Nutritional Services Intern

Fort Worth Zoo • Fort Worth, TX

1d

About The Position

Nutritional Services Intern Interested applicants should submit a resume and a letter of intent with application. Summary: Students are introduced to activities critical to a comprehensive Zoo Nutrition program, including nutrition operations, lab operations, and research. This internship will consist of ten weeks with the intern alternating between the Nutritional Services Building and the Nutrition Lab. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Intern will be introduced to Nutritional Services operations including diet preparation, deliveries, inventory/ordering of feeds and supplies, record keeping, and food safety protocols Intern may also participate in diet formulation and diet assessment Intern will assist in the Nutrition Lab with nutrient analysis, feed sampling, drying and grinding, cleaning/acid washing, HPLC operation, and blood and tissue processing using lab equipment Intern will participate in, and/or conduct, a nutrition-related research project Qualifications:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Must be interested in learning more about a career in Zoo Nutrition Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or equivalent is required Currently enrolled in (or graduated as of May 2026 from) an undergraduate program in animal science, biology, nutrition, wildlife science, zoology, or related field Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Work Environment:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Team-oriented environment Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends) Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, and inclement weather Ability to work special events and functions as required –20 degrees F in a freezer for short periods of time 3-4 hours of food preparation in 35-40º F cooler Ability to work safely and responsibly around hazardous chemicals This position may be safety sensitive This position may work around animals susceptible to specific diseases, thus may be subject to regular tuberculosis and rabies titer testing, and the routine use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, face masks Disclaimer The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

Requirements

• Must be interested in learning more about a career in Zoo Nutrition
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability
• High school diploma or equivalent is required
• Currently enrolled in (or graduated as of May 2026 from) an undergraduate program in animal science, biology, nutrition, wildlife science, zoology, or related field

Responsibilities

• Intern will be introduced to Nutritional Services operations including diet preparation, deliveries, inventory/ordering of feeds and supplies, record keeping, and food safety protocols
• Intern may also participate in diet formulation and diet assessment
• Intern will assist in the Nutrition Lab with nutrient analysis, feed sampling, drying and grinding, cleaning/acid washing, HPLC operation, and blood and tissue processing using lab equipment
• Intern will participate in, and/or conduct, a nutrition-related research project

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED