Public Health Nutritionist I

About the Role

The Public Health Nutritionist II provides individualized nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and education to participants enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about maternal and child health, enjoys building meaningful relationships with families, and values equity-centered nutrition and public health programming. The successful candidate will work closely with pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants, and children under five to support healthy growth and feeding practices. Experience or comfort using Motivational Interviewing techniques and providing culturally responsive care is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide participant-centered nutrition assessment, counseling, and breastfeeding support
• Develop individualized care and follow-up plans for nutritionally high-risk participants
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and maternal-child health partners
• Participate in community outreach and health education efforts
• Contribute to outcomes-based planning and evaluation through WIC's Nutrition Services Plan
• Support quality improvement efforts to strengthen WIC services for Vermont families

Qualifications

We are seeking a creative and collaborative professional with strong communication and assessment skills who thrives in a team environment and embraces innovation and change. A commitment to health equity, customer service, and supporting diverse communities is essential.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition
• OR applicant in the final semester of a bachelor's or higher degree program in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition (graduation must occur prior to start date)

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (R.D./R.D.N.)

Work Environment

The Burlington District Office is the largest of Vermont's 12 local health offices and serves a diverse and vibrant community. Located in Burlington's South End, the office is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and professionally rewarding workplace where employees can grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact every day.

As part of the Vermont Department of Health, all employees are trained to support public health emergency response efforts that may impact the community.

Telework Policy

State of Vermont telework policy requires at least three days a week working in the office. The Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment which combines both in-person and remote work. Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit and complies with State of Vermont policy.

Environmental Factors

• Duties primarily performed in public health organization setting or in outlying service sites
• Travel to outlying sites will require a driver's license; private means of transportation may be required
• Occasional travel to statewide trainings required
• Potential travel in difficult weather conditions
• Considerable interaction with staff, clients, and the general public
• At times of public health emergencies (floods, infectious disease outbreaks, etc.) individuals may be expected to assist
• Physical demands vary with the position; generally limited to carrying equipment needed to conduct clinic and education activities
• Employees work with a variety of clients and may have contact with potentially dangerous and combative individuals as well as a wide variety of illnesses
• Certain functions may require duty outside of normal work hours

Mission & Values

Mission: Promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of people in Vermont by advancing equity, protecting against disease and injury, and preparing for health emergencies.

Vision: All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.

Values:

• Equity: We aim to center health justice and address racism and all forms of oppression in our programs and policies, our approach to collaboration, and how we build and nurture our workforce.
• Collaboration: We engage with staff and partners to understand complex problems and design responsive solutions.
• Inclusion: We support a culture of belonging and diversity where people are valued, trusted, and able to be their authentic selves.
• Harmony: We endorse a balanced, thoughtful, and intentional work environment that allows employees to care for themselves, their families, and the people they serve.
• Data: We strive for scientific excellence and cultural responsiveness in the collection, analysis, sharing and use of data.

Benefits

The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Application Information

This position (Public Health Nutritionist I, Job Requisition #55938) is open to all State employees and external applicants. The position is being recruited at multiple levels: Level I (Job Requisition #55938) and Level II (Job Requisition #55082). Candidates must apply online to be considered; resumes will not be accepted via email. Multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting. Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position, including Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks as appropriate (with exceptions for current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion, or demotion, or persons exercising re-employment rights). For more information, contact Alexandra.Duquette@vermont.gov.