Food Program Specialist

About the job

The work we do matters!
Hiring Agency:
Agriculture - Agency 18
Location:
Lincoln, NE
Hiring Rate:
$24.193
Job Posting:
JR2026-00029783 Food Program Specialist (Open)
Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
10-25-2026
Job Description:
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is seeking a self-motivated individual to join our Food Safety Team where the mission is to implement and enforce the sanitation and quality standards relative to the food industry through service, education, and regulation.

This position is primarily responsible for supporting Nebraska’s ever evolving Food Industry through guidance of applicable laws/regulations, application of our permitting or registration processes, and evaluating the safety of food production processes.

Effective communication skills are necessary as a successful candidate will partner efficiently with federal/state officials, industry, academia, and the public. Our Food Safety Programs focus on outreach, education, and regulation related to the evaluation of practices and the enforcement of relevant federal/state laws and regulations.

• Look at what we have to offer!
• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment

At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!

• Job Duties:
• Answer questions and provide guidance to business owners regarding needed permits or registrations.
• Provide guidance to business owners regarding food products that can/cannot be sold under recent update to the Nebraska Pure Food Act.
• Develop and deliver outreach or educational resources for Food Industry and other stakeholders.
• Maintain NDA’s Food Safety website in partnership with our Communications team.
• Respond to complaints regarding Cottage Food producers.
• Manage NDA’s Cottage Food Registry.
• Work collaboratively with manager, peers, and inspection team.
• Participate in educational opportunities including training and conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree preferred in related area, or commensurate experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Degree in Agricultural Science, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Health or a related field along with current or recent practical experience related to food safety.

Other: This position requires travel. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver's license or another form of reliable transportation. Regular and Reliable attendance is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Proficient computer skills, exceptional customer service, ability to communicate effectively (oral & written) Knowledge of: food industry; the act and rules/regulations pertinent to the application of the act Skill in: effective communication (oral & written), time management, planning and organization, problem-solving, critical thinking Ability to: establish rapport with stakeholders; communicate with the public and businesses; interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards; make decisions and seek solutions; prioritize work in an efficient manner; compile and interpret data; occasional travel in and out of state.

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/

Benefits
We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement
The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.