Farm to School and Produce Purchasing Specialist, Nutrition Services

Farm to School & Produce Purchasing Specialist, Nutrition Services

Classification: Exempt

Date Posted: 11/19/2025

Salary: APT Range 7, ($60,796-$89,318)
Negotiable based on experience

Contract Length/ Days: (260 Days)

Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision and life insurance as well as other programs for benefit-eligible employees. The employee assistance program, voluntary life insurance through PERA, and 401(k), 403(b) & 457(b) plans are available to all employees regardless of hours worked and are available immediately (upon hire date). To learn more about our benefits, please see our Benefits Overview.

Paid Leave: Depending on your position, the District offers a variety of leave options, including sick leave, discretionary leave, vacation and paid holidays. More information about leave options available to Classified employees can be found in the Board of Education Policy Manual.

Reports to: Assistant Director of Nutrition Services

Deadline for application: Until filled
(Applicant screening will begin no later than December 3. Applications are still accepted until the position is filled; however, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible.)


EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Food Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Studies, Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, Education, or a related field; OR
• Associate’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Food Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Studies, Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, Education, or a related field; OR
• 2-5 years of experience in food systems, institutional food service, education, or program management.
• Knowledge of federal school meal program policies, requirements, and regulations.

Preferred:

• Strong understanding of agricultural practices and local/regional supply chains.
• Well-versed in agricultural policy and dedicated to supporting local/regional food programs.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary/Objective: The Farm to School & Produce Purchasing Specialist plays a key role in advancing the district’s commitment to serving fresh, locally sourced fruits and vegetables. This position is responsible for procuring all produce for the district’s school meal programs, developing and maintaining relationships with local farmers and distributors, and ensuring compliance with USDA and district procurement standards. The specialist also provides guidance and resources to support school garden initiatives and integrates local food education into the Nutrition Services program.

Essential Functions:

• Plan, source, and procure all fresh produce for school meal programs in accordance with federal, state, and district regulations.
• Manage vendor relationships, including local growers, distributors, and cooperative purchasing partners.
• Monitor product quality, pricing, and availability to ensure consistent supply and best value for the district.
• Oversee the development, solicitation, and evaluation of produce bids and proposals, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local procurement requirements.
• Ensure all purchasing complies with the Buy American provision and other USDA procurement requirements.
• Collaborate with warehouse and kitchen staff to coordinate product deliveries and menu forecasting.

• Lead and expand the district’s Farm to School initiatives, increasing the percentage of locally sourced foods served in school meals.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local producers, agricultural organizations, and community stakeholders.

• Serve as a resource for schools developing or maintaining garden programs.
• Provide guidance on garden-to-cafeteria protocols, food safety, and curriculum connections.
• Coordinate with teachers, staff, and community partners to align garden efforts with Farm to School goals.

• Support nutrition education and farm to school activities, such as taste tests, harvest-of-the-month promotions, and farm visits.

Additional Qualifications:

• Bilingual/Biliterate
• Experience in advancing justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, belonging, and liberation initiatives among a culturally diverse community.
• Certified Food Protection Manager Certification; OR
• ANAB-accredited food handler/safety training certificate; OR
• Experience in developing and implementing food safety programs in educational settings, following Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) principles.

Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Regular attendance is required for this position.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Work Environment/ Physical Demands:
The role primarily takes place in an office or school environment, where tasks involve extensive desk work and computer use for administrative functions, communication, and planning. The position requires the ability to sit for long periods and manage various distractions, necessitating strong visual, auditory, and ambulatory acuity. Physical demands involve lower body strength for prolonged standing and walking, alongside upper body strength to lift and transport materials (such as educational supplies, food items, or equipment) typically weighing up to 30 pounds over distances exceeding 50 feet, with team lifting capabilities of up to 50 pounds. Occasional exposure to weather extremes and fluorescent lighting is also a consideration.

EEO/AAP Statement
Greeley-Evans School District 6 shall not discriminate in its employment or hiring practices on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status or disability. The District shall identify, solicit, and consider applicants for employment from a broad spectrum of qualified individuals who will contribute to that effort. The Superintendent is committed to cultural diversity among district personnel as a means of enriching educational experience. The District shall identify, solicit, and consider applicants for employment from a broad spectrum of qualified individuals who will contribute to that effort.

Complaint procedures have been established for current employees, prospective employees, and applicants for employment. The name of the responsible employee who has been identified as the Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator for the District is as follows:
James Donahue, Title IX Coordinator & Compliance Officer
1025 Ninth Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631
Phone: 970-348-6104
Email address: jdonahue@greeleyschools.org