PROJECT DIRECTOR NUTRITION PROGRAM
Project Director Nutrition Program sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's local-government civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
It lists a master's degree as the baseline, with an experience-based path open to those who do not hold the degree.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under direction, plans, organizes, and administers a comprehensive nutrition program; does related work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The primary responsibility of positions in this class is to manage and direct a nutrition program. The paramount qualification for such positions is management and administrative knowledge and ability. Subject matter expertise in the field of nutrition or dietetics is not required. Positions requiring such specialized knowledge are classified in the nutrition or dietitian title series.
Examples of work
Manages the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for employee evaluation and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees. Plans, organizes, and administers a nutrition program including support services in accordance with appropriate federal or state guidelines. Identifies existing community agencies, organizations, and individuals with a potential to provide support services. Establishes liaison with resource agencies and individuals to ensure the provision to the project of required support social services such as outreach, escort services, transportation, recreation and leisure activities, information and referral, health and welfare counseling, and nutrition education. Plans and coordinates the utilization of all available social services. Develops project policies and procedures. Establishes and maintains fiscal controls, and prepares necessary budgets and contract amendments. Prepares and/or assists in preparing specifications for food and/or equipment purchases. Establishes necessary record keeping systems to ensure project compliance with relevant provisions of the State Sanitary Code and the nutrient standard method and/or any other system developed by the federal/state government which regulates the physical content of the meals served. Prepares periodic and special reports for local, state, and federal agencies especially those programmatic/fiscal reports relating to USDA reimbursement. Supervises, trains, and evaluates project staff. Prepares correspondence and necessary research. May be responsible for public relations activities including utilization of all media. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the principles and techniques involved in program management. Knowledge of available community and state agencies and resources. Knowledge of principles and techniques of program planning, budgetary control, and personnel management. Ability to utilize community resources for support services. Ability to plan and supervise programs involving nutrition needs and support services. Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods. Ability to give suitable assignments and instructions to assigned employees, provide them with needed advice and assistance, and check their work to see that proper procedures are followed so that reasonable standards of workmanship are maintained and that desired objectives are achieved. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to establish and maintain necessary records and files, and to operate and administer a grant-in-aid program. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester-hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Seven (7) years of professional experience in either a paid or volunteer capacity in such fields as social work, public health, gerontology, education, psychology, community organization, nursing home administration, nutrition, dietetics, home economics, and social or human services. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in one of the above-mentioned fields from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.