Minimum Qualifications-
Bachelor's Degree in Institutional Management, Food Service, Business, Nutrition, Family and Consumer Science, Public Health, Education, or related field
Three years of experience in the management of school or institutional food service operations
Up to 50% travel required, including out-of-town and other ESC regions
Recommendation of ESC Executive Director
Preferred Qualification-
Prior experience as a Child Nutrition Director
Three years of training experience with adults
Certified School Nutrition Specialist

Process all personal timekeeping, travel reporting and other paperwork in a timely manner
Maintain professional attire and grooming appropriate for specific job position.
Demonstrate punctual and regular attendance on the job
Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities
Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC
Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC
Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures
Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor
Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor
Exhibit professionalism in all situations at the ESC
Develop collaborative and positive relationships with schools and co-workers
Exhibit planning and leadership on assigned tasks and projects
Ability to take initiative and exhibit innovative thinking
Keep supervisor advised of all pertinent financial and operations business
Ability to handle constructive criticism in a positive manner
Evidence of following-up and following-through with services
Evidence of professional loyalty
Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Ability to handle and see to completion multiple projects simultaneously and on deadline
Demonstrates positive attitude with excellent interpersonal skills
Be willing to work as a member of a team but also independently
Attends all departmental staff meetings and general staff meetings
Upholds confidentiality of the information processed in all work, if required
Contributes to the accomplishment of departmental, Integrated Academic Team, and organizational goals

Provide training and Technical Assistance to Contracting Entities (CEs) of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), who administer federal child nutrition programs.
Coordinate, sponsor, and deliver regional training in all areas of program operations for CNP staff. Conduct instructor-led training, both in-person and virtually, using adult-learning principles and adhering to the course curriculum developed by TDA. Stay up-to-date on federal and state program rules, regulations, and processes for all child nutrition programs administered by TDA.
Collaborate with other ESC regions in scheduling and implementing statewide training to ensure equitable availability of training specialists across the state for all training events.
Attend required state staff meetings scheduled by TDA
Attend and participate in special committees and workgroups as directed by TDA
Maintain program budgets, reporting information, and CE files according to TDA guidelines
Travel to CEs for in-person visits weekly
Perform additional duties as assigned by TDA

Ability to comprehend both verbal and written complex directives, guidance, and instructions.
Ability to communicate complex information to diverse groups
Ability to adapt well to changing priorities and direction
Skill to manage conflict well
Skill in project management
Skill in time management
Knowledge of federal nutrition programs
Knowledge of current research into effective practices and current trends in Child Nutrition Programs
Knowledge of menu planning and food quantity production
Knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points-Based Food Safety Plan
Ability to meet the needs of adult learners
Ability to work one-on-one with Child Nutrition Directors of various experiences
Ability to objectively evaluate data and provide pertinent feedback
Ability to use any formal training to enhance job performance and /or personal development
Ability to demonstrate effective training skills in differentiation strategies

This is an at-will employment position.

In the event of an economic slump, a reduction-in-force may be necessary. Employees will be notified in writing.

Grant funded. Grant Cycle End Date: September 30, 2026 Grand-funded positions may not exist past the end date.

Child Nutrition Specialist @ ESC Region 8

About this role