Food Services Director 3

Salary : $68,702.40 - $106,267.20 Annually
Location : Woodward - 50276 - Boone County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-03202
Agency: 400 Health & Human Services - State Operated Specialty Care
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Closing Date: 6/11/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Sheri Zubrod, View email address on click.appcast.io


Job Description
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of Woodward Resource Center (WRC) is seeking a Food Services Director 3 to join our Nutrition and Supply Services team!

What You'll Do

As a Food Services Director 3, you'll play a vital role in ensuring our team is equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional nutritional support to our campus. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leadership: Plan, organize, and direct the operations of the Nutrition and Supply Services Central Distribution Center for the State of Iowa, Supply Depot, and Clothing Sewing Room. Including but not limited to: Develop and schedule menus to meet the federal school lunch program and ICF/ID facilities. Develop long term planning for CDC, Supply Depot, and Sewing Room. Establish and maintain department operations.
• Reporting: Plan, initiate, and control a system for recordkeeping for the department so that required reports will be completed and all facility, HHS, state, and federal recordkeeping requirements are met.
• Supervision: Direct department employees through effective supervisory practices in order to comply with performance standard expectations and applicable facility, department, state, and federal policies and regulations
• Team Collaboration: M aintain close contact with staff to define, measure, and improve quality of services, implement quality initiatives, and assess outcomes and the efficiency of quality efforts.

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

WRC prepares and supports individuals to live in the community of their choice. This facility is a great place to develop or continue your healthcare career if you enjoy rewarding yet challenging work, supporting individuals by working as part of their interdisciplinary team, and helping to develop person-centered Individual Support Plans to meet specific support needs, preferences, and goals. The facility provides a range of services that include being an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ICF/IID), daily supported community living, consultations/training, behavioral health services, physical nutrition management, and community residential-based guidance in learning prosocial behavior and personal accountability. For more info about WRC:


Benefits of Joining WRC

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation(96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits


to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Woodward Highlights

Woodward is a city of approximately 1,300 located in central Iowa. The High Trestle Trail begins here and boasts 25 miles of paved surface running through five towns and four counties in the heart of Iowa. The trail includes an iconic, 1/2-mile, 13-story high bridge across the Des Moines River valley, one of the largest trail bridges in the world. The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is just a quick drive away offering more trails, scenic overlooks and other amazing natural features.


Woodward is about 30 minutes away Ames, home of Iowa State University. Des Moines, Iowa's capitol city, is also about the same distance away and home to Casey's Center (host site of NCAA Basketball and premier concerts) and Lauridsen Skatepark, the nation's largest skatepark. Additionally, Des Moines hosts one of the nation's finest State Fairs and is home to professional sports teams the Iowa Cubs, Iowa Wolves, Iowa Barnstormers and Iowa Wild. Check out these .


The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa View phone number on click.appcast.io TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit

Minimum Qualification Requirements


Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in food management, nutrition, dietetics , or a related field and experience equal to four years of full-time professional food services work, two years of which were in the capacity of directing or assisting in the direction of a large food services operation in a commercial, military, or institutional setting;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting 30 semester hours of graduate level education with major coursework in one of the above mentioned fields for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of two years;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting supervisory food services experience for the required education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of four years;
OR
employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to eighteen months of full-time work as a Food Services Director 2;
OR
employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to thirty months of full-time work as a Food Services Assistant Director, Food Services Director 1, or Therapeutic Dietitian.

For additional information, please click on this
Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01


Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02



PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03


Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with major coursework in food management, nutrition, dietetics, or a related field and experience equal to four years of full-time professional food services work, two years of which were in the capacity of directing or assisting in the direction of a large food services operation in a commercial, military, or institutional setting;

• Yes, I have graduated from an accredited college or university with major coursework in food management, nutrition, dietetics, or a related field and experience equal to four years of full-time professional food services work, two years of which were in the capacity of directing or assisting in the direction of a large food services operation in a commercial, military, or institutional setting;
• No, I have not graduated from an accredited college or university with major coursework in food management, nutrition, dietetics, or a related field and experience equal to four years of full-time professional food services work, two years of which were in the capacity of directing or assisting in the direction of a large food services operation in a commercial, military, or institutional setting;

04


Do you have an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting 30 semester hours of graduate level education with major coursework in one of the above mentioned fields for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of two years;

• Yes, I have an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting 30 semester hours of graduate level education with major coursework in one of the above mentioned fields for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of two years;
• No, I do not have an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting 30 semester hours of graduate level education with major coursework in one of the above mentioned fields for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of two years;

05


Do you have an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting supervisory food services experience for the required education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of four years;

• Yes, I have an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting supervisory food services experience for the required education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of four years;
• No, I do not have an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting supervisory food services experience for the required education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of four years;

06


Are you a state of Iowa employee with continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to eighteen months of full-time work as a Food Services Director 2;

• Yes, I am a State of Iowa employee with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to eighteen months of full-time work as a Food Services Director 2;
• No, I am not a State of Iowa employee with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to eighteen months of full-time work as a Food Services Director 2;

07


Are you a State of Iowa employee with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to thirty months of full-time work as a Food Services Assistant Director, Food Services Director 1, or Therapeutic Dietitian.

• Yes, I am a State of Iowa employee with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to thirty months of full-time work as a Food Services Assistant Director, Food Services Director 1, or Therapeutic Dietitian.
• No, I am not a State of Iowa employee with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to thirty months of full-time work as a Food Services Assistant Director, Food Services Director 1, or Therapeutic Dietitian.

Required Question