FOOD DISTRIBUTION SPECIALIST 2

*THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE* Job Summary The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), Division of Food and Nutrition is seeking to fill one vacant Food Distribution Specialist 2 position in the Sparks office. Under the guidance of the Food Distribution Program (FDP) Supervisor, this position will be responsible for overseeing the USDA Foods Program for federal child nutrition programs and assisting with coordinating the Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program. This includes calculating entitlement funding for programs, collecting and analyzing entitlement usage and food order date for program planning, interpreting and explaining federal regulations to sponsors, providing training and technical assistance, providing guidance through memos, emails, telephone conversations, webinars, and individual and group training sessions. This position is also responsible for ordering and inventory tracking of USDA Foods. They must: communicate and coordinate with sponsors to determine products to be ordered, assist with Request for Proposals for processed end products, place food orders in the USDA ordering system for programs and for processors. This position will provide travel back up for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. This position must maintain knowledge of and remain current with federal and state laws and regulations, state NRS and NAC regulations, department policies and procedures, state administrative directives, and required state courses, maintain professional certification(s). The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applications are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages. Food Distribution Specialists perform administrative and professional work in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) by administering multiple USDA food programs and services, such as: The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to ensure sponsors receive USDA food to serve school children, seniors, and at-risk populations, including feeding people in need. Food Distribution Specialist positions will help to administer national food assistance programs, oversee, prepare and process documents for the purchase, issuance and transfer of USDA foods; issue, modify and monitor purchase orders and maintain records for the procurement of services, food, materials and supplies; expedite the flow of goods from vendor to user (or sponsor); and review, edit and develop selection criteria and vendor requirements. Essential Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, health or social sciences, or closely related field and one year of professional experience in planning, coordinating and administering a food distribution program which included acquisition and inventory; interpretation of laws and regulations; and the implementation of program performance standards and objectives for providing services; OR graduation from high school or equivalent education and three years of experience to include one year of professional experience performing duties as described above; OR one year of experience as a Food Distribution Specialist I in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above. Job Duties Develop and revise program documentation to include State Plans of Operation, USDA Foods Manual, and Policies and Procedures for multiple USDA food programs, including research and analysis of all USDA food programs statewide; ensure policies and procedures have been met; ensure programs are implemented in accordance with program goals and objectives and in compliance with federal regulations and State laws; analyze and interpret federal regulations and State laws; determine efficiencies and/or improvements needed that will impact program operations. Order USDA food products for USDA food programs; submit monthly orders to processors; ensure USDA foods and/or processed foods are allocated to agencies and ordered by sponsors; reconcile, monitor and evaluate bill of lading and purchase orders; process vendor invoices and adjustments according to delivered products. Identify inconsistencies or problems to expedite orders while working with vendor representatives to discuss needs or problems experienced with items purchased; contact vendors to resolve problems and arrange for delivery or return of items. Work with vendor representatives and others to discuss products and/or services and to provide information regarding applicable procurement policies and requirements. Manage USDA food inventory; review and reconcile inventory to determine product movement; ensure First-In First-Out (FIFO) process is being followed along with USDA processes for expired or damaged food; provide notification to sponsors, agencies and State warehouses of delayed or cancelled USDA food orders. Act as a liaison between USDA food programs, agencies, sponsors and vendors involved in the USDA food program to assure accurate and timely acquisition, deployment and entitlement funding and/or payment of goods and services; regularly coordinate and communicate with vendors and sponsors; ensure goods and services are procured, maintained and stored consistent with purchase orders and/or contracted terms, conditions and delivery timeframes; coordinate with various vendors to provide information and resolve problems concerning delivery schedules, billings, and recalls. Plan and coordinate USDA grants assigned with sponsors and agencies; prepare grant documents such as request for applications and required grant forms; collaborate with staff on the grant award process to determine awardee of grant funds. Maintain and monitor computerized record systems; distribute documentation to appropriate sponsors and vendors; ensure compliance with State and federal statutes and regulations along with departmental policies and procedures; compile and organize data for reporting; maintain participant records; update information records, database; generate and distribute formalized reports; gather statistics; approve and add new entitlement sponsors to system; establish login credentials. Monitor program quality and compliance to ensure programs are operating effectively, efficiently and in compliance with program requirements; manage and resolve USDA food complaints in accordance with State and Federal guidelines; monitor vendor performance and the quality of goods and services purchased to ensure continued compliance with contract specifications; work with vendors and sponsors to remedy discrepancies and/or modify or cancel contract if necessary; communicate with sponsors to discuss needs or problems and to provide product/program information. Outreach and collaborate with agencies and sponsors receiving entitlement and funding; determine and distribute entitlement funding for statewide USDA food programs; transfer entitlements for sponsors and State level entitlement transfers for Department of Defense. Establish and maintain cooperative working agreements and relationships with agencies and sponsors involved in the USDA Food Distribution Programs. Coordinate on annual processor agreements; verify USDA food value drawdowns to create certified price lists; participate in USDA food recalls involving agencies, sponsors, warehouse personnel, and USDA management; prepare and assist with contracts and Request for Proposals (RFP) processes for processed food end products; manage budget authority for USDA processed food contracts. Provide specialized information and services and provide technical assistance and guidance to service providers and sponsors regarding USDA food entitlement orders through email, telephone, and webinars for applicable programs; provide information, either verbally or in writing, to other State and federal agencies, management, department staff, program participants and the general public to ensure understanding and compliance; explain and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and applicable regulations; may develop and conduct presentations as required. Work with vendor representatives and others to discuss products and/or services. Perform related duties as assigned. Under administrative direction, incumbents perform the full range of duties described in the series concept. Incumbents at this level administer one or more programs or a major component of a large, complex program which affects a more targeted number of customers or clients and have a wide degree of latitude in determining specific methods, operations, activities and processes required to accomplish assigned duties and decisions such as revising, recommending, and implementing changes to work plans, program performance standards and objectives which are made independently through the direction of overall program goals. Position independently makes decisions regarding day-to-day program administration activities; apply recognized professional principles to develop solutions to problems; interpret and apply new and existing policies and procedures and monitor and assess the effectiveness and efficiency of program operations. Incumbents may supervise lower level Food Distribution Specialist I positions or lower level administrative support staff to include performance evaluations, work performance standards, assigning and reviewing work, scheduling, training and discipline. This level is distinguished from the Food Distribution Specialist I by a broader scope of responsibility; a higher-level of knowledge, skills and abilities required; and by greater consequence of error. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level. Working knowledge of: principles and practices of order/inventory management. General knowledge of: business practices applicable to USDA food programs; policies, procedures rules and regulations of the program to be administered; types, characteristics and supply sources of commodities; procurement and distribution of USDA food relating to the State plan; principles and practices regarding contractual agreements; implementation of policies and procedures; principles and practices of analysis and examination of USDA food programs. Ability to: analyze, apply and interpret policies and procedures, regulations and technical materials related to the program area; interpret, apply and explain applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures and apply interpretations to specific situations; analyze, evaluate and solve procedural problems; develop statistical, analytical and narrative reports; negotiate agreements and/or contracts; develop policies and procedures applicable to program area; investigate and evaluate alternatives and implement effective solutions; research issues, concerns or complaints and provide information and recommendations; establish and maintain accurate records; provide technical support and guidance to staff, sponsors and vendors; complete required grant forms and documents related to program requirements. Recruiter information: Alan Carino
- acarino@admin.nv.gov The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages. Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement. Benefits Include
• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay. Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU). For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).
• State Holidays The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature. The Following Are Legal Holidays January 1.............................................. New Year's Day Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Third Monday in February................ Washington’s Birthday Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day July 4.................................................... Independence Day First Monday in September.............. Labor Day Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day November 11........................................ Veterans' Day Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day December 25........................................ Christmas Day When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255 01 Do you have any of the following?
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, health or social sciences, or closely related field and one year of professional experience in planning, coordinating and administering a food distribution program which included acquisition and inventory; interpretation of laws and regulations; and the implementation of program performance standards and objectives for providing services.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent education and three years of experience to include one year of professional experience performing duties as described above.
• One year of experience as a Food Distribution Specialist 1 in Nevada State service.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
• None of the above. 02 A pre-employment criminal history check and fingerprinting are required. Persons offered employment in this position will be required to pay for these items. Can you meet this requirement?
• Yes
• No 03 A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment and as a condition of continuing employment. Can you meet this requirement?
• Yes
• No 04 This position requires up to 25% of travel. Can you meet this requirement?
• Yes
• No 05 Describe your experience working in federal grant and entitlement programs. 06 Describe your experience collecting and analyzing data for program planning. 07 Describe your experience in monitoring program compliance with federal regulations. 08 Describe any experience you have working with food inventory and ordering management.
• Required Question