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:

JR2026-00027795 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 developing a learning lab focused on procurement training to increase the number of purchasing relationships between schools and producers, and to better facilitate local food sourcing and enhance supply chains for rural schools through marketing and outreach. The hiring team is looking for candidates who are familiar with farm-to-school initiatives and local food systems, and experienced with USDA child nutrition programs and procurement standards.

 

**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 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

• Develops and implements training opportunities for school nutrition programs related to the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and increase procurement of local foods.
• Creates and updates evidence-based learning materials and resources to support training opportunities.
• Coordinates logistics for training events including identifying and reserving locations.
• Responds to inquiries and provides consultative services and technical assistance to local program operators.
• 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: Experience working with USDA Child Nutrition Programs (e.g., National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child & Adult Care Food Program) especially with menu planning, procurement, or operations. Familiarity with farm-to-school initiatives and local food systems.

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 [email protected].

 

 

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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.