Child Nutrition Program Specialist

Child Nutrition Program Specialist - 37631

28.54 - 28.54 US per hour

Posted 3 days ago | Apply before October 1, 2026

Job
Agency:
Department of Education (DOE) - Child and Adult Nutrition Services (CANS)

Location:

Pierre, SDSalary:$28.54/hr.
Pay Grade:

J
Closing Date:10/01/2026

Are you looking to change career paths but still utilize your strengths/skills/talents? Do you enjoy traveling? Then this job may be for you!

We are seeking a self-motivated individual who can help us serve our mission of guiding and supporting South Dakota program operators in their efforts to provide nutritious meals and food to eligible participants. This position will make a difference in the lives of the children we serve. We are willing to provide on-the-job training for USDA nutrition programs and federal rules.

As an employee, there are many benefits as well as opportunities for professional growth and development!

What we offer to you beyond the paycheck:

• Flexibility with Travel, no On-call Time, and Most Work Done During Normal Office Hours
• Eligibility for Travel Per Diems
• Health Insurance ($0 employee-only premium option)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Basic Life Insurance Coverage (free to employees)
• Membership in the South Dakota Retirement System
• Vacation Leave (15 paid vacation days per year)
• Sick Leave (14 paid sick days)
• Paid Family Leave (40 hours per week for twelve weeks for birth or adoption of a child)
• Military Leave (15 paid days per calendar year)
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• Semimonthly Pay Periods

Join the SD Department of Education

The incumbent will coordinate and administer the USDA Child Nutrition Programs for South Dakota. This position will work with the Child Nutrition Programs team to manage, evaluate, and coordinate activities for nutrition programs including the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Special Milk, After school Snack, Child and Adult Care Food, and Summer Food Service programs for the South Dakota Department of Education.

To learn more about CANS please visit: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

This is a full-time, 40 hours weekly position with the Department of Education. Collaboration with federal partners and travel is frequent. Flexibility for travel schedule is allowed. For more information on the Department of Education, please visit  .

Primary Responsibilities for this position Include:

• working with the Child Nutrition Program team to direct, manage, and evaluate state and/or federal programs;
• collaborating with Child Nutrition Program operators (e.g. school districts, childcare centers, non-profits, etc.) to ensure rules and regulations are followed, and program integrity is maintained;
• reading and interpreting federal regulations to guide and assist Child Nutrition Program operators with questions about program operations;
• planning, developing, and conducting training for Child Nutrition Program operators at meetings, workshops, webinars, and/or conferences;
• planning and conducting outreach to expand programming to new organizations;
• assist with developing outreach materials.

In and out-of-state travel is required for this position. Travel is estimated at between 30-60%; although, actual travel amounts will be driven by needs of the job. Travel area will encompass the entire state of South Dakota.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9.The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here .This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.