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Nutrition Program Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description • Ensures food safety practices, nutrition education, and cost-effective meals in ... program. • Trains and supervises kitchen staff and driver. • Maintains rigorous sanitary ...

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Nutrition Program Specialist information

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$30.5K

$67.1K

$114K

How much do nutrition program specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for nutrition program specialist in the United States is $67,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a nutrition program specialist do?

A Nutrition Program Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating nutrition programs designed to improve health and well-being in communities or organizations. They may work in schools, government agencies, healthcare settings, or non-profits, and often provide education, assess nutritional needs, and ensure compliance with government regulations. Their work includes creating educational materials, training staff, analyzing program effectiveness, and sometimes managing budgets or grants. They play a key role in promoting healthy eating habits and addressing nutrition-related health issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nutrition program specialist?

To thrive as a Nutrition Program Specialist, you need a solid background in nutrition science, program planning, and often a degree in nutrition, dietetics, or public health. Familiarity with nutrition analysis software, data management systems, and relevant certifications such as Registered Dietitian (RD) or Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) are typically required. Strong communication, organizational skills, and cultural competence help specialists engage communities and collaborate with stakeholders effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, implementing, and evaluating nutrition programs that improve public health outcomes.

What are some typical challenges faced by nutrition program specialists when implementing community nutrition initiatives?

Nutrition Program Specialists often encounter challenges such as limited resources, varying cultural dietary preferences, and ensuring participant engagement. Coordinating with local organizations and adapting programs to meet the unique needs of diverse populations requires flexibility and creativity. Additionally, measuring program effectiveness and securing ongoing funding are common aspects that require strong organizational and communication skills.

What is the difference between Nutrition Program Specialist vs Nutrition Educator?

AspectNutrition Program SpecialistNutrition Educator
Required CredentialsRegistered Dietitian (RD) or Nutrition CertificationCertification in nutrition or health education often preferred
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, community programs, healthcare settingsSchools, community centers, public health programs
Employer & Industry UsagePublic health, government, non-profitsEducational institutions, community outreach

Both roles focus on promoting healthy eating habits, but Nutrition Program Specialists typically develop and manage nutrition programs within organizations, often requiring formal credentials like an RD. Nutrition Educators primarily deliver educational content to the public or specific groups, often with less emphasis on program management. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Nutrition Program Specialist jobs

What states have the most Nutrition Program Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Nutrition Program Specialist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Nutrition Program Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,077 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Dietitian/Nutrition Specialist

Calvert County Public Schools

Prince Frederick, MD • On-site

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Calvert County Public Schools rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 631 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

NOTICE OF VACANCY
July 14, 2026
POSITION: DIETITIAN/NUTRITION SPECIALIST
LOCATION: Board of Education, Child Nutrition Program
POSITION SUMMARY: Under direction of the Supervisor of Child Nutrition, develops and plans menus that provide nutritional and appetizing foods while adhering to federal, state, and local regulations. Provides technical advice and recommendations for Child Nutrition Program menus, a la carte and product suggestions. Provides nutritional and supervisory expertise while supporting the goals and objectives of the Program. Work includes providing nutrition services management and development and implementation of cycle menus, special dietary requirements, and related services.
REPORTS TO: Supervisor of Child Nutrition
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in food services management, institutional management, or related field with coursework in dietetics and nutrition required.
  2. Minimum one year of administrative or supervisory experience in food services, institutional or contract food service programs, or restaurant management required, more than one year is preferred.
  3. Registered Dietitian with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Licensed in Maryland as a Dietitian/Nutritionist.
  4. Current ServSafe Certification or ability to successfully obtain within the first 90 days of hire.
  5. Credentialed as a School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) from the School Nutrition Association preferred.
  6. Child Nutrition Program experience preferred.
  7. Possession of a valid Maryland driver's license or equivalent.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS: (These are pre-employment knowledge, abilities, and skills that apply to the Essential Job Functions.) At the time of employment, the candidate must have:
  1. Working knowledge of State of Maryland Health Department, USDA and MSDE regulations concerning child nutrition and Child Nutrition Programs such as NSLP, SBP, SFSP, and CACFP.
  2. Ability to administer food service programs, including compliance supervision and instruction of employees.
  3. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
  4. Ability to use a point of service (POS) system.
  5. Excellent oral, written and human relation skills.
  6. Proven ability to work with a minimum of direct supervision and to carry a project to its completion within designated deadlines.
  7. Understanding of cost analysis and ability to work with a variety of vendors.
  8. Knowledge of special diets and food allergies and ability to train others in these areas.
  9. Proven ability to exercise good judgment in making decisions.
  10. Possess a valid driver's license and motor vehicle insurance.
  11. Demonstrated success in accomplishing tasks akin to the responsibilities listed below.
  12. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Calvert County Public Schools may find appropriate and acceptable.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DUTIES:
  1. Assesses, improves, corrects and monitors food service operations to meet nutritional, sanitation and financial objectives of the program and to comply with federal/state regulations.
  2. Collects nutritional information on products, provides computer generated analysis of all menus and interprets dietary guidelines.
  3. Establishes and maintains online public access to school menus and nutrition information.
  4. Provides nutritional data per request and consults with physicians, school nurses and parents as needed for special dietary issues.
  5. Develops procedures for introduction of new products and systems; conducts cost effectiveness studies.
  6. Recommends the selection of food for appropriate quality, test, texture, price, acceptability and appearance to be used in the food services program.
  7. Performs periodic inspections of each food service facility to review implementation of established policies and procedures, evaluates each site's overall operation for effective and efficient management of the school food services program, and consults with school administrators on food service-related issues.
  8. Assists in the administration of the free and reduced priced meal program, acting as the verification official as needed.
  9. Participates in the hiring, monitoring, evaluating and all other aspects of employee management.
  10. Thinks, concentrates, and interacts with others.
  11. Comes to work promptly every day.
  12. Works flexible hours as necessary.
  13. Works under stress and meets all deadlines.
  14. Travels from school to school as necessary.
OTHER JOB DUTIES: (Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.)
  1. Supports and participates in community outreach.
  2. Participates in the Wellness Committee and Wellness Plan reviews
  3. Responds to nutrition inquiries from community, media, staff and student groups.
  4. Formulates and implements a training program to meet the immediate and long-range needs of the program, including planning and conducting related training workshops regarding special diets, food safety, menus, nutrition compliance, production records, and other topics as needed.
  5. Performs related work as required or assigned by the Supervisor of Child Nutrition.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  1. Exerts moderate physical effort, including lifting and carrying food items and objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
  2. Work environment includes a wide range of temperatures.
  3. Works with chemical cleaning agents.
UNUSUAL DEMANDS:
  1. Uses personal vehicle for transportation.
  2. Attends occasional evening and overnight meetings.

FLSA STATUS:Exempt
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Eleven (11) month position and salary commensurate with qualifications and experience applied to the current Calvert County Public Schools' salary schedule per the Meet and Confer Contract.
EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the policy on evaluation as established by the Calvert County Public Schools
EFFECTIVE DATE OF POSITION: Immediate vacancy
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: This position will remain open until filled. Applicants, please apply through the Applicant Tracking system located on the Calvert County Public Schools' website - www.calvertnet.k12.md.us
References must be directly related to educational experience and must include immediate supervisor.
State law requires that anyone hired after October 1, 1986, who will have contact with school children, must be fingerprinted and submit to a criminal background investigation. Federal law requires that a new employee must complete the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) in person before beginning employment. Employment is conditional upon successful completion of a drug screen. Current employees of the Calvert County Public Schools are exempt from these requirements.
House Bill 486 - Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct Prevention Statement
Pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland - House Bill 486 - Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct Prevention all applicants are required to report all former employers in which you may have had direct contact with minors. The applicant must submit the contact information of the current employer, all former school employers, and all former employers not school related. Applicants should also include contact information for organizations in which you have volunteered, coached, mentor, tutored or otherwise had direct contact with minors.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Calvert County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth programs.
Calvert County Public Schools does not refuse enrollment of a prospective student, expel a current student, or withhold privileges from a current student, or prospective student, or the parent or guardian of a current or prospective student because of an individual's race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
Calvert County Public Schools does not discipline, invoke a penalty against, or take any other retaliatory action against a student or parent or guardian of a student who files a complaint alleging that the program or school discriminated against the student, regardless of the outcome of the complaint.
The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
  • Director of Student Services
  • Director of Human Resources
    443-550-8000

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.

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