TDA- FND- Food Ordering Specialist (69997)

Job Description

FOOD ORDERING SPECIALIST

Salary Information: B20, $5,460.00 - $5,775.00/MO.

State Classification: Program Specialist IV-1573

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Posting Number: 25-69997-1

Location: Austin, Houston, Waco, Ft Worth, Lubbock TX

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/551/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Food Ordering Specialist will work in a fast paced, multi-faceted environment providing highly complex consultative and technical assistance work for the USDA Foods section of the Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) Food and Nutrition (F&N) Division. Plan and coordinate orders with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for Contracting Entities (CE) participating in the National School Lunch Program (NLSP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Work under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepare, analyze, and submit highly complex and large USDA Foods orders for NSLP, SFSP, TEFAP and CSFP to USDA for eligible CEs in accordance with state and federal regulations; compare food orders against inventory levels; strategically plan and coordinate ordering activities to ensure CE requests or program inventory needs are ordered effectively and timely.

Perform on-going maintenance activities in USDA Foods systems including creating catalogs; managing orders and requests; shipments and allocations; and analyzing system data.

Manage and track entitlement in the various systems for NSLP, SFSP, and TEFAP; identify risks posed by entitlement usage rates; and provide recommendations to management.

Assist with the collection, organization, and/or preparation of materials and reports in response to Public Information Requests, Management Evaluations, and audits.

Assist in the development and maintenance of USDA Foods ordering resources and information.

Attend and present USDA Foods program ordering updates at conferences and events.

Provide backup responsibilities for other Food Ordering Specialists and the Senior Food Ordering Specialist.

Provide complex technical assistance and guidance for the ordering of USDA Foods in responding to inquiries and compliance with state and federal laws, regulations and/or requirements; and serve as a point-of-contact for the USDA and DLA ordering teams.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.



Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (one year's work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).

Minimum four (4) years of work experience administering a program interpreting and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

Work experience preparing reports, summaries and/or procedures and analyzing technical data.

Work experience with an automated tracking system or database.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; of public administration and management techniques; of research techniques; and of program management processes and techniques.

Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance; and in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to provide guidance to others; to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will work in a normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel (up to 5%), occasionally overnight.

TELEWORK & WORK HOURS

TDA has a telework policy that will allow eligible positions to telework up to two (2) days per week after completing six (6) months of employment with the agency. The employee must meet eligibility criteria set forth in the Telework Policy.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

ü Retirement Plan

ü Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees

ü Paid Holidays

ü Paid Vacation Leave

ü Paid Sick Leave

ü Longevity Pay

ü Dental

ü Vision

ü Dependent Optional Life Insurance

ü Voluntary AD&D Insurance

ü Dependent Health & Life Insurance

ü Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

*A valid government-issued driver's license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver's license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7423.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor's Office at Program Management MOS Codes.