Nutrition Services Specialist (Program Specialist II)

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Education - Agency 13 Location: Lincoln, NE Hiring Rate: $30.979 Job Posting: JR2026-00028923 Nutrition Services Specialist (Program Specialist II) (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 09-10-2026 Job Description: If you are passionate about the role food and nutrition play in helping children grow to reach their full potential, keep reading to find a rewarding position to build relationships and support students statewide! The Nebraska Department of Education is looking for a Nutrition Services Specialist to collaborate with public and non-public schools participating in the Child & Adult Food Care Program (CACFP). If you are detail-oriented, great at multitasking, and enjoy helping others, this could be a great fit! This is a fun team with dedicated members with long-term expertise, so you will get great training and motivated candidates can grow with the team. **The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions.** Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE. Pay Grade 7: $30.979/hour This rate is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate. Teammates Enjoy In addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes well over $20,000 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more! Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types 156% state-matched retirement (yes, thats $1.56 for every dollar!) with a guaranteed 5% return Thirteen paid holidays per year Essential Functions Responds to inquiries and provides consultative services and technical assistance to Early Childhood Centers, At-Risk Programs, and Adult Care Centers. Conducts compliance reviews, determines program approval, regulatory compliance, and program quality related to administration of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and food service operations, analyzes results and writes review report, and monitors corrective action plans. Provides guidance related to establishing and expanding nutrition programs. Reviews financial records to determine financial viability for new and renewing institutions. Ensures program funds are in compliance with federal regulations for Nebraska Day Care Home Sponsoring Organizations. Assists with development and delivery of training and workshops. Prepares and updates US Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulation and policy guidance resources. Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid drivers license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings. Working Conditions and Travel: This position requires approximately 50% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 50% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as schools, educational service units, and other service agencies. There is also approximately five days of overnight travel per year. Requirements / Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Bachelors degree in a related field and three years of experience related to the essential functions of the position. Any equivalent education and/or work experience may be substituted in order to meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Preferred Qualifications: Masters degree in a related field, registered dietitian, and experience working with the Child and Adult Care Food Program. This position is federally funded and may be governed by the Federal Hatch Act. Click here to review the Act. If you have any questions about this posting or working at NDE, please email us at nde.hrjobpostings@nebraska.gov. If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/ Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits Equal Opportunity Statement The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team in careers that make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans. Once you've had the opportunity to explore our current open positions, apply for those of interest to you. Click here for a video tutorial. Contact state.jobs@nebraska.gov for additional support. Check back on your candidate profile to see the status of your submitted applications, as well as any new postings that might interest you! Thank you for your interest in joining our team! State Government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Nebraska. Whether it's helping a vulnerable child, advancing public health, making highways safer, or preserving our natural resources, the work we do matters!