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Job Description
Tacoma Public Schools
Expected Start Date: As soon as possible (by August 1, 2025)
FTE: 1.0
Salary: $122,902 - $160,336 DOE
Union/Work Year: Exempt Professional; 12-month 260 days
Benefits: This position is Benefits Eligible
SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Director, Strategic Financial Operations, this position implements the District’s Child Nutrition Services Program. It ensures compliance with regulations set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The role also assists in the development and management of annual budgets and supports labor contract negotiations.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1.As assigned by the Director of Strategic Financial Operations, implements and manages the District’s Child Nutrition Services Program. Conducts site visits to schools to monitor service quality and identify areas for improvement. Responds to parent inquiries regarding the program.
2.Manages departmental budgets and assists the Director in monitoring financial and operational key performance indicators (KPIs).
3.Develops menus that comply with federal, state, and district requirements for school breakfast and lunch programs, as well as special functions, à la carte offerings, and other child nutrition programs adopted by the District.
4.Oversees nutrition analysis and ingredients lists for all programs. Facilitates United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food allocation and distribution. Ensures effective communication of food allergen information from the Nutrition Services Department to schools, parent(s)/guardian(s), and students. maintains up-to-date nutrition information from manufacturers and other recognized sources and stays informed on all USDA and OSPI Child Nutrition Services (CNS) communications regarding regulatory changes and program updates.
5.Supervises assigned staff, makes hiring recommendations, and evaluates, commends, and disciplines employees as appropriate. Approves leave and overtime, assigns and reviews work, encourages and facilitates participation in in-service training opportunities and promotes a high-quality customer service environment. This position also ensures staff receive district-wide and departmental communications that support the overall quality of the Child Nutrition Services Program.
6.Assesses individual lunchroom staffing needs and develops a work structure for efficient production; recommends work performance standards to the Director and helps to implement standards.
7.Documents and assists in developing specifications for food, food services equipment, and supplies. Coordinates order processing, support the development of bid specifications and the issuance of requisitions. Assists in identifying equipment needs for both new and existing lunchrooms.
8.Supervises food preparation and service operations through Field Managers. Ensures that all conditions are sanitary, safe, and compliant with federal, state, county, and district regulations and guidelines.
9.Develops and maintains documents, procedures, and general bulletins to support the operation of the Child Nutrition Services Program.
10. Ensures compliance with departmental procedures and District policies, communicates these procedures to schools, departments, and vendors. Meets with principals to assess challenges and develop solutions.
11.Under direction of the Director, coordinates food services with students and other District departments. Fosters positive public relations with students, parents, and the community. Assists teachers and students with nutrition education.
12.Under direction of the Director, coordinates the annual audit of free and reduced-price meals in accordance with prescribed guidelines by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
13.Supports the District negotiating team in matters related to the Nutrition Services bargaining unit.
14. Develops a solid understanding of the bargaining unit contract and its application. Maintains positive working relationships with Nutrition Services union leaders.
15. Annually represents the district by participating in a national or state School Nutrition Association conference, attending classes, and gathering best practices to enhance the District’s Child Nutrition Services Program.
OTHER JOB DUTIES
1. Maintains and updates knowledge and skills required for success in the position by participating in professional development activities as needed or as assigned.
2. Manages special projects and performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.
3. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.
CONDITIONS
Experiences frequent interruptions and inflexible deadlines; occasionally required to deal with difficult and sensitive situations and /or people; required to travel to District and other sites within the community; required to work extended hours as needed; may be exposed to hazardous chemicals or high noise levels; may be required to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, hotel/restaurant management, business administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university, preferred. Five years of school food services management experience, to include successful supervisory and departmental budget responsibility. Or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.
Licenses/Special Requirements
Must maintain all licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment .
Valid Washington State Food Handler’s card.
School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) credential and Certified Food Protection Manager certification required or will need to be completed within the first six (6) months within this role.
Valid Washington State driver’s license with access to personal transportation.
Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.
Allowable Substitution
Additional experience as a food services manager may substitute for up to two years of the educational requirement.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of menu planning and basic food elements relative to health and nutrition.
Knowledge of federal and state requirements for food services programs and child nutrition.
Knowledge of proper child nutrition practices and procedures.
Knowledge of fiscal management and budget preparation for a school meals program and the ability to develop and monitor budgets.
Knowledge of kitchen layouts and equipment placement.
Knowledge of food marketing techniques.
Knowledge of effective supervisory principles and practices and the ability to supervise the work of assigned staff.
Skill in decision-making and problem solving.
Skill in obtaining, clarifying, and exchanging information.
Skill in making presentations and training staff.
Skill in producing effective written documents.
Skill in promoting a quality customer service environment.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and maintain good follow-through procedures.
Ability to coordinate activities.
Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable and regular attendance.
Ability to work under pressure and meet established deadlines.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic setting.
Ability to participate as a member of a team.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. District administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the primary functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
Tacoma Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:- Civil Rights Coordinator: Tiffany Davis-Brantley, 253-571-1252,civilrights@tacoma.k12.wa.us
- Title IX Coordinator: Wayne Greer, 253-571-1191,wgreer@tacoma.k12.wa.us
- 504 Coordinator: Elise Friedrich-Nielsen, 253-571-1065,efriedr@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Mailing address: P.O. Box 1357, Tacoma, WA 98401-1357.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Tacoma Public Schools
Show moreTacoma Public Schools (TPS) is one of the largest districts in Washington State serving approximately 30,000 children in preschool through grade 12. The district has 35 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, 10 high schools and 4 early learning centers. 19 schools are designated as innovative. TPS has nearly 5,000 employees and is one of the largest employers in Tacoma.
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