Nutrition and Sustainability Specialist - School Nutrition

The Camden City School District is hiring a Nutrition and Sustainability Specialist to enhance sustainability in the Food Service Program. This role involves coordinating initiatives, analyzing data, and collaborating with various stakeholders to promote responsible resource use and reduce waste. Candidates should have 3-5 years of relevant experience and a high school diploma, with an Associate's degree preferred. The position is based in Camden, NJ, and is not remote.
JobID: 859
Position Type:
Operations/Specialist, School Nutrition
Date Posted:
6/10/2026
Location:
Camden City School District
Closing Date:
06/16/2026
CAMDEN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Nutrition and Sustainability Specialist - School Nutrition
Position Summary The Nutrition and Sustainability Specialist - School Nutrition supports and advances the district's sustainability goals within the Food Service Program by combining program coordination, data analysis, and strategic development. This position serves as both a hands-on coordinator and a technical expert, ensuring that sustainability initiatives in school cafeterias are effectively implemented, measured, and continuously improved. The Specialist works collaboratively with food service managers, custodial and facilities staff, students, and community partners to promote responsible resource use, reduce waste, and strengthen local and sustainable food sourcing across all schools.


Minimum Requirements

High school diploma required, Associate's degree preferred.
Experience: 3 - 5 years of experience in sustainability, environmental management, or food service operations, preferably in an educational or public-sector setting.
Preferred Certifications: LEED Green Associate, GRI Reporting, ServSafe, or related sustainability/food system certifications.

Core Responsibilities
Program Coordination & Implementation

Lead and coordinate sustainability initiatives across the district's cafeterias, including farm-to-school, food waste reduction, composting, and recycling programs.
Support cafeteria staff with implementing best practices in energy conservation, waste management, and sustainable purchasing.
Develop and manage student and staff engagement activities such as "Zero Waste Lunch Days," "Taste Test Tuesdays," and sustainability awareness campaigns.
Serve as the main liaison among food service, custodial, facilities, and academic departments to ensure alignment of sustainability goals.
Maintain communication with community partners, local farms, nonprofits, and vendors to strengthen program partnerships.

Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting

Collect, organize, and analyze data related to food purchasing, waste diversion, and energy consumption to identify opportunities for improvement.
Conduct food waste audits and evaluate cost and environmental impacts of operations.
Track and report progress toward district sustainability goals, including percentage of local foods purchased, waste diversion rates, and greenhouse gas reductions.
Create and maintain dashboards, progress reports, and summaries for district leadership, grants, and community stakeholders.
Provide evidence-based recommendations to improve program effectiveness and efficiency.

Sustainable Procurement & Compliance

Research and recommend sustainable products, packaging alternatives, and suppliers.
Evaluate vendor performance using sustainability criteria and certifications.
Support compliance with USDA Farm to School initiatives, local wellness policies, and district sustainability standards.
Contribute to the development of policies and procedures that promote environmentally responsible food service operations.

Education, Outreach & Training

Deliver staff training sessions on sustainability best practices in food service operations (e.g., waste sorting, energy-efficient equipment use, sustainable procurement).
Engage students in hands-on learning opportunities that connect sustainability, nutrition, and environmental awareness.
Collaborate with teachers and administrators to integrate sustainability themes into cafeteria and classroom experiences.

Strategic Development & Grant Support

Assist in developing long-term sustainability goals and action plans for food service operations.
Support the preparation of grant applications and performance reports by providing data, metrics, and success stories.
Identify innovative practices and technologies to advance the district's sustainability leadership.

The Specialist may also take on other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Director of School Nutrition and/or their designee.
An ideal candidate for this role will demonstrate the following and/or have experience with:

Strong project coordination and organizational skills.
Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and visualization tools (Excel, Google Sheets, P