Nutrition Educator - Community Health Advocate (KSRE SNAP-Ed)

How to Apply: Apply online through K-State Careers.

Only applications submitted through the K-State career portal will be accepted: careers.k-state.edu

• Job no: 518625
• Office Location: Colby, KS
• Interview dates will likely be January 7th - 13th
• Preferred start date: 2/18/25 or 3/3/25 (later start date is negotiable)

The Extension Nutrition Program, within K-State Research and Extension, is currently seeking a full-time Nutrition Educator. Nutrition educators support the Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) mission of empowering limited-resource Kansans to achieve healthy lives and reduce health disparities.

Nutrition educators will use evidence-based strategies, including:

• Direct education in various settings.
• Community-based projects to address policy, system, and environmental (PSE) changes.
• Public health approaches to help children, adults and older adults improve dietary quality, develop food resource management skills and increase physical activity.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Planning and preparation

• Collaborate with local extension professionals to assess the nutrition and health needs of residents with limited resources.
• Prepare for events by gathering necessary materials. (For example, purchasing and preparing food for a cooking demonstration.)

Teaching

• Coordinate, prepare and deliver curriculum-based nutrition education programming to groups and individuals of various ages. Programs may be hosted online, as hybrid events or in settings like housing authorities, food pantries, schools, etc. Educational events will include recipe demonstrations, informational presentations, and interactive lessons.
• Communicate and interact appropriately with culturally diverse audiences.
• Utilize critical thinking skills to solve problems and adapt to new situations that may arise while working with clients.

Community outreach and policy, system, and environmental (PSE) work

• Develop partnerships and contacts with local service agencies, school districts and other community organizations.
• Participate in community coalitions to promote, implement and support initiatives for PSE changes related to SNAP-Ed objectives.
• Serve as a local SNAP-Ed program and K-State Research and Extension representative for northwest Kansas.

Reporting

• Gather data and compile SNAP-Ed reports and records.

Professional development

• Participate in regular training, including staff meetings, statewide trainings and events, and approved conferences and workshops to improve nutrition knowledge, teaching practices, cultural awareness, and record keeping skills.

This position reports to the Northwest Kansas SNAP-Ed Regional Specialist.

About Us

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) is a nutrition education program provided at no cost to Kansas families with limited resources. Our goal is to provide nutrition education to individuals and families who receive food assistance or who are eligible to receive food assistance. In addition, we promote, implement and support initiatives for Policy, System and Environmental changes to improve dietary quality, prevent obesity and increase physical activity. SNAP-Ed is sponsored by the USDA through a contract with the Kansas Department for Children and Families and implemented by K-State Research and Extension. For more information about Kansas SNAP-Ed go to k-state.edu/ks-snaped.

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. Our system is designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. We are a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. We have extension offices in every Kansas county. Learn more at ksre.k-state.edu.

Location and Worksite Options

This position will serve communities in northwest Kansas. The service area will include, but is not limited to Cheyenne, Rawlins, Sherman, Thomas, and Wallace counties. The primary office is in Colby, KS.

This position is on-site and will require regular travel to various sites within northwest Kansas. It will also involve occasional overnight travel for trainings (approximately 2-3 times per year).

This position is benefits eligible: health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance program, paid time off-vacation, sick and holidays. To learn more visit: www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma (or equivalent).
• Two years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in nutrition, family and consumer sciences, public health, education, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated interest in physical activity, food safety, meal planning, food preparation and food resource management.
• Experience working with limited-resource families and diverse audiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, confident speaking in front of groups and facilitating meetings.
• Leadership experience in community-level initiatives.
• Experience facilitating educational programs with youth, adults and older adults.
• Understanding of public health approaches to promote policy, system and environmental changes to improve access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities.
• Experience complying with standardized policies and procedures and grant reporting requirements.
• Bilingual / ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking learners.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance and reliable transportation.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• A cover letter explaining why you are a good candidate for this position.
• A resume detailing your education, employment history, and relevant experiences.

You will also be asked to provide contact information for three professional references.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$16.50-$20.50/hour

This position is benefits eligible. Full-time benefits include: health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance program, paid time off-vacation, sick and holidays. To learn more visit: k-state.edu/hr/benefits.

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Work Authorization:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.50 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Colby, KS: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $21