TDA- Food & Nutrition Training & Development Specialist

FOOD & NUTRITION TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

(Position subject to availability of Federal Funds through August 31, 2026)

Salary Information:             $5,355.00 - $5,880.00 /MO. – B20

State Classification:             Training and Development Specialist IV - 1784

FLSA Status:                         Exempt

Posting Number:                  25-58395-1R

Location:                               San Antonio or Austin, TX

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: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/551/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Food & Nutrition (F&N) Training and Development Specialist performs highly complex training and development work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment. This position will analyze, design, develop, conduct, and evaluate training programs (employee performance-based, federal program, and compliance) 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 training needs of operators of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in the procurement processes of local foods and capacity to participate in Farm to School and Early Care activities. This position works under limited supervision with moderate latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Analyze, instructionally design, develop, and update instructor-led training (ILT), virtual instructor-led training (vILT), and eLearning training materials, programs, courses, and delivery systems in collaboration with departments, subject matter experts, employees, customers, and stakeholders to meet internal and external goals and objectives for the Farm to School State Formula grant.

Design, organize and develop training goals, curricula, course outlines, instructional methods, training aids, manuals, and other instructional materials.

Follow standard guidelines for assigned training goals, curricula, course outlines, instructional methods, training aids, manuals, and other instructional materials on all applicable federal and state rules and regulations pertaining to the nutrition programs administered by TDA.

Schedule and conduct synchronous and asynchronous training for internal and external customers, as assigned. Serve as a trainer, presenter, and facilitator statewide for TDA F&N’s Farm to School State Formula Grant initiatives.

Create and utilize training materials using a variety of techniques and formats such as eLearning, lectures, role playing, simulations, scenarios, case studies, videos, games, team exercises, group discussions, etc.

Keep abreast of, and utilize, best practices in adult learning, research methodologies, and instructional design principles as well as computer and technology skills to develop and deliver training. Keep abreast of federal program trends and policies.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

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

Minimum one (1) year of work experience in operating or teaching federal nutrition programs and/or performing compliance reviews for federal nutrition programs.

Minimum three (3) years of work experience managing the full content development lifecycle from needs analysis to training evaluation of adult learning performance-based employee training programs in an organizational, governmental, or corporate setting.

Work experience with a learning management system (LMS), ADDIE instructional design method, MS Teams, MS Office Suite, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Adobe.

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of all 12 federal nutrition programs administered by TDA; of training and development procedures and techniques; of learning management and learning content management systems; of group processes, group dynamics, and interpersonal relations; of instructional and curriculum design.

Skill in oral and written communication; in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; in instructing others; in using a computer and applicable software; and in facilitating workshops.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to formulate learning objectives, to develop training objectives; to assess the effectiveness of training and assess training needs; to provide guidance to others; and to exercise sound judgment 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; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds. Involves traveling by plane and/or car, frequently driving for long distances and frequent overnight travel – up to 40% travel. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed.

TELEWORK & WORK HOURS

TDA has a telework policy that will allow eligible positions to telework up to two (2) days per week after completing six (6) months of employment with the agency. The employee must meet eligibility criteria set forth in the Telework Policy.

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 a skills exercise/interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted for interview purposes.

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 Submission.

*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): The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7423.

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 military 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 Human Resources and Training and Development MOS Codes.