Temporary Nutritional Services Keeper

Fort Worth Zoo•Fort Worth, TX

About The Position

The Nutritional Services Keeper receives, prepares, and delivers food and supplies to animal buildings and exhibit areas. The role operates under immediate supervision initially, progressing to general supervision as the employee gains knowledge of operating procedures. The position lasts 400 hours. The employee prepares animal diets, follows sanitation protocols, maintains equipment, and supports diet, inventory, stocking, and receiving records. The role also involves zoo-wide teamwork and communication, responding courteously to public inquiries, learning about the Fort Worth Zoo and its Nutritional Services Department, and assisting with nutrition laboratory operations and research. With training, the employee may euthanize feeder animals as part of a diet management program. This is a team-oriented position that may involve irregular hours, holidays, weekends, special events, outdoor work in varied weather, and exposure to very cold freezer and cooler temperatures. The position may be safety sensitive and may involve work around animals susceptible to specific diseases, requiring testing and routine use of personal protective equipment.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
One year of food service experience or one year of experience working in a zoo facility.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record to meet zoo insurability standards.
Knowledge of practical food service sanitation and food handling.
Knowledge of food service safety.
Knowledge of maintenance and operation of various food service equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively in a team setting.
Ability to show initiative in problem solving and demonstrate alertness and good judgment.
Ability to learn quickly and carry out tasks as directed, following detailed directions.
Ability to meet emergencies calmly and effectively.
Ability to prepare and deliver diets accurately and in a timely fashion.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including regularly lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work irregular hours, including holidays and weekends, and special events as required.
Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, and inclement weather.

Nice To Haves

College coursework in biology, zoology, wildlife, nutrition, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Accurately prepare and deliver food and supplies to animal areas daily.
Follow sanitation protocols and procedures.
Receive items delivered to the Nutritional Services facility.
Prepare various diets.
Develop proficiency in routines and specialized procedures.
Maintain equipment and report problems as needed.
Communicate and work cooperatively with staff throughout the zoo, following the appropriate chain of command.
Assist with maintenance of diet, inventory, stocking, and receiving records.
Respond to public inquiries courteously and knowledgeably.
Acquire general knowledge of the Fort Worth Zoo, its mission, policies and procedures, animal collection, and Nutritional Services Department objectives.
With training, euthanize feeder animals as part of a diet management program.
Assist with nutrition laboratory operations and research as needed.
Perform other job-related duties as requested by a supervisor.