Nutrition Education Associate

Nutrition Education Associate

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Job Location: Houston, Texas

Job Type: Staff

Proposed Minimum Salary: $18.71 hourly

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

About EFNEP

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a flagship initiative of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, funded by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) since 1969. EFNEP serves young families and youth with limited resources across Texasthose most at risk for hunger, food insecurity, and lacking access to community support systems. Through locally delivered, evidence-based nutrition education, EFNEP empowers families and youth to make lasting improvements in diet quality, healthy habits, and overall well-being.

EFNEP classes are taught by paraprofessional educators, many of whom are bilingual, ensuring culturally relevant, accessible instruction both in person and virtually. Adult and youth programs utilize research- and practice-tested curricula, available in English and Spanish. Adult education focuses on nutrition, physical activity, food resource management, food safety, and food security, while youth education covers MyPlate, food groups, food safety, and physical activity, all aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards.

EFNEP collaborates with schools, faith-based organizations, housing authorities, shelters, parenting programs, and a variety of local agencies to identify and reach families in need. By partnering with these organizations, EFNEP is able to build strong, lasting community relationships and deliver impactful education where it is needed most. With data showing that 21% of Texas families with children under 18 live below the poverty level, EFNEP's mission is vital to communities across the state.

EFNEP is delivered through county extension offices located in ten urban communities: Bexar, Cameron, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Bend, Harris, Hidalgo, Nueces, Tarrant, and Travis Counties.

Working for EFNEP means joining a dedicated team committed to improving health outcomes for Texas families and youth. Staff members receive training, resources, and support to help empower participants with practical skills for healthier living. If you are passionate about nutrition education, community outreach, and creating meaningful change, consider becoming part of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service's EFNEP team.

Position Information

This position is in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program known as EFNEP. The Nutrition Education Associate, with training and supervision, teaches (in-person and/or virtually) about nutrition, food resource management, food safety, and physical activity in culturally sensitive and appropriate ways for adults and/or youth, for low-income audiences in various community locations.

Responsibilities:

• Recruits adults and/or youth who meet program guidelines
• Uses research-based, approved educational materials to instruct youth and/or adults either in-person and/or virtually
• Prepares food for recipes and instructs youth and/or adults through food demonstrations
• Collects and tracks program data
• Assists in mentoring and/or training Nutrition Education Assistants when needed

Required Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED, additional education is not considered an advantage.
• Six months of related experience working with youth and/or adult audiences.
• Experience with low resource audiences and working cooperatively with support systems, networks, and agency programs available for low-income people/low resource audience.
• Knowledge or teaching experience related to nutrition, food safety, food resource management and physical activity topics, guidelines, and best practices.
• Experience teaching groups of people.
• Ability to work with varied audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Proficient computer skills Microsoft Office programs Word and Power Point; Excel, etc.
• Working knowledge of Zoom and/or Microsoft Teams to conduct virtual lessons
• Ability to communicate effectively with adults and/or youth.
• Ability to follow a curriculum including teaching and speaking publicly, strong communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse audience.
• Ability to work independently, be self-motivated and give attention to detail and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to keep written logs of activities, complete reports, and organize materials.
• Familiar with the community where the position is located.

• Must be willing to work necessary hours to fulfill job responsibilities (some evenings and weekends). Hours worked will not exceed 40 per week.
• This position will require daily travel to multiple work sites in county. Must be willing to travel to required trainings outside of county.
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service EFNEP does not provide transportation and the position requires access to reliable transportation. The agency will follow applicable policies if personal vehicle is used, which may include reimbursement at a pre-established rate.

• Must be able to lift, carry, and/or otherwise move instructional materials weighing up to 40 lbs from vehicle to work site and from work site to vehicle.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver's license.
• Current liability insurance.

What You Need to Know

Salary: $18.71

Position Funding:

• This position is funded through grants or contracts. Continued employment is dependent upon ongoing funding and satisfactory job performance.

Flexible Work Arrangements:

• This position requires on-site presence and is not eligible for remote work. Flexible work schedules may be available depending on the nature of the role.

Sponsorship:

This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Important Notice Regarding H1-B Sponsorship:

Your employment at Texas A&M AgriLife may require nonimmigrant sponsorship. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M AgriLife will NOT pay this fee. If the fee is imposed on your petition, this offer of employment will be revoked. If actions taken during your employment result in the imposition of this fee, your employment will be terminated. To the extent that this statement conflicts with any applicable System or member Policy, Regulation, or Rule, this statement will control. We recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense regarding potential implications.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Benefits and Leave:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)
• 1215 annual paid holidays
• Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at least 8 hours/month vacation
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative