ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

Job Posting End Date:

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

DESCRIPTION 

Under direction from the Director of the Food and Nutrition Service, the Area Field Representative is responsible for food service operations in an assigned geographical area. The position plans and coordinates operations to ensure nutritionally, educationally, and financially sound school food and nutrition service programs. The position is responsible for successfully planning and implementing programs that meet regulatory and nutritional requirements for students and maintaining a safe and sanitary environment.   

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

A combination of education and experience may be considered. 

Education:  

High school diploma (or equivalent).   

Certification/Licensure:  

Completion of the Maryland Certificate for the "Applied Food Service Sanitation Management" course within six (6) months of employment.  

Experience:  

Seven (7) years of supervisory experience in a large food service operation or organization that oversees public school food service programs with a high school diploma or GED equivalent.    

Five (5) years of supervisory experience in a large food service operation or organization that oversees public school food service programs with an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university.    

Three (3) years of supervisory experience in a large food service operation or organization that oversees public school food service programs with a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

Associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in food and nutrition, dietetics, institutional food service management, or a related field with appropriate courses in dietetics, nutrition, food service management, and business.   

One (1) year of supervisory experience in a school system food service program.   

Registered Dietitian with the American Dietitian Association.   

Proficiency with the Nutritionist N or Nutri-Kids software program for nutrient analysis of menus.    

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES  

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.  

Instruct managers and cafeteria staff in all aspects of the food and nutrition service program.    

Determine compliance with the federal food program requirements, with free and reduced-price meal procedures and with civil rights regulations.   

Interpret and implement policies and procedures for countywide operation of school food and nutrition service.    

Conduct, review, and make reports.    

Plan and conduct training programs.  

Plan and evaluate menus for use in all programs.   

Screen and process food orders.   

Oversee inventory control.   

Plan and oversee catering events.    

Evaluate cafeteria and satellite managers' performance.  

Maintain liaison with principals.    

Respond to inquiries from community, staff, and student groups.    

Analyze menus for nutrient content.    

Prepare and review work schedules.   

Evaluate and make recommendations for the selection of foods.  

Advise and maintain control of equipment maintenance and repairs.    

Availability to work evenings and/or weekends for catering events.      

Ensure that measures are in place and operating to protect food, supplies, and equipment in school cafeterias and lunchrooms.   

Comply with standards of sanitation and safety in all phases of the school food service program in accordance with all local and state health regulations.   

Conduct annual site reviews to ensure compliance with all regulations.    

Establish quality standards for the presentation and service of food.    

Transport food and supplies as needed.   

Perform other duties as required to accomplish the objectives of the position.  

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES  

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.   

Knowledge  

Knowledge of nutritional and operational requirements of the National School Lunch Program and other related federal and state regulations.  

Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations including health and safety rules and regulations pertaining to school food service, including sanitation and maintenance regulations.   

Knowledge of the principles and practices of food service administration, team building and customer service.   

Knowledge of the methods, tools, techniques and practices of sanitation, food preparation and food storage.  

Knowledge of USDA meal pattern and dietary guidelines and rules and regulations regarding federal meal programs.   

Knowledge of the maintenance needs of large kitchen equipment.   

Knowledge of quantity food preparation, services, procedures, and practices.   

Knowledge of nutrition, nutrient analysis and menu planning.   

Knowledge of the nutritional value, adaptability, and uses of various foods.   

Knowledge of numbers and types of workers needed to staff a large food service operation.   

Knowledge of mathematical calculations equipment and supplies used in quantity food preparation and service and its care and operation.   

Knowledge of quality assurance relating to a food service operation.   

Skills 

Skilled in motivating staff to follow school, local, state and federal rules, regulations, policies and procedures and in ensuring that staff members meet expectations.   

Skilled in leading staff to provide quality meals and friendly service appropriate to a public school environment.   

Skilled in maintaining complete and accurate records and in developing simple reports from those records.   

Strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.   

Abilities 

 Ability to plan and implement operational policies, procedures, and standards.   

Ability to exercise independent judgment and to use initiative when responding to emergencies, resolving problems and making improvements in the cafeteria operation.   

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.   

Ability to exercise tact, courtesy and firmness in frequent contact with co‐workers, vendors, customers and subordinates.   

Ability to conduct on-site inspections of food service facilities.  

Ability to maintain inventories and requisition supplies and equipment.   

Ability to instruct, evaluate, and supervise employees.   

Ability to plan work schedules and maintain work standards.  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS   

Working Hours  

The duty day for this position is 8 hours including a one-hour duty-free lunch.   

This position may require occasional evening hours.  

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS  

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.   
  
Supplemental Application Questions  

This position requires applicants to provide responses to the below supplemental application questions to determine whether you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please upload your responses in a separate file to the Supplemental Questions section of the application.  

• Please describe your supervisory experience in a large food-service organization or organization that oversees public school food service programs, PreK-12 school system, or educational setting. In your response, cite the employers and date range(s) for each experience. If you do not have this experience, please respond N/A.  2)  

• Do you currently possess a Maryland certification for Applied Food Service Sanitation Management?  

• Are you a currently registered dietician with the American Dietician Association?  

SELECTION CRITERIA  

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.   

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION  

Compensation  

 This is a 12-month per year position in the Howard County Association of Supervisors and Administrators-Administrators, Non-Certificated Supervisors (HCASA-NCS) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is in the Grade I lane on the Non-Certificated Supervisors salary scale. Actual placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCASA-NCS Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.  

Retirement 

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.  

Benefits 

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit. 

Pre-Employment Requirements 

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors. 

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing. 

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship. 

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Philip Wentt ([email protected]) OR [email protected]. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [email protected]. 

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability,  sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students! 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [email protected].

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability,  sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.