Nutrition Technician (Part-Time)

JOB DESCRIPTION: Nutrition Technician (Part-Time)

DEPARTMENT: Zoo Animal Care

LOCATION: Hattiesburg Zoo

SHIFT: Maximum 24 hours per week on a schedule requiring a mix of weekdays, weekends, evenings and holidays as required.

REPORTS TO: Animal Curator

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Animal Curator, operates, works within, and maintains the animal commissary and associated equipment. Ensures that all animal diets are prepared properly and the kitchen is kept in compliance of state and federal standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accurately follow written and oral instructions concerning type and quality of food to be prepared and size of proportions.
• Inspect, sort, and clean food items as needed.
• Cut food items to appropriate sizes and accurately weigh diets into prescribed amounts.
• Maintain sanitation level appropriate for a food service area.
• Keep all food storage areas clean and organized.
• Clean and disinfect all surfaces and equipment as needed (at least daily).
• Participate in regular inventory as needed.
• Place food orders when necessary.
• Rotate items to ensure FIFO rule is observed.
• Assists the animal keepers with the cleaning of animal holdings, exhibit maintenance and general zoo grounds upkeep.
• Assists with zoo events that may include animal presentations, event setup and teardowns, or other tasks that may be associated with the event.
• Occasionally assistance may be needed outside of the Animal Care Department. The culture in which we work promotes reasonable assistance in other departments when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education and Work Experience:

Actively pursuing a degree in a relatable field to animal care/nutrition or one year’s experience in another zoo, food prep or similar profession preferred.

Essential Job Qualifications

• Must retain a valid Driver’s License and meet the eligibility requirements to drive while conducting company business.
• Current TB test
• Work outdoors in all types of weather and lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds).
• Strong work ethic, self-motivated, committed to the vision of the Hattiesburg Zoo.
• Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Friendly with public and courteous to visitors, able to provide keeper chats and public encounters in a friendly manner.
• Basic knowledge of behavioral management and operant conditioning and how they apply in a zoo setting.