Nutrition Services Director

Salary : $153,928.82 - $180,754.39 Annually
Location : Within the boundaries of the Long Beach Unified School District, CA
Job Type: Full-Time, 12 months
Job Number: 27-5060-01
Department: Nutrition Services Branch
Opening Date: 10/02/2026

Job Summary
This application is for the Nutrition Services Director only. To apply for the Nutrition Services Assistant Director, please submit a separate application.

This recruitment is open on a continuous basis until filled. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

For more information regarding benefits package please visit:
Under administrative direction, plan, organize, control and direct the operations and activities of the District's Nutrition Services department; supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; perform related duties as assigned.
Examples of Duties

The classification specification does not describe all duties performed by all incumbents within the class. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed in this classification.
• Plan, organize, control and direct the operations and activities of the District's Nutrition Services department including review of school site cafeterias, nutritional education programs, free and reduced price meal program, maintenance of preparation and serving equipment, menu preparation, sanitation, storage, transport and delivery of food products and information technology, purchasing and accounting functions; assure compliance with federal and State laws, regulations and policies. E
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff; interview and select employees and recommend transfers, reassignment, termination and disciplinary actions; plan, coordinate and conduct in-service training programs. E
• Develop and implement policies, procedures and programs for Nutrition Services programs and activities; direct Nutrition Services operating procedures. E
• Provide technical expertise, information and assistance to District administration regarding assigned functions; advise administration of unusual trends or problems and recommend appropriate corrective action. E
• Direct the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records and files related to assigned activities and personnel. E
• Communicate with other administrators, personnel and outside organizations to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts and exchange information. E
• Prepare and develop the annual budgets for the Nutrition Services department; analyze and review budgetary and financial data; control and authorize expenditures. E
• Oversee and assure purchasing activities comply with applicable statutes, regulations and policies; approve specifications for purchase of food and equipment; authorize requisitions. E
• Oversee and direct the research of available products and interviewing of vendors to establish and maintain sources of supply through competitive bids; determine and recommend pricing for consideration by the Board of Education. E
• Direct the activities of the free and reduced price meal program to assure the department meets applicable regulations and accountability standards. E
• Direct the planning and implementation of operational changes with Nutrition Service managers, principals, site supervisors, or other District personnel. E
• Maintain current knowledge of institutional food service methods and trends; evaluate new methods for application within the department. E
• Oversee and direct the planning of kitchen and cafeteria layouts during construction and remodeling; direct the review of bids and analyze cost figures. E
• Coordinate dissemination of departmental information and nutrition materials to the public, staff and other organizations. E
• Direct and oversee research and special projects; monitor special projects and initiate changes to assure expeditious and successful cost-effective completion. E
• Analyze the impact of federal or state legislation or regulations on Nutrition Service programs and determine appropriate course of action. E
• Visit sites to observe and evaluate Nutrition Services personnel and procedures; develop and implement improved methods of food preparation and service; drive a District or personal vehicle to conduct site visits and attend meetings. E
• Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software programs. E
• Attend and participate in a variety of meetings, workshops, conferences and trainings to maintain current knowledge of emerging trends; make presentations regarding Nutrition Services operations. E

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an italicized E, which identifies essential duties, required of the classification. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

Planning, organizing and directing a large institutional nutrition service program, operations and activities.
Principles and practices of quantity food service preparation, serving and storage.
Sanitation and safety practices related to cooking and serving food.
Budget preparation and control.
Financial and statistical recordkeeping and report preparation techniques.
Oral and written communication skills.
Principles and practices of administration, supervision and training.
Applicable federal and State laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Operation of a computer and assigned software.
Strategic planning and project management techniques.
Public speaking techniques.

Ability to:

Plan, organize, control and direct the operations and activities of the Nutrition Services department.
Review and analyze work methods, procedures, and schedules.
Assure compliance with federal and State laws, regulations and policies including health and sanitation requirements.
Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Develop, prepare and monitor budgets.
Develop and evaluate procedures and processes.
Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.
Prepare and direct the preparation of a variety of comprehensive narrative and statistical reports.
Develop and implement long-term strategic plans.
Direct and evaluate in-service training programs for nutrition service employees.
Accept and carry out responsibility for direction, control and planning.
Maintain current knowledge of institutional food service methods and trends.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Operate a computer and assigned office equipment.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Plan and organize work.
Prepare and deliver oral presentations.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree, or equivalent educational experience, with a major or concentration in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business or a related field.

OR

Bachelor's degree, or equivalent educational experience, in any major and a State-recognized certificate for school nutrition directors.

OR

Bachelor's degree in any major and at least five years of experience in the management of school nutrition programs.

OR

Currently employed as a school nutrition director in a school district with a Student Enrollment category of 10,000 or more.

A master's degree in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business or a related field is preferred. Coursework in food service management or nutritional sciences is preferred.
Special Requirements

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and the use of a personal automobile.

Applicants for this classification will be required to obtain and submit, at his/her own expense, his/her current motor vehicle driving record at the time of appointment. The record must meet and be maintained at the District's safe driving standard. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the disqualification of the applicant regardless of any other standing.

Incumbents must obtain a valid Food Safety Manager certificate issued by an authorized agency within completion of probationary period and maintain certification throughout employment in this classification.

SELF-CERTIFICATION OF FOOD SAFETY TRAINING:

At the time of appointment, an incumbent must certify in writing they have completed eight hours of food safety training within five years of their employment start date or will complete eight hours of food safety training within 30 days of employment to this class. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the disqualification and/or rejection of the eligible regardless of any other standing.
If you have questions regarding your applications or the recruitment process you may contact: perscom@lbschools.net or 562-435-5708.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

The examination process for this recruitment may be comprised of one or any combination of the following: screening of the applicant's training, background, and experience; evaluation of responses on a supplemental application; written examination(s); qualifications appraisal oral examination; performance examination; or technical oral examination, scored on a job-related basis. Only the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the examination process. Successful candidates who pass all parts of the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list in order of their relative merit as determined by these competitive examinations.
The District provides excellent medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits as well as an income protection plan for eligible Classified employees.

For more information regarding health benefits please visit:
Classified employees earn paid vacation at the initial rate of 14 days for full-time 12 month employees (.055 hour for each hour worked) and receive increases after 5, 10, and 15 years of service for a total of 21 days after 15 years.

12 month Classified employees earn 13 working days of sick leave each year which are accumulated indefinitely. Employees of other California school districts who have accrued sick leave may transfer it to LBUSD in accordance with the California Education Code.

12 month Classified employees receive 14 paid holidays per year.
01

Completion of the following supplemental questions, submission of a letter of interest and resume are required of all applicants. This is considered an assessment in the examination process. An evaluation of the application, letter of interest, and resume will be conducted. A limited number of candidates who best meet the needs of the District will be invited to continue in the examination process. Responses that are incomplete or unclear will not receive credit. The education and work experience on your application must include all recent and relevant education and experience in order for your application and supplemental to be considered. For those questions to which you have no response, please indicate "no response".Please answer by selecting "Yes" as confirmation that you read these instructions.

• Yes, I have read the instructions.

02

Please select the specific education and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position.

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent educational experience, with a major or concentration in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent educational experience, in any major and a State-recognized certificate for school nutrition directors.
• Bachelor's degree in any major and at least five years of experience in the management of school nutrition programs.
• Currently employed as a school nutrition director in a school district with a Student Enrollment category of 10,000 or more.
• High school diploma or equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the supervision or management of school nutrition programs.
• Limited education and/or experience, willing to learn

03

Please confirm the following requirements for this position:1. You hold a valid California Class C driver's license or are willing to obtain one prior to appointment. 2. You are willing and able to use a personal vehicle for work duties.

• Yes, I have or am willing and able to obtain a valid California Class C driver's license prior to appointment. Additionally, I am willing and able to use a personal vehicle for work duties.