Food and Nutrition Training Specialist (Trainers/Instructors)

Salary Information: B19, $5,150.00 - $5,500.00/MO.

State Classification: 1783 – Training & Development Specialist III

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Posting Number: 26-58395-1R

Location: Austin or 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 via CAPPS Careers. Applicants applying through Work In Texas (WIT) will be required to complete additional supplemental questions, optionally provide EEO information including how you heard about the job, and provide an electronic signature in CAPPS Careers to be considered for the position.

 

AGENCY INFORMATION

The Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually used to fund the programs for the State of Texas. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

WHAT YOU’LL DO: The Food & Nutrition (F&N) Training Specialist will perform complex training work support the internal and external training needs for the twelve USDA nutrition programs administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Food and Nutrition (F&N) Division. You will participate in planning, organizing, and delivering instructor-led training sessions, using a variety of training methods and adult learning principles. You will work under general supervision with moderate latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Schedule, coordinate, and conduct routine instructor-led synchronous and asynchronous training sessions for internal and external audiences to support strategic training metrics for all USDA nutrition programs administered by TDA F&N. Use current and established adult learning principles to deliver in-person and virtual training to contracting organizations, Education Service Center (ESC) staff, TDA F&N section staff, and other target audiences, as assigned. Assist in facilitating multi-day workshops.

Create and use training materials that support approved training curricula, including, but not limited to, instructor and participant guides, training aids, engagement activities, scenarios, team exercises, and group discussions. Coordinate with departments, subject matter experts, employees, customers, and stakeholders to ensure accuracy and relevance of developed materials, as assigned.

Manage and maintain inventory of training supplies. Organize and plan for supply and printing needs for training sessions or events. Assist in coordinating training event space, including, but not limited to, room set-up, audio/visual needs, event moderation, and/or producing.

Stay abreast of best practices in adult learning, research methodologies, visual training design, and computer and technology skills to deliver effective training. Stay abreast of federal and state policies, rules, regulations, and trends pertaining to the administration of USDA nutrition programs.

Serve as a professional resource for internal and external stakeholders regarding training programs, respond to customer and stakeholder inquiries, and coordinate with the F&N Communications team to promote training programs. Post training materials on hosting platforms and assist in maintaining training catalogs and other relevant documents and/or tracking tools.

Collect, compile, and maintain accurate records of training events, including class attendance, pre- and post- test data, and feedback surveys. Formulate knowledge assessments and feedback surveys. Assist in analyzing evaluation data, identifying gaps, and recommending solutions.

Assist in the analysis, design, and development of training coursework, as assigned.

Conduct and attend onboarding and job-shadowing activities such as the Administrative Review, on-site visits, interviews, etc., within F&N, the ESCs, and contracting organizations to identify gaps in training coursework, enhance understanding of training audience, and foster employee development.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for the position, applicants must submit a State of Texas Application through CAPPS Careers or WIT – experience listed on the application must state how each of the following qualifications are met:

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

Minimum of two (2) years of work experience in training, teaching, or presenting information to an adult audience, in a group setting.

Experience in conducting virtual and in-person training courses, Microsoft Teams, MS PowerPoint, and SharePoint.

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

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience in federally funded nutrition programs.

Work experience with a learning management system (LMS).

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of training procedures and techniques; of learning management and learning content management systems; of group processes, group dynamics, and interpersonal relations; of instructional and curriculum design; adult education principles, practices, and techniques; and of Food & Nutrition program procedures, policies, rules, and regulations.

Skill in oral and written communication; in instructing others; in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; in operating a personal computer with Microsoft office suite, SharePoint, and design software, including but not limited to Articulate and Adobe Creative Cloud.

Ability to formulate learning objectives, to develop training objectives, to assess the effectiveness of training, to assess training needs, to communicate effectively, to conduct research and work with subject matter experts to develop adult learning materials; to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions: Requires working in a 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 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. May involve travel, occasionally overnight (up to 30%).