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Nutrition Specialist
Prince Albert, Prince Albert, SK, CAPosted 3 months ago
onsiteFull-Time Regular
Job Description
POSITION TITLE: Nutrition Specialist
DEPARTMENT: ELCC – Child Care
SALARY RANGE: Based on experience and qualifications
POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Permanent
LOCATION: Prince Albert
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Early Learning Centre Supervisor
Brief Overview:
The Nutrition Specialist is responsible for planning, preparing, and coordinating nutritious, safe, and culturally relevant meals and snacks for children within the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Early Learning & Child Care program. This role ensures all food services meet provincial health regulations, childcare licensing standards, and MN–S program guidelines. The Nutrition Specialist incorporates Métis cultural food practices whenever appropriate, supports wellness programming, and collaborates with staff and families to promote healthy eating habits for Métis children and all children.
Key Responsibilities:
Culturally Responsive Meal Planning & Preparation
- Plan weekly and monthly menus in alignment with Canada’s Food Guide and MN–S ELCC standards.
- Prepare nutritious meals and snacks appropriate for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children as well as Early Childhood Educators. There will be 90 children and approximately 25 employees daily.
- Incorporate Métis cultural food knowledge and traditional ingredients when appropriate, such as berries, seasonal foods, Bannock variations, and approved wild foods.
- Modify menus to accommodate food allergies, cultural practices, and individual dietary needs.
- Maintain accurate menu plans, nutrition records, and allergy-safe recipes.
Food Safety, Licensing & Compliance
- Adhere to all Saskatchewan food safety regulations and MN–S ELCC policies for food handling, storage, sanitation, and temperature control.
- Ensure the kitchen consistently meets public health and licensing requirements, including inspection readiness.
- Keep detailed logs for cleaning schedules, food temperatures, equipment maintenance, and health standards.
- Follow strict allergy management protocols and always prevent cross-contamination.
Nutrition Education & Community Engagement
- Support educators in teaching children about healthy eating habits, Métis cultural foods, and positive mealtime practices.
- Provide guidance and information to staff and families regarding nutrition, dietary adjustments, and allergy-safe practices.
- Participate in MN–S community wellness initiatives, family events, cultural food days, and land-based learning activities related to food and nutrition.
- Involve children in food preparation and routines where possible.
- Share nutritional knowledge with the children, staff, and families.
- Be familiar with Play & Exploration and the Essential Learning Experiences and support integration of the principles of early learning into the nutritional activities of the early learning program.
- Works with other caregivers to provide opportunities for children to learn about food, gives advice/suggestions on how to make healthier or better options.
- Share the kitchen with other employees and children when doing special snacks or projects and offer your expertise as needed.
Purchasing, Budget Management & Inventory
- Order food and kitchen supplies within approved MN–S budgets.
- Monitor inventory, rotate stock, and reduce food waste.
- Source local and culturally relevant ingredients whenever possible.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records and collaborate with administration on financial tracking.
Kitchen Operations
- Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant kitchen environment in accordance with health regulations.
- Safely operate kitchen equipment and promptly report maintenance or safety concerns.
- Follow MN–S guidelines for food storage, labeling, sanitation, and waste management.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Level I, Level II or Level III certification (or equivalent qualification recognized by provincial standards) is required.
- Food Safe or equivalent Saskatchewan-approved certification is required.
- Certificate or training in Nutrition, Dietary Technology, Culinary Arts, Food Services, or a related field preferred.
- Experience in childcare, school, or community food service settings preferred.
- Knowledge of early childhood nutrition and menu planning for young children.
- Valid First Aid and CPR (within first 3 months of employment)
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong understanding of Canada’s Food Guide and early childhood nutrition.
- Knowledge of Métis food culture, traditions, and community values.
- Understanding of Métis culture and traditional foods, with a willingness to integrate cultural learning into nutrition practices.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience cooking for large groups.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
- Excellent organization and time management skills.
- Ability to follow licensing, safety, and food handling protocols.
- Flexibility to adapt menus to children’s needs and cultural programming.
- Respectful communication, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork.
- Reliability, professionalism, and a strong commitment to children’s health and well-being.
Additional requirements:
- Must have a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
- Must be willing to travel weekly where needed.
- Please submit applications by 11:59pm on May 31, 2026.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.