Animal Nutrition Technician - Part Time

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the supervision of the Supervisor - Animal Care Programs and mentorship of the Animal Nutrition Specialist, to support the daily operations of the Animal Nutrition Department. This position is responsible for assisting with diet preparation, food inventory management, and maintaining cleanliness and organization in the commissary. The Animal Nutrition Technician – Part Time plays an integral role in ensuring the dietary needs of the Zoo’s animal collection are met while adhering to high standards of food safety and animal welfare. Employees may have access to controlled substances in the performance of their job duties. Therefore, employees are required to not have any felony convictions related to a controlled substance.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
The Animal Nutrition Technician – Part Time position does not exercise supervisory responsibilities but may provide guidance to volunteers or interns working in the Animal Nutrition Department.
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Assist in the preparation and portioning of animal diets according to established guidelines and protocols.
Deliver prepared diets to designated animal care areas in a timely and efficient manner.
Clean and sanitize food preparation areas, tools, and equipment to maintain compliance with health and safety standards.
Monitor inventory levels of food supplies and report shortages or excess to the Supervisor or Animal Nutrition Specialist.
Rotate perishable and non-perishable food items to ensure freshness and minimize waste.
Assist with unpacking and storing food deliveries, checking for quality and accuracy.
Maintain detailed records of diet preparation and food usage as directed.
Follow established protocols for food safety, including proper handling, storage, and disposal of food items.
Communicate effectively with the Animal Nutrition Specialist and Supervisor to address any issues or special dietary needs for the animal collection.
Operate City vehicles, Zoo rides, attractions, and other motorized equipment.
OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES
Support special projects or events requiring commissary assistance.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Basic principles of food preparation and handling.
Proper sanitation and safety practices in a food preparation environment.
Basic animal nutrition concepts and dietary requirements for various species.
Food related record-keeping, labeling and documentation practices.
Skill to:
Maintain cleanliness and organization in a food preparation setting.
Accurately measure, prepare, and portion animal diets.
Perform basic math and functional computer competencies.
Exercise time management and efficiency practices
Operate kitchen equipment, vehicles, and inventory management systems.
Mentor and train team members in diet preparation and food safety.
Plan and prioritize tasks to ensure timely delivery of diets.
Safely operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to:
Follow written and verbal instructions with precision and attention to detail to understand instructions and information of a technical nature.
Work collaboratively with the Nutrition team and other Zoo staff.
Maintain a high level of attention to detail and accuracy in diet preparation.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Adapt to changing priorities and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:
Experience:
Prior experience in food preparation, animal care, or a related field is preferred.
Education/Training:
A High school diploma or GED is required.
License or Certificate:
A valid Texas drivers' license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days employment, or a military waiver is required.
Possession of or the ability to obtain a food handlers certificate within ninety (90) days of employment is required.
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Bloodborne Pathogens and HazCom training are required within sixty (60) days of employment is required.
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