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Usda Nutrition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plano ISD

Culinary Trainer

Plano, TX

Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, school nutrition program regulations and USDA guidelines * Demonstrate ability to perform all food production tasks at an expert level * Ability to train, coach ...

Madison County Schools

School Nutrition Manager

Madison, VA · On-site

$23K - $34K/yr

Oversees the production and service of high quality school meals that meet USDA meal requirements ... Nutrition Program as part of the total educational environment for students SALARY: $23,800 - $34 ...

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Usda Nutrition information

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

To excel as a USDA Nutritionist, you generally need a degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field, along with Registered Dietitian (RD) credentials. Familiarity with government nutrition programs, data analysis tools, and nutrition assessment software is typically required. Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and organizational skills help professionals effectively educate diverse populations and collaborate with stakeholders. These competencies ensure accurate nutrition guidance, effective program implementation, and improved public health outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in USDA Nutrition programs, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in USDA Nutrition programs often encounter challenges such as navigating complex federal guidelines, ensuring program compliance, and addressing the diverse nutritional needs of various populations. They may also work with limited resources while striving to maximize program impact. Proactively staying updated on policy changes, collaborating closely with local agencies, and engaging in continuous professional development can help address these challenges and improve program effectiveness.

What is a USDA Nutritionist and what do they do?

A USDA Nutritionist is a professional who works with the United States Department of Agriculture to develop, implement, and monitor nutrition programs and policies. They conduct research, provide guidance on dietary standards, and help promote healthy eating habits across various populations. These experts often analyze food consumption patterns, create educational materials, and collaborate with other health and food professionals to improve public nutrition. Their work supports federal initiatives like school meal programs and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

What is the difference between Usda Nutrition vs Registered Dietitian?

AspectUsda NutritionRegistered Dietitian
Required CredentialsKnowledge of USDA programs, certifications in nutrition or food serviceRegistered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), RD credential
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, food assistance programs, community outreachHospitals, clinics, private practice, public health
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily government and nonprofit sectorsHealthcare, clinical, private sector
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding USDA nutrition programs and rolesNutrition counseling, clinical dietetics, patient care

While USDA Nutrition specialists focus on government programs and food assistance initiatives, Registered Dietitians provide personalized clinical nutrition services. Both roles require nutrition knowledge, but RDs have specific credentials and work primarily in healthcare settings, whereas USDA Nutrition roles are often tied to government and community programs.

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Usda Nutrition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Nutrition job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Food and Nutrition Operations Specialist

Southeast Polk Community School District

Pleasant Hill, IA • On-site

$40K - $47K/mo

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Operations Specialist
Date Posted:
7/27/2026
Location:
Food & Nutrition
Date Available:
As Soon as Possible
Closing Date:
Until Filled
SOUTHEAST POLK COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Job Description
Job Title: Food & Nutrition Operations Specialist (6:15am-2:45pm) (10-month)
Pay Range: $40,000 to $47,000 per year
Qualifications:
Required:
  1. High school diploma plus additional coursework/certification in Dietetics, Food Service Management, or Nutrition.
  2. ServSafe Certified or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
  3. Demonstrates the ability to follow directions and complete tasks in a timely manner.
  4. Demonstrates the ability to problem solve and promote a positive team driven environment.
  5. Demonstrates the ability to work effectively and respectfully with staff, students and families, and the general public.
  6. Demonstrates the ability to communicate with diverse populations both verbally and in writing.
  7. Demonstrates the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
  8. Demonstrates the ability to provide work direction and respond to requests in a courteous and helpful manner.

Preferred:
  1. Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics, Food Service Management, Nutrition or related field.
  2. Prior experience in a similar role in the K-12 setting. Supervision of nutrition staff a plus.
  3. Experience with purchasing, receiving and inventory and cost analysis procedures.
  4. Experience with large quantity meal planning and preparation in a K-12 setting.
  5. Experience utilizing nutrition related software for nutrient analysis, recipe development, production records, costing and point of sale systems.
  6. Demonstrates the ability to evaluate and improve the work environment for employees.
  7. Demonstrates the ability to provide work direction and respond to requests in a courteous and helpful manner.
  8. General knowledge of the USDA Food & Nutrition programs and regulations.
  9. Demonstrates the ability to lead a group of individuals in the successful completion of tasks and meeting of goals.

Reports to: Director of Food and Nutrition Services
Job Goal:
The Operations Specialist is responsible for assisting in the coordination of the nutrition services department including staff training, daily on-site support, evaluation, menu planning and development, quality assurance, student satisfaction, purchasing and procurement of goods, marketing, special programming and assisting the Director of Nutrition Services with day to day operations of the department.
Performance Responsibilities:
  1. Staff Training and Support
    1. Provide direct supervision and ongoing support to Head Cooks and Cooks across assigned buildings
    2. Assist in resolving personnel issues and participate in performance evaluations, and staff development.
    3. Train new staff, support adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), and lead staff training sessions.
    4. Fill in for cooks and head cooks as assigned to maintain operational efficiency
    5. Monitor and support compliance with USDA meal pattern requirements, Iowa DOE regulations and health department standards
    6. Assist with hands-on training for support staff in the use of nutrition department software systems
    7. Assist with system maintenance and updates in collaboration with district IT as needed
    8. Use technology platforms to promote school nutrition programs and initiatives.
  2. Menu Planning and Development
    1. Assist in planning, preparing and overseeing the service of large-quantity meals that meet USDA nutritional guidelines for K 12 settings
    2. Support compliance with all federal, state, and local food safety and nutrition regulations
    3. Assist in developing menus for various school nutrition programs
    4. Assist in standardizing recipes and providing nutrient analysis, allergen information, and descriptive labels using software
  3. Quality Assurance
    1. On a daily basis, evaluate food quality, service efficiency and adherence to policies and procedures
    2. Collaborate with nutrition team on initiatives to improve program participation and student satisfaction
  4. Purchasing and Procurement
    1. Assist with purchasing, receiving, inventory management, and cost analysis to ensure efficient food service operations.
    2. Assist in coordinating procurement processes in alignment with district policies and USDA requirements.
    3. Maintain food safety standards through proper handling, storage, and documentation practices.
    4. Participate in daily ordering as needed
  5. Marketing & Special Programming
    1. Assist with and help plan taste tests and student focused events
    2. Actively participate in promoting nutrition education
    3. Actively participate in initiatives for gathering student feedback
    4. Assist with and create presentations for internal and external staff and students
    5. Assist with and help lead wellness committee meetings and initiatives
  6. Professional Excellence
    1. Perform all responsibilities ethically and professionally, maintaining confidentiality where appropriate.
    2. Communicate effectively across departments, contributing to a positive and collaborative work environment.
    3. Demonstrate leadership as a proactive team member within the school community.
    4. Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
    5. Participates in and completes required training
    6. Perform all other duties as may be assigned

Physical Demands:
  1. Occasionally walk and stand throughout kitchen and food service areas.
  2. Frequently work in environments with high temperatures, humidity, and limited ventilation (e.g., kitchens and bakeries).
  3. Occasionally work in cold environments such as coolers and freezers.
  4. Frequently perform job duties in a busy environment with regular interruptions.
  5. Occasionally lift/carry up to:
    1. 50 pounds to waist level
    2. 40 pounds to shoulder level
    3. 20 pounds overhead
  6. Occasionally carry up to 40 pounds for distances up to 20 feet.
  7. Occasionally push or pull up to 500 pounds on wheeled equipment, requiring up to 35 pounds of force at approximately 36 inches above floor level.
  8. Occasionally operate basic commercial kitchen, bakery, and cleaning equipment.
  9. Occasionally use hand tools and material handling carts requiring a grip force of up to 15 pounds.
  10. Occasionally handle and apply cleaning and sanitizing chemicals while using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Note: The physical demands described above represent real life tasks an employee may need to perform as part of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While the frequency may be low, the above stated physical demands may be required during the course of a daily work shift. Tasks that have physical demands that exceed the above stated limits should only be performed with sufficient manpower or material handling equipment.
Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Classified Personnel.
Terms of Employment:
1. 9-month position +10 days, 8 hours per day.
2. Salary as determined by Board of Education.
Disclaimer:
The statements of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.
It is the policy of the Southeast Polk Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), genetic information (for employment), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact, Joseph M. Horton, Associate Superintendent, Affirmative Action Coordinator, Equity Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, Southeast Polk District Office, 8031 NE University Ave., Pleasant Hill, IA 50327, (515) 967-4294, joseph.horton@southeastpolk.org. Inquiries or grievances may also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0201, (515) 281-4121; or the U.S. Department of Education, Region VII Office of Civil Rights, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661.
Created: 6/8/2026

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