have completed or is currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County.
• HIRED Partnership Program
• Project for Pride in Living (PPL) Partnership Program
• Ramsey County Workforce Solutions
• Ramsey County Internship (including Right Track Plus)
• Fellowship at Ramsey County
• Limited-Duration Assignment at Ramsey CountyProvisional Assignment at Ramsey County
• Temporary Opportunity at Ramsey County
• Work Experience Program (e.g., Young Adult Career Academy)
• Job Shadow Experience at Ramsey County
• No, I have not participated in any of the above

03

Have you completed an associate degree in Dietetic Technology?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you registered or eligible to be registered as a Dietetic Technician or Dietitian by the Commission on Dietic Registration?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have a bachelor's degree in one of the following areas: Nutrition Sciences, Community Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, Dietetics, or Public Health Nutrition from a college or university accredited by the Association of Colleges and Schools?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "Yes" to question #5, please provide the name of your school, degree major and date of graduation.

07

Do you have a bachelor's degree in Home Economics with an emphasis in nutrition as defined by the Minnesota Department of Health WIC Program?

• Yes
• No

08

If you answered "Yes" to question #7, please provide the name of your school, degree major and date of graduation.

09

Are you the spouse, child, or parent of the owner or manager of a store authorized to accept MN WIC cards?

• Yes
• No

10

Describe any experience you have had in providing customer service, teaching, and/or counseling. If you have had WIC experience, please include that in your description. Also include the name of your employer and length of employment.

11

Describe your experience working with diverse clients and communities (ethnic, religious, limited income or poverty) and/or your experience working with clients and communities with limited English speaking skills. Include an example of a change you made in order to better serve those clients/communities.

12

Describe your experience working with clients where you have conflicting goals. Include how you navigate those conversations.

13

I understand that I will be asked to complete additional pre-employment health screenings, such as TB screening, complete medical clearance and fit testing for use of an N95 respirator and provide immunization history.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question