TDA - Farm Fresh Specialist

Farm Fresh Specialist

(Training, Grants)

This is a grant-funded position that is subject to availability of funds up to/through September 30, 2026.

Salary Information:    $5,000.00.00 - $5,360.00/MO – B20

State Classification:    Program Specialist IV – 1573

FLSA Status:                Exempt

Posting Number:         25- 58145-1R (Temporary Position)

Location:                      Austin and San Antonio, Tx

Telework Option:         TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online at via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Farm Fresh Specialist performs highly complex consultative and technical assistance work. This position will plan, design, develop, and conduct training, presentational, and instructional design services for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Food and Nutrition (F&N) Division to support the USDA Patrick Leahy Farm to School State Formula Grant. You will participate in identifying and addressing the needs of National School Lunch Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program operators in the procurement processes of local foods and the capacity to participate in Farm to School and Early Care activities. This position works under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinate and implement grant activities and ensure the activities meet established performance measures.

Coordinate assigned projects, including identifying required resources and ensuring project schedules are completed within agreed-upon time frames.

Serve as a Texas Farm to School and Early Care liaison, enhance existing relationships with local producers, contract entities, other F&N sections, TDA divisions, state and federal agencies and professional associations and other stakeholders that impact Farm to School and Early Care activities in Texas.

Create and implement grant evaluation methods related to assigned work. Analyze evaluation findings and recommend actions and best practices that may be scaled for statewide implementation.

Develop and implement curricula, training materials, courses, and delivery systems in collaboration with subject matter experts to meet internal and external goals and objectives for the FRESH TRAYS Grant.

Submit quarterly reports, presentation requirements, and documentation as requested and required by USDA.

Serve as a trainer, presenter, and facilitator statewide for TDA F&N’s Farm to School State Formula Grant initiatives.

Compile, analyze, and evaluate training-related data (from sources such as course registration, attendance, knowledge assessments, feedback surveys, polls, etc.) and integrate solutions and recommendations into assignments.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION (The application must state how each of the following qualifications are met. Resumes do not take the place of the required state of Texas application which must be completed in CAPPS or WIT.)

Bachelor’s Degree (One year of work experience related to the primary responsibilities may substitute for one year of college).

Two (2) years of experience developing training materials and training programs suitable for adult learners.   

Experience with public speaking, presenting, and training adult audiences in workshop and conference settings.

Valid Texas driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum one (1) year of experience operating, teaching, or compliance reviewing federal nutrition programs.

Knowledge of Farm to School and Early Care Programs.

Experience in coordinating grant activities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of instructional and curriculum design; of training and development procedures and techniques suitable for adult learning; of learning management systems; and of organizational processes.

Skill in providing customer service excellence to internal and external customers; in oral and written communication suitable for public speaking and presenting; in operating a laptop computer and presenting software, and in facilitating virtual and in-person workshops.

Ability to formulate actionable learning objectives; to assess the effectiveness of training; to assess training needs; conduct consultations with stakeholders; provide guidance and feedback to others; and to exercise sound judgement and discretion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing for prolonged periods of time; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping, and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. Will involve statewide travel (50%), including overnight, evenings, and weekends, as needed.

TELEWORK & WORK HOURS

The agency does not offer telework. TDA employees are required to be physically present for work.

The agency’s core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls.  If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

*A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): TDA is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, military status, or protected activity.

Reasonable Accommodations: If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview or an HR representative at 512-463-7423.  Whenever possible, please give the hiring or HR representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Program Management MOS Codes.