Rural Health Nutrition Specialist (Program Specialist II)

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Education - Agency 13 Location: Lincoln, NE Hiring Rate: $30.979 Job Posting: JR2026-00027798 Rural Health Nutrition Specialist (Program Specialist II) (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 07-22-2026 Job Description: The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a collaborative effort to leverage partnerships between agriculture partners and schools to promote healthy living through proper nutrition and access to healthy foods. We have four exciting opportunities to align schools, producers, and communities in ways that strengthen local food systems and improve nutrition for children by leveraging the school nutrition programs while supporting and growing local economies. This position focuses on equipment infrastructure, and will provide funding and technical assistance for grant recipients to support development of local food supply chains that provide kitchen-ready, local foods to Nebraska schools. The team is looking for candidates with great communication and presentation skills as this position will also provide training to grant award recipients and connect Nebraska producers, food pantries, and school districts. **The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions.** This position is fixed term, with an end date of July 31, 2027. Any potential extensions are subject to the continuation and availability of funding. 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 an approximate $27,300 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at 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, that’s $1.56 for every dollar!) with a guaranteed 5% return Thirteen paid holidays per year Essential Functions Coordinates logistics for training events including identifying and reserving locations. Develops and implements training opportunities for school nutrition programs related to the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), focusing on school meal pattern compliance, healthy menu planning, scratch cooking, and culinary skill development. Creates and updates evidence-based learning materials and resources to support training opportunities. Responds to inquiries and provides consultative services and technical assistance to local program operators. Leverages culinary skills training to support professional networking and peer learning through ongoing collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and exchanging best practices among school nutrition staff. Establishes and analyzes reporting and recording systems to monitor metrics and submit review reports. Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver’s license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings. Working Conditions and Travel: This position requires approximately 85% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 15% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as conferences, meetings, and schools. There is also approximately three days of overnight travel per month. Requirements / Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s 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: Registered dietitian and experience working within a school system or with the Farm to School program. Familiarity with USDA Child Nutrition Program meal patterns. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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: 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: 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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!