Animal Nutritionist Technician - Jacksonville, United States - Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Description

Do you have the desire to evolve in the nutrition field? Our Animal Health and Welfare team are stewards that go beyond routine tasks - it's a narrative of dedication and passion for the well-being of our diverse array of species.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is seeking an entry-level Animal Nutritionist Technician. This role is one of the first onsite at the Zoo in the nutrition center.

Imagine a day when you meticulously prepare, receive, inspect, store, and issue a variety of foods and dietary supplements, each tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of different animals.

You are an integral part of the team, collaborating closely with the nutrition/hospital manager, veterinarians, and animal care specialists to adhere to the specialized diet mixes for the morning and evening feedings that contribute to the overall health of our animal residents.

You have a background in food handling and nutrition to meet the physical demand - an 8 to 10-hour shift on your feet that is a testament to your resilience.

Operating specialized food preparation equipment is second nature to you—ovens, microwaves, grinders, blenders, dishwashers, sharpeners, and mixers safely under your expert command.

And when it comes to calculations, fractions, and basic math, you tackle them with ease.

Your commitment extends beyond the kitchen, where you maintain a spotless and organized environment, adhering to HACPP protocols to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and safety to follow other regulatory standards including OSHA, AZA, and USDA.

But this isn't just a job; it's an opportunity for growth. Your desire to evolve in the nutrition field aligns perfectly with our commitment to your professional development.

Envision yourself brainstorming enrichment diets to celebrate the birthdays of various species or joining committees like the Nutrition Advisory Group within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Florida Association of Zoos and Aquariums (FAZA), and beyond.

This entry-level position is more than a role; it's an invitation to be part of a story where every action contributes to the health, happiness, and enrichment of over 2,000 rare and exotic animals in our care to meet our mission of "Connecting the communities with wildlife and wild places.

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AnimalHealth #AnimalDiet #Carnivores #Herbivores #nutritiontechnician


Do you have**- Working knowledge of HACCP protocols?

• Experience in food handling and food prep?
• Ability to be allergyfree to fish, plants, or animals that may interfere with the preparation of food/diets for the collection of various species?
• Ability to work independently, exercising independent judgment and discretion.
• Ability to effectively communicate with verbal and written skills including professional and respectful interpersonal skills?
• Ability to compute fractions and perform basic math calculations?
• Ability to work a schedule Friday
• Sunday or Thursday
• Sunday for an 8 to 10hour shift?

A Plus**- Experience in a zoo and/or aquarium.

• Food Handling/Sanitation course/certificate.
• Successful completion of a degree in the field of dietetics, food, nutrition, food service management, institution management, or related science.
• Working knowledge of regulatory compliances, OSHA, Association of Zoos, and Aquariums (AZA), and USDA.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to consistently remain on your feet for 810 hours on shift.
• Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
• Ability to work in excessive heat and cold in association with the kitchen environment.
• Ability to transport and move items frequently up to 50 pounds for short distances without difficulty.
• Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium while performing various jobs.
• Ability to access and navigate each department at the organization on foot, including any construction sites.
• Ability to consistently speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and communications.
• Ability to consistently remain on your feet for prolonged periods of time.
• Manual dexterity for standing, reaching, flexibility, and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, stoop, bend, lift, kneel, crawl, climb, jump, dig and prolonged standing.
• Auditory ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, twoway radio, and facetoface interactions.
• Visual and auditory acuity appropriate for safety and discern differences in documents.
• Exceptional visual acuity is required, along with the ability to communicate, comprehend and decipher/hear information accurately, using a twoway radio.

Inclusion, diversity, and equality as a value

• Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens embraces diversity in a meaningful way and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of a person's act