Dietitian na Johnston Community School District

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Director of Nutrition, the Dietitian supports the K-12 school nutrition program by planning, developing, and evaluating menus that meet federal child nutrition program guidelines. This role ensures compliance with all nutrition standards, oversees dietary modifications, supports local food procurement efforts, and provides expertise in food allergies, nutrition education, and wellness initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field
• Minimum of two years of experience in food & nutrition, dietetics, or related field
• Registered Dietician (RD) certification required, Licenced Dietician (LD) certification preferred
• ServSafe and School Nutrition Association certification or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, develop, and evaluate menus for K-12 breakfast and lunch programs, summer foodservice, and modified diets in compliance with federal child nutrition program regulations.
• Update and maintain software with accurate product information (ingredients, nutrition data, case pack details).
• Maintain all required product and dietary modification documentation, including:
• Child Nutrition (CN) labels for products
• Smart Snack calculators
• Diet modification requests and allergy student lists
• Summer foodservice meal counts and production records
• Work collaboratively with health staff, kitchen staff, and parents to plan and implement individualized special needs diets.
• Develop and test standardized recipes for new menu items.
• Order and maintain inventory of specialty food items,and package for distribution to buildings.
• Coordinate local food procurement/sourcing initiatives, including planning and implementing Iowa Local Food Day:
• Source and order local foods
• Assist with  signage and marketing materials to promote positive nutrition messaging
• Collaborate with Communications Department for social media content
• Provide training on food allergies and nutrition for staff, parents, and students.
• Assist parents with questions regarding the Child Nutrition Program.
• Build professional networks with other school districts, health professionals, and local food system stakeholders.
• Actively participate in nutrition-related committees and coalitions, and serve on the District’s wellness committee.
• Collaborate with the Communications Department to market and promote wellness programs, school meals, and summer meal opportunities.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Engage in professional development related to functions and responsibilities.
• Complete all required training.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Program and federal meal pattern requirements
• Knowledge of kitchen equipment and its safe use
• Proficiency with nutrition analysis software and Microsoft Office/Google Suite
• Ability to train and educate staff, parents, and students on nutrition and food safety
• Ability to adapt menus and recipes to meet diverse dietary needs
• Ability to maintain budgets, inventory and procurement processes.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills

In evaluating candidates for this position, Johnston Community School District may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequent sitting, moderate standing, walking, and climbing, occasional squatting, crouching, kneeling, and bending
• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to travel within district
• Exposure to kitchen equipment and food products
• Work is performed in office and kitchen environments

DISTRICT STATEMENT

Johnston Community School District is an equal-opportunity affirmative-action employer. It is the policy of the District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age, marital status in its employment and personnel practices. Johnston Community School District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the Executive Director of Human Resources, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, IA 50131, 515-278-0470.