NUTRITION PROGRAM SPECIALIST APPRENTICE
New Jersey classifies Nutrition Program Specialist Apprentice as non-competitive, which skips the exam-and-list step and turns on whether you meet the minimum requirements.
Qualifying turns on a bachelor's degree. The FY 2027 range lands between $60,876 and $88,743.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →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 close supervision of a Nutrition Program Specialist 3 or other supervisory officer in the Department of Agriculture, as an apprentice and productive worker, receives on the job training in the delivery of nutrition programs, provides technical assistance, works with program staff to monitor program sponsors/participants to determine compliance with applicable program regulations, assists program staff responsible for implementing measures to expand program participation; performs related work as required.
Examples of work
- As an Apprentice and Productive Worker:
- Learns to develop surveys and other tools to collect and evaluate data needed for program activities and evaluations.
- Learns to develop standards for sponsors participating in nutrition programs and to review sponsor participation practices for administrative compliance.
- Learns to review and recommend action on applications submitted by potential sponsors.
- Learns to develop measurement criteria and evaluate sponsor's food service methods.
- Participates in meetings with organization, agencies and other interested groups to develop and promote child nutrition programs.
- Learns to evaluate meal patterns for participating sponsors to determine compliance with the nutritional requirements of the program.
- Learns to prepare reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
- Will be required to learn 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 or university with a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Food Service Management, Dietetics, Food Science, Food Technology, Home Economics, or other areas related to nutrition.
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 of nutrition, food nutrient contents and food groupings.
- Knowledge of the methods of menu planning and food purchasing.
- Knowledge of sanitary safe food handling standards.
- Ability to learn the methods and practices used to implement and evaluate the delivery of food service programs.
- Ability to learn the methods, materials, techniques and equipment used in quantity food service.
- Ability to learn how to interpret laws, rules and regulations regarding nutrition programs and apply them to specific situations.
- Ability to learn how to develop, implement and maintain an effective system of program delivery for nutrition programs.
- Ability to learn how to prepare and conduct trainings for program sponsors.
- Ability to gather and analyze information.
- Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods.
- Ability to develop and evaluate program participation standards, and develop recommendations for appropriate corrective action, when required.
- Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate and informative reports, containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the unit.
- Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by thy agency, office or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform 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.
- <b>TRAINEE ADVANCEMENT:</b>
- Upon the successful completion of a twenty-four (24) month apprenticeship, appointees will be eligible for advancement to Nutrition Program Specialist 1 in accordance with New Jersey Civil Service Commission procedures.
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.
The degree in Home Economics must include or be supplemented by eighteen (18) semester hour credits in Food and Nutrition.
The inability of an employee in the apprentice title to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to Nutrition Program Specialist 1 shall be considered as cause for separation.