Training Specialist

Reports To: Culinary Training Supervisor (Chef), School Nutrition Services Classification: Auxiliary (Skilled Labor) Wage/Hour Status: Non-Exempt Days: 199 See Compensation Plan for Auxiliary Pay Plan,Pay Grade 310 Contract: None Date Revised: 8/7/2026 Primary Purpose: The primary responsibility of this position is to coordinate and deliver training and professional development for new hires, manager trainees, and current staff while managing the daily operation of an assigned site. This position supervises and develops site-based staff and implements department training programs that strengthen employee knowledge, skills, and performance. Qualifications/Skills: Education/Certification: High school diploma or equivalent required Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Education, or a related field preferred. Meet annual USDA Professional Standard training requirements for School Nutrition Professionals Special Knowledge/Skills: Previous kitchen management experience is required. Strong presentation, facilitation, and public speaking skills. Ability to effectively train, coach, and mentor employees in both classroom and operational settings. Must possess strong organizational, oral, and written communication skills. Ability to deliver and evaluate training programs for employees at all levels. Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and strong ownership in carrying out assigned responsibilities while adhering to established department procedures and guidelines. Ability to assess operational needs and provide constructive coaching and feedback. Ability to adapt to changing priorities, operational needs, and training environments while maintaining a positive, professional, and solutions-oriented approach. Models School Nutrition Services culture and expectations through integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Experience: At least three to five years of experience in food service supervision, employee training and development, or a combination of both required. Minimum of two years’ experience operating in the field of K-12 School Nutrition federal programs preferred. Prior experience in delivering employee training programs preferred. Major Duties and Responsibilities: Training & Development: Provide on-site onboarding and orientation for new employees, including instruction on reimbursable meals, meal counting and claiming, kitchen operations, food safety, sanitation, and customer service. Train employees in ordering, receiving, storing, handling, preparing and serving food according to federal, state, and department requirements. Evaluate training effectiveness and recommend improvements to strengthen employee performance and operational consistency. Work will involve hands-on training at various locations around SBISD. Will be responsible for assessing the skills of new hires during the onboarding process and providing feedback to department leadership. Will coordinate with administrative team to build and constantly improve training program. May occasionally provide operational support to campuses during management transitions, onboarding of newly assigned Managers, and other department operational needs as assigned. Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local school nutrition program requirements. Assist in developing onboarding and employee development procedures. Assist in the development of teaching aids such as training handbooks, demonstration models, multimedia visual aids, computer tutorials, and reference works. Operations: Manage the daily operation of an assigned site while ensuring compliance with district, state and federal requirements. Work closely with SNS Office leadership to identify operational and training needs. Assist in testing, implementing, and promoting recipes, menus, merchandising strategies, and other initiatives that enhance customer experience Assess employee knowledge and performance and provide coaching, follow up training, and written evaluations as needed. Evaluate and assess trainee skills, provide written reports as needed Ensure that sanitation and district safety practices in all phases of the school food service operation meet established standards. Assure compliance with the required system of accountability as per the department’s handbook. Maintain a commitment to the department mission; model department expectations through personal leadership and actively support the efforts of others to achieve department goals Project a professional image in appearance and personal conduct. Utilize a positive, professional, proactive, and innovative approach to work. Maintain and respond to all district and department communications in a timely manner. Inspire innovation, operational excellence, quality, and customer experience that elevates the school meal program while driving continuous improvement and adapting to the evolving needs of School Nutrition Services. Safety and Sanitation: Ensure that sanitation and district safety practices in all phases of the school food service operation meet established standards. Assure compliance in the required system of accountability as per the manager handbook. Other: Support School Nutrition Services with regular attendance; expected to be reliable and punctual in reporting for work. Occasional prolonged and irregular working hours as well as other duties such as emergency feeding, emergency response, events, and other district sponsored events as needed. Foster a positive learning environment that supports employee development and continuous improvement. Serve as a role model by demonstrating School Nutrition Services standards for leadership, customer service, food safety, professionalism, and operational excellence. Perform other duties as assigned. Supervise assigned site-based staff. Train, supervise and evaluate staff according to established procedures. Equipment Used: Computer and various office equipment. Working Conditions: Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress. Work with frequent interruptions. This position requires regular in-person interaction with the public. Physical Demands: Continual standing, walking, pushing and pulling. Frequent stooping, bending, kneeling and climbing (ladder), moderate lifting and carrying. Moderate exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures. Occasional prolonged and/or irregular hours. #J-18808-Ljbffr