TDA- F&N Nutrition Grant Specialist
NUTRITION GRANT SPECIALIST
This is a Grant-Funded position 9/15/23 – 9/30/2026. Position subject to availability of Federal Funds
Salary Information: $5,000.00 -$5,400.00/MO – B20
State Classification: Dietetic and Nutrition Specialist II – 4017
FLSA Status: Exempt
Posting Number: 25-58145-1
Location: Austin, TX
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online at via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/551/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.
WHO ARE WE
The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
The Nutrition Grant Specialist will work in a fast paced, multi-faceted environment to improve nutrition outcomes in programs administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Food and Nutrition (F&N) Division. You will oversee the Nutrition grant and support the nutrition education for school-aged children and all components of the successful implementation and completion of Texas MyPlate FACES (Texas MyPlate Food Ambassadors Changing Environments and Schools Grant). You will work under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop the grant’s objectives and implement grant’s MyPlate-focused activities and ensure activities meet established performance measures.
Provides regular status updates to Project Coordinator.
Oversee the development and implementation of contracts, including procurement, contract management and performance documentation.
Manage and track budget for the grant.
Create and implement grant evaluation methods related to assigned work. Analyze evaluation findings and recommend actions and best practices that may be scaled for statewide implementation.
Provide oversight of work with schools on Local Wellness Policy activities to ensure goals are being completed accurately and in accordance with grant’s terms.
Support recruitment of student ambassadors and facilitate relationships with participating schools and after school childcare centers.
Prepare, maintain, and collect all relevant project data in online database system.
Attend and support contractors in regional taste testing events in Texas; work with chef to refine recipes chosen by students and support schools in implementing multicultural recipes in menus.
Submit quarterly reports, presentation requirements and documentation as requested and required by USDA.
Follow all TDA policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (two years of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).
Five (5) years’ experience coordinating and leading projects and work groups, coordinating the workflow of others.
Two (2) years’ experience administering a program or project, which includes overseeing and creating program/project goals and objectives and monitoring progress of long-term initiatives.
Work experience managing budgets.
Valid Registered Dietitian certification.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of food and nutrition programs; of grant processes; of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; of public administration and management techniques; of budget processes; of research techniques; and of program management processes and techniques.
Skill in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; in identifying measures or indicators of program performance; in managing multiple projects; and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to provide guidance to others; to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Involves periods sedentary work alternating with periods of work that may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping, and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. Must be able to travel (up to 30%), each year to Alexandria, Virginia for meetings with USDA and travel within Texas to schools to implement grant objectives.
BENEFITS
The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation Leave
- Paid Sick Leave
- Longevity Pay
- Dental
- Vision
- Dependent Optional Life Insurance
- Voluntary AD&D Insurance
- Dependent Health & Life Insurance
- Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts
A skills exercise may be conducted for interview purposes. Only candidates selected for a skills exercise/interview will be contacted.
Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.
*A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodation, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7423.
TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.
Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.
Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Medical and Health MOS Codes.