Nutrition Education Assistant

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5, employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

About the Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helps limited-resource families and youth improve their health through hands-on nutrition education. EFNEP staff work directly in the community to teach practical skills in healthy eating, meal planning, food safety, and physical activity—empowering participants to make lasting, positive changes for themselves and their families.

Click here to learn how you can be a part of EFNEP through AgriLife Extension and make a lasting difference in the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities!

This position is funded by a Federal grant and is therefore contingent upon availability of funds.

This position will start in late October/early November.

Position Information

The Nutrition Education Assistant, with training and supervision, teaches (in-person and/or virtually) about nutrition, food resource management, food safety, and physical activity in culturally sensitive and appropriate ways for adults and/or youth, for low-income audiences in various community locations.

Responsibilities

The following are the functions essential to performing this job.

• Recruits adults and/or youth who meet program guidelines.

• Uses research-based, approved educational materials to instruct youth and/or adults either in-person and/or virtually.

• Prepares food for recipes and instructs youth and/or adults through food demonstrations.

• Collects and tracks program data.

Required Education & Experience

• High School diploma or GED, additional education is not considered an advantage.

Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills

• Ability to work with audiences of varied backgrounds.

• Proficient computer skills – Microsoft Office programs – Word and Power Point; Excel, etc.

• Ability to communicate effectively with adults and/or youth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with low resource audiences and working cooperatively with support systems, networks, and agency programs available for low-income people/low resource audience.

• Knowledge or teaching experience related to nutrition, food safety, food resource management and physical activity topics, guidelines, and best practices.

• Experience teaching groups of people.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

• Working knowledge of Zoom and/or Microsoft Teams to conduct virtual lessons

• Ability to follow a curriculum including teaching and speaking publicly, strong communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse audience.

• Ability to work independently, be self-motivated and give attention to detail and maintain accurate records.

• Ability to keep written logs of activities, complete reports, and organize materials.

• Familiar with the community where the position is located.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Must be willing to work necessary hours to fulfill job responsibilities (some evenings and weekends). Hours worked will not exceed 40 per week.

• This position will require daily travel to multiple work sites in county. Must be willing to travel to required trainings outside of county.

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – EFNEP does not provide transportation and the position requires access to reliable transportation. The agency will follow applicable policies if personal vehicle is used, which may include reimbursement at a pre-established rate.

• Must be able to lift, carry, and/or otherwise move instructional materials weighing up to 40 lbs from vehicle to work site and from work site to vehicle.

Preferred Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses

• Valid driver’s license.

• Current liability insurance.

What You Need to Know

Hourly Rate: $17.90

Flexible Work Arrangements: Flexible work schedules and remote work options may be available for this position, depending on the nature of the role and employee eligibility, in accordance with AgriLife Alternate Work Location Procedures.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays.

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife.