Nutrition Services Operations Specialist

Robbinsdale Area Schools is a well-established educational district committed to providing quality education and support services to its students and community. The district operates multiple schools and facilities, striving to maintain a safe, healthy, and productive environment for learning and growth. Known for its dedication to equity, diversity, and innovation, Robbinsdale Area Schools actively invests in programs that support student wellbeing and academic success. Among these initiatives is its comprehensive School Nutrition Programs designed to promote healthy eating habits and nutrition education for students across all its schools. The district seeks professionals who are passionate about advancing student health and well-being through efficient program operations and compliance with regulatory standards.

The Nutrition Services Operations Specialist position within Robbinsdale Area Schools’ Education Service Center is a critical role focused on supporting and coordinating the district’s school nutrition programs. This role is classified under Program Assistant Terms and Conditions, Level 9, with a salary range of $68,594 to $84,997 annually, which translates to $32.98 to $40.86 per hour plus benefits. The position involves an 8.5-hour workday, incorporating eight paid hours and a 30-minute unpaid lunch break, operating 52 weeks per year. The successful candidate will work under the general direction of the Director and Assistant Directors of Nutrition Services.

In this role, the Nutrition Services Operations Specialist assists in coordinating and training staff across all school nutrition programs, particularly focusing on kitchen support, production guidance, and program technology. The position ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws to uphold the integrity and effectiveness of the school nutrition programs throughout Robbinsdale Area Schools. A key responsibility includes traveling regularly to various schools within the district to monitor kitchen operations, ensuring quality control and supporting workflow efficiency in food production.

Additional duties involve developing and implementing standard operating procedures to maintain smooth kitchen operations, managing kitchen operations at different district sites as needed, and stepping in for absent managers or staff. Technological support is also an important aspect, overseeing point-of-service systems, inventory management, and back-of-the-house record keeping systems utilized by the Nutrition Services department.

Further, this specialist collaborates in menu development, introducing culturally relevant and new menu items, and managing their rollout district-wide. The role also includes preparing food according to planned menus and tested, uniform recipes using commercial foodservice equipment, as well as managing the online inventory system. The Nutrition Services Operations Specialist may also provide office support duties as assigned by the director, ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of department operations.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in food, nutrition, dietetics, culinary arts, or a related field, paired with relevant experience in kitchen workflow and quantity food preparation within the food service industry. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered. The position requires a Certified Minnesota Food Protection Manager credential to be obtained within two months of hire and a valid Minnesota driver’s license with the ability to drive work vans.

Robbinsdale Area Schools values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, emphasizing equity as a core district value. The district is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers candidates who may come from less traditional backgrounds, ensuring that all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.