CHIEF, BUREAU OF FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS

Code: 34105 State Competitive Range: &30 (FY 2027) Work week NL: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $100,498.48 - $148,186.78/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

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. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the direction of the Division Director, Food and Nutrition, Department of Agriculture, plans, organizes, directs and monitors programs involving the requisition, receipt, storage, allocation, distribution, accounting and inspection of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) foods used throughout the State of New Jersey and issued to eligible agencies and sponsors (public and non-public) participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Manages staff and work activities. Prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Plans, organizes, and develops, in accordance with federal requirements, appropriate state and local facilities, processes, and mechanisms to receive, store, distribute and utilize federally donated USDA Foods. Organizes and maintains effective liaison with various state departments, the USDA, Mid-Atlantic Regional office, and local governments pertaining to the distribution of USDA Foods. Implements all general policies and regulations of the USDA and establishes and maintains state policies and requirements which pertain to Food Distribution of USDA Food within the State of New Jersey. Plans and directs efforts toward expanding food distribution programs by converting federal donated staple food items into manufactured or processed food items, thereby expanding the utility and value of foods received and used in New Jersey. Administers special programs involving the distribution of varying federal surplus USDA foods to specific food insecure individuals through community, civic, and governmental agencies and/or organizations. Plans, organizes, and directs the accounting and allocations, field inspections, storage, distribution, and compliance functions in support of the food distribution programs. Develops the Bureau's plans of work and annual budget request; establishes the Bureau's standard operating procedures (SOPs); gives appropriate assignments and instruction to Bureau personnel and evaluates work performance; makes recommendations for program and organizational improvements to the Division Director. Manages fiscal responsibilities of the food distribution units with the annual budget, administrative funding through the USDA, events, etc. Manages grant funding offered through various federal and state agencies for all programs. Plans and administers the Emergency Food Assistance Program in the distribution of USDA foods to needy individuals and the administrative funding to the Emergency Feeding Organizations (EFOs) participating in the program. Supervises claim determinations to affix responsibility for lost, destroyed, or damaged USDA Foods in accordance with USDA regulations. Develops and maintains contacts with contracted commercial warehouses, establishes accounting procedures, and regulates proper storage and handling of USDA Foods. Develops requirements for state contracted commercial warehouse contracts, working closely with the Division of Purchase & Property (DPP). Determines the utilization of USDA Foods, by program, by creating a demand driven means for ordering. Coordinates plans to provide timely and efficient distribution of USDA Foods during a natural disaster or major disaster, to locations across the state, working in conjunction with the USDA, Office of Emergency Management, and other state agencies. Plans, organizes, and participates in state workshops or seminars as requested. Plans an annual USDA Foods Conference for the National School Lunch Programs Processed Commodities Program. Establishes and gives final approval to all formal and informal contracts and agreements with recipient agencies of USDA Foods, such as Emergency Feeding Organizations, Schools, Summer Camps, Day Cares and Processors. Performs necessary duties in representing the Secretary of Agriculture as requested. Prepares correspondence in the course of official duties and directs the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files. Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate and informative statistical, financial, and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. 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.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor's degree in agriculture, business administration, or food science.

Experience

Five (5) years of professional experience in the areas of food processing, purchasing, storing and the utilization of USDA Foods, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

License

Appointees 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 functions of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the federal and state laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the distribution and use of federally distributed USDA Foods. Knowledge of the National School Lunch Program, The Emergency Food Assistance Program, and other public food programs and possibilities for use of available commodities in various kinds of feeding operations conducted through it. Knowledge of federal guidelines concerning the distribution of varying surplus commodities to specific food insecure individuals. Knowledge of program planning and personnel management with application to USDA Food programs. Knowledge of the contracting and purchasing procedures used in the food distribution business sufficiently enough to permit involvement in the handling of bids, agreements, specifications, contracts (food processing and warehousing), and agreements with partner agencies and recipient agencies. Knowledge of the USDA foods processing industry sufficiently enough to permit involvement in processing of staple food items into more readily usable and acceptable forms. Knowledge of administration and record keeping essential to proper functions to centralized food distribution programs. Knowledge of food warehousing and delivery procedures. Ability to formulate policies and plans for USDA Foods support during emergencies. Ability to work effectively with representatives of the federal government, state government, warehouse operators, and recipient agencies. Ability to research the problems associated with the distribution of USDA Foods and to prepare recommendations, reports, and discussions. Ability to compile information concerning the rate of utilization of the various USDA Foods and to program the movement of USDA Foods in the state accordingly. Ability to plan, assign, instruct, and supervise the work of the various employees of the Bureau. Ability to determine whether stored supplies are being properly handled and whether the records are correct. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative budget, statistical, financial, progress, and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to supervise the maintenance of essential records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the state 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 who do not possess the required education may substitute additional experience as indicated on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.