Nutrition Services Specialist (Program Specialist II)

The work we do matters!
Hiring Agency:
Education - Agency 13
Location:
Lincoln, NE
Hiring Rate:
$30.979
Job Posting:
JR2026-00030023 Nutrition Services Specialist (Program Specialist II) (Open)
Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
11-05-2026
Job Description:
If you are passionate about the role food and nutrition play in helping children grow to reach their full potential, keep reading to find a rewarding position to build relationships and support students statewide! The Nebraska Department of Education is looking for a Nutrition Services Specialist to collaborate with public and non-public schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), and Child & Adult Food Care Program (CACFP).
If you are detail-oriented, great at multitasking, and enjoy helping others, this could be a great fit! This is a fun team with dedicated members with long-term expertise, so you will get great training and motivated candidates can grow with the team.
**The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions.**
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 well over $20,000 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits
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
Responds to inquiries and provides consultative services and technical assistance to local program operators.
Conducts program monitoring; determines program approval, regulatory compliance, and program quality related to administration of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), and Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) food service operations.
Analyzes results and writes review reports and monitors corrective action plans.
Guides school districts, educational service units (ESUs), and local organizations by establishing and expanding their nutrition programs.
Assists with development and delivery of training and workshops.
Prepares and updates US Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulation and policy guidance documents. Provides policy interpretation and technical assistance related to program regulations.
Working Conditions and Travel:
This position requires approximately 50% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 50% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as schools, educational service units, and other local organizations. There is also approximately five days of overnight travel per year.
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: Master’s degree in a related field and at least one year of related experience, registered dietitian.
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 nde.hrjobpostings@nebraska.gov.
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: https://link.nebraska.gov/
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: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits
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.