Public Health Nutritionist III

State Of Vermont Dept Health · Springfield, VT · 2 wk ago

Full-time

About the role

The Springfield District Office of the Vermont Department of Health seeks an experienced, collaborative, and motivated Nutritionist III to lead the local WIC program, supervise nutrition staff, and provide direct nutrition services to families across southern Windsor and northern Windham counties. The role involves overseeing program administration, ensuring quality and continuity of services, fostering a positive and collaborative team environment, developing community partnerships, and participating in statewide public health initiatives, including emergency preparedness. The Division of Local Health works to preserve and improve equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions for all Vermonters, promoting health equity, collaboration, inclusion, harmony, and data‑driven practice. The department’s mission is to promote physical, mental, and social well‑being by advancing equity, protecting against disease and injury, and preparing for health emergencies; its vision is for all people and communities in Vermont to have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well‑being.

Responsibilities

Lead, supervise, mentor, and support WIC staff while fostering a positive, respectful, and collaborative team environment.
Oversee the administration, quality, and continuity of district nutrition services in accordance with federal and state guidelines.
Work alongside nutrition staff and provide direct program coverage when operationally necessary, including during staff vacancies, vacations, absences, or periods of increased service demand.
Provide direct nutrition services to WIC families and remain engaged in the day‑to‑day work of the program.
Promote a culture of shared responsibility, open communication, problem‑solving, and mutual support within the WIC team and across the Springfield District Office.
Conduct nutrition and health status needs assessments and develop corresponding implementation, quality improvement, and staff training plans.
Serve as a subject matter expert in nutrition practices, ensuring staff have access to current, evidence‑based guidance, resources, coaching, and support.
Develop and maintain strong partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and other organizations serving families throughout the district.
Collaborate closely with the Vermont WIC Central Office and colleagues across the Department of Health.
Participate actively in statewide initiatives that advance Vermont Department of Health priorities.
Contribute as an engaged member of the Springfield District Office's multidisciplinary public health team, including emergency preparedness activities and other district‑wide priorities.

Requirements

Master's degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition AND one (1) year of experience in public health nutrition or community health nutrition including one (1) year or more at a supervisory level OR leading a group or team. OR Bachelor's degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition AND three (3) years or more of experience in public health nutrition or community health nutrition including one (1) year or more at a supervisory level OR leading a group or team.

Qualifications

Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (R.D./R.D.N).
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Exam‑eligible IBCLC.
One year or more experience in breastfeeding/chestfeeding counseling for pregnant and postpartum dyads.

Benefits