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Nutrition Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food & Nutrition Services Staff Member Starting Pay: $15.25/hour Lincoln Academy is seeking dependable and team-oriented Kitchen Workers to join our Food & Nutrition team for the upcoming school year.

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Nutrition Worker information

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How much do nutrition worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for nutrition worker in the United States is $14.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are nutrition workers?

Nutrition workers are professionals who support the planning, preparation, and distribution of healthy meals in settings such as schools, hospitals, and community centers. They often assist dietitians by preparing food, monitoring meal portions, ensuring food safety, and helping educate individuals about proper nutrition. Their role is essential in promoting health and wellness by making sure that individuals receive balanced and nutritious meals according to specific dietary needs.

What are some common challenges Nutrition Workers face when supporting clients with diverse dietary needs?

Nutrition Workers often encounter challenges such as balancing individualized dietary recommendations with clients' cultural preferences, food allergies, and budget constraints. They must be adaptable and empathetic, tailoring meal plans and guidance to fit each person's unique circumstances while ensuring nutritional adequacy. Collaboration with dietitians, healthcare providers, and food service staff is essential to address these challenges and provide effective, inclusive support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nutrition Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nutrition Worker, you need a basic understanding of nutrition principles, food safety, and meal preparation, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food handling guidelines, kitchen equipment, and sometimes certifications such as ServSafe are commonly required. Attention to detail, good communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient meal service and promote the health and well-being of those receiving nutrition care.

What is the difference between Nutrition Worker vs Nutrition Assistant?

AspectNutrition WorkerNutrition Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentCommunity health programs, clinics, schoolsHealthcare facilities, community centers, schools
Employer & Industry UsagePublic health agencies, non-profits, schoolsHospitals, clinics, public health departments
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles in nutritionMore administrative or support-focused

Nutrition Workers and Nutrition Assistants both support nutrition-related programs, often working in community or healthcare settings. Nutrition Workers typically have broader responsibilities and may require specific certifications, while Nutrition Assistants usually focus on supporting staff with administrative or basic clinical tasks. Both roles are essential in promoting health and nutrition in various organizations.

What cities are hiring for Nutrition Worker jobs? Cities with the most Nutrition Worker job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Nutrition Worker jobs? The top employers for Nutrition Worker jobs are:
What states have the most Nutrition Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Nutrition Worker jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nutrition Worker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,077 per year, or $14.9 per hour.
Nutrition Worker/Custodian

Nutrition Worker/Custodian

SOUTH CENTRAL HUMAN RESOURCE AGENCY INC

Columbia, TN โ€ข On-site

$14.28 - $17.61/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Introduction:ย 

The employee works under the supervision of the Center Supervisor.ย  The employee will purchase and prepare food as planned by the Nutrition Coordinator and assist in the implementation of family style service of meals, as well as the modification of menus according to the special dietary needs of children.ย  The employee will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining assigned areas.ย  The employee will be capable of operating modern office equipment.ย ย  The employee may be exposed to dust, dirt, foul odors and other factors due to the breakdown of some equipment or systems. The employee shall adhere to the National Smoke Free Environment Policy Public Law 103-227, Pro-Children Act of 2001 42 U.S.C. 7181 through 7184 and TN Licensure Rule 1240-04-01-12(14).

Section 1 โ€“ Job Performance

Quality of Work

Responsible for the preparation of foods in order that sufficient amounts are prepared, high quality is maintained and nutritional standards are met.

Prepare and serve breakfast, lunch and snack within designated time frame according to menus, utilizing child size utensils.

Prepare and serve special diets as prescribed by a physician or other certified personnel.

Organize refrigerators, freezers and food storage areas monthly, removing leftovers that are out of date according to procedure recommendations.

Job Knowledge

Order food and milk from approved vendor and/or purchase items from designated grocery store.

Record refrigerator, freezer and milk box temperatures morning & afternoon.

Calibrate thermometers following agency procedure.

Record food temperature following agency procedure.ย 

Sign all grocery invoices, showing receipt & itemized requisition of goods and submit to Center Supervisory Staff in the assigned time frame.

Store food to meet Environmental requirements and report inventory of all food and non-food items to the Nutrition Coordinator on a monthly basis.

Prepare and check sanitizing water for chlorine (kitchen) per training.

Prepare sanitizing water for peroxide (classroom) per instructions as needed.

Serve as a resource for content area providing direction and guidance as needed.

Initiative

Pick-up stock from the Central Office as assigned by the Center Supervisory Staff.

Keep trash cans cleaned monthly, lined, emptied and trash removed daily from center. *avoid overflow

Prep food needed for the following day.

Provide monthly reports to supervisor.

Section 2 - Personal Performance

Dependability

Clean and mop restrooms daily and replenish paper products.

Clean all dining chairs weekly to remove any evidence of dirt and food for centers with a dining area.

Clean all mirrors in the center and clean the inside of the windows in the classroom and center everyย ย  other month as assigned.

Attendance & Punctuality

Ensure all paperwork is accurate and submitted timely.

Regular attendance and timely arrival to assigned work site.

Submit accurate and timely employee time, attendance and mileage reports.

Relationship Building Skills

Provide support to center staff as needed outside of nutrition duties.

Secure and document in-kind contributions, volunteer time, and community support.

Flexibility

Adjust and document changes to menu as needed.

Assist with staff breaks, classroom coverage, and answering phone calls, pick up/drop off, open door and other duties as assigned. ย ย 

Communication Skills

Check and store all food and non-food items in an orderly manner and report any shortages, defective items and other discrepancies to direct supervisor and the Nutrition Coordinator.

Teamwork

Assist in the implementation of nutrition activities in the classroom.

Assist in the compilation and completion of Self-Assessment/Community Assessment and participate in the analysis of data for training and planning purposes.

Customer Services

Participate in ongoing recruitment targeting children from low income families, children with disabilities and pregnant women, and complete HS/EHS applications as needed.

Adhere to Agencyโ€™s HS/EHS confidentiality policy, professional ethics and standards, demonstrating work habits which comply with Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Section 3 โ€“ Personal Improvement

Decision Making

Post Menu in Kitchen and classrooms and record daily substitutions as need arises including initiating contact with Supervisor and Nutrition Coordinator regarding changes.

Review and modify job descriptions, plans, policy and procedures as needed.

Supports Quality Improvement

Keep entire kitchen areas clean daily, including stove, refrigerator, cabinets, underside of tables and serving carts and equipment, and conduct thorough monthly cleaning to meet sanitation requirements of the Health Department.

Ensure implementation of State Licensing Regulations, Head Start Performance Standards and agency policies and procedures.

Explore and share ongoing ideas/solutions for program and content area specific improvement.

Professional Development Growth

Participate in staff meetings, conferences, training sessions, workshops, and In-Service as assigned.

Ensure PDP Goals have been met.

High School Diploma or equivalent. (Required)

Three years of nutrition service experience (Preferred)

Satisfactory physical examination prior to beginning work and every five years thereafter.

Must possess a valid Driverโ€™s License and current Automobile Liability Insurance

Satisfactory criminal background check prior to hire and every 5 years thereafter.ย  Drug testing as required.

Required Knowledge & Abilities:

Knowledge of all State of Tennessee and local sanitation regulations.

Ability to deal with special nutritional needs of children.

Ability to complete forms and reports accurately and according to established timeframes.

Ability to operate and maintain kitchen equipment in a clean and sanitary condition.

Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the general public and fellow employees.

Ability to prioritize a complex workload.

Ability to understand and follow any oral or written instructions and make mathematical computations and tabulations accurately.

Ability to establish and maintain accurate records and methods for systematic reporting of statistical data.

Ability to travel extensively within assigned area.

Ability to be a mandated reported for suspected child abuse or neglect.

Ability to promote a positive and encouraging work environment.

Ability to assist in other positions as needed.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; stoop; bend; walk; talk; hear; use hands to grip, type; reach with hands and arms, occasionally required to stand or walk on uneven surfaces; climb stairs; run. 2 to 4 hours per day spent in strenuous physical activity, lifting up to 60 lbs. six or eight times in a 7.5-hour day.