Animal Nutrition Technician 1

Georgia Aquarium•Atlanta, GA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Nutrition Technician 1 (ANT1) is a member of a team that implements best practices to achieve and maintain the highest standard of aquatic animal nutrition, management, and care. The individual will assist with dietary analysis and diet change implementation based on individual species’ needs and requests originating from the Zoological Operations and Animal Health departments. The ANT1 will assist the Animal Nutrition Technician 2 (ANT2), Senior Animal Nutrition Technician (SANT) and Assistant Manager of Animal Nutrition (AMAN) in critically reviewing laboratory results, with data entry and analyses, and conducting science-based research that addresses institutional priorities for animal nutrition needs. The ANT1 will also assist with diet preparation and commissary tasks as needed. They will interface closely with the AMAN and Commissary Operations supervisors and technicians. This position must have experience with commissary operations, proper food sampling techniques, and a working knowledge of Georgia Aquarium’s computer systems (e.g., Tracks, Excel, OERCA) and a general knowledge of USDA guidelines is imperative. The ANT1 must work effectively in a team environment as well as independently.

Requirements

BS/BA degree in biology, nutrition, animal science, food management, or related is required.
Minimum two years of experience in an AZA accredited institution, or equivalent, with a proven track record of team oriented and professional performance.
Food service or preparation (human or animal) preferred, understanding of food service sanitation required.
Superior verbal and written communication skills.
Effective problem analysis and resolution skills
Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet departmental requirements.
Motor coordination and manual dexterity required to safely handle sharp knives during food preparation.
Ability to detect signs of deterioration in foods.
Ability to be self-motivated and able to function in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with aquatic animals preferred.

Responsibilities

Organize, collect, and ship food samples for quality control nutritional testing or other research purposes on a monthly basis with guidance from the Animal Nutrition Technician 2, Senior Animal Nutrition Technician, and Assistant Manager in Animal Nutrition.
Correspond with analytical labs on appropriate nutritional testing and results with guidance from the Animal Nutrition Technician 2, Senior Animal Nutrition Technician, and Assistant Manager in Animal Nutrition.
Coordinate with the Commissary Technicians and Assistant Manager of Commissary Operations on inventory items for sampling.
Assist with database management of testing results.
Responsible for inventor of all products and food items.
Alerts animal nutrition and commissary operations teams on low dies items.
Participate in regular inventory as needed.
Rotate items to ensure FIFO rule is observed.
Understands resident animal use of diet items and can actively calculate and order accordingly.
Manages and maintains the running spreadsheets to keep track of the movements of items through our systems.
Refill nutritional supplementations for zoological departments.
Inform and assist commissary operations team with diet transitions and changes.
Communicate corrections to zoological staff.
Ensure proper items are on hand for all approved diet changes and helps acquire new items.
Implement diet changes in Tracks/OCERC and create prep sheets for commissary.
Help to develop and maintain operations manuals and SOPs.
Accurately follows written and oral instructions concerning type and quality of food to be prepared an size of proportions.
Inspect, sort, and clean food items as needed.
Cut food items to appropriate sizes and accurately weigh diets into prescribed amounts.
Prepare/process items to ensure efficient future operations.
Maintain sanitation level appropriate for a food service area.
Clean and disinfect all surfaces and equipment.
Keep all food storage areas clean and organized.
Develop policies and procedures to avoid cross contamination within commissary operation.
Actively and professionally communicates among staff and supervisors in other departments to ensure best service, convey dietary information and advocate for best nutritional practices.
Consistently act as a positive role model to mentor and inspire commissary volunteers and other staff on importance of appropriate diet prep and facility operations,
As needed, interact on behalf of the Georgia Aquarium with guests, media, and general public.
Perform other duties as workload dictates.