Nutritionist

West Ada School District

School Nutrition Services - Nutritionist

PURPOSE

Support the School Nutrition Services (SNS) program by assisting the Registered Dietitian in managing student nutrition needs, coordinating special diets, administering the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), and coordinating district wellness initiatives while ensuring alignment with district wellness policy requirements.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary function of the Nutritionist is to support the development, implementation, and coordination of nutrition services for students across the district. This position works closely with the Registered Dietitian and Director of School Nutrition to ensure compliance with USDA requirements while addressing student-specific dietary needs. Duties include managing special diets, providing nutrition education, and supporting district wellness program implementation and compliance. Work is performed under the supervision of the Director of School Nutrition and in collaboration with the Registered Dietitian. Duties may require travel between district locations, working in kitchens, and providing training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Assist the Registered Dietitian with planning and implementing special diets for students with medical or allergy-related dietary needs;
• Coordinate and maintain documentation for student diet orders, including communication with families, school staff, and healthcare providers;
• Support compliance with USDA nutrition guidelines and district policies;
• Lead and manage the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), including ordering, tracking, reporting, and compliance;
• Develop and deliver nutrition education materials and programs for students, staff, and families across the district;
• Coordinate district wellness initiatives, including implementation of wellness goals and activities across school sites;
• Monitor and support compliance with district wellness policies, including documentation, reporting, and alignment with federal and state requirements;
• Provide basic nutrition information and resources to school staff and stakeholders as requested;
• Assist with menu reviews, nutrient analysis, and program support activities as directed by the Registered Dietitian;
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and program documentation;
• Collaborate with school administrators, nurses, and kitchen staff to ensure proper implementation of nutrition services;
• Perform all duties in accordance with district policies, procedures, and safety practices.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP); food allergies and special dietary needs; basic nutrition principles; and food safety practices.
• USDA school nutrition program requirements, federal and state regulations, and district wellness policy requirements;
• Nutrition education methods and strategies for students, staff, and families;
• Recordkeeping, reporting, and documentation practices related to nutrition programs and special diets;
• Food service operations and the relationship between nutrition services, school health services, and educational environments;
• Operation of a personal computer and job-related software applications for word processing, spreadsheets, database creation and maintenance, information storage and retrieval, and related tasks;
• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation;
• Current office practices and procedures.

Ability to:
• Interpret and apply nutrition-related regulations, policies, procedures, and medical documentation;
• Coordinate and manage multiple programs, projects, timelines, and compliance requirements simultaneously;
• Collect, analyze, and maintain accurate program data, records, and reports;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, parents, staff, healthcare providers, and community partners;
• Establish and maintain positive and collaborative working relationships with district personnel, school staff, families, and external stakeholders;
• Develop and present training, educational materials, and informational resources to a variety of audiences;
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential student and medical information;
• Work independently while also contributing effectively as a member of a collaborative team;
• Utilize computer software, databases, spreadsheets, and other technology applications related to nutrition program administration;
• Travel between district locations and work effectively in school, office, and kitchen environments.
• Skills in organization, communication, and program coordination.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, maintain records, collaborate with stakeholders, and maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.


QUALIFICATIONS

Any equivalent combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health, or related field
• Experience in school nutrition or food service preferred
• Registered Dietitian credential preferred but not required; valid Idaho Driver's License.

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively on the telephone and in person;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions and prepare food according to safety and sanitation requirements;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a cash machine and other kitchen equipment and tools;
• Sufficient personal mobility, agility, strength and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work on their feet for an extended period of time, lift or move up to 50 pounds and work in a kitchen environment.

Evaluation

Yearly by Food Service Director

Terms of Employment

To be determined by calendar year.

Regular attendance is an essential function of this job.

• If you are chosen for this position your employment with the District would be "at will". Employment at Will means that the employee or the District may terminate the employment relationship with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time.
• As per Idaho Code 65-5-1/65-503: "Eligible veterans are provided advantages in public employment in Idaho..."

Approved: RS 6/18/26