Animal Food Preparation Technician - Full-Time Temporary for a year

Responsive recruiter Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

The Santa Barbara Zoo is looking for an Animal Food Preparation Technician to support our Animal Kitchen.  This position is a Full-time temporary for a year, with the possibility of transitioning to regular full-time status after one year. 

Position Status: Full-time, Temporary for a year, Hourly, Non-Exempt Schedule: Sunday to Thursday, typically 8am to 5pm Compensation: $19.20 - $20.70 per hour, DOE


*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*


SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Animal Nutritionist, the Animal Food Preparation Technician is responsible for the preparation of animal diets for the Zoo’s animal population, monitoring food quality, maintaining the cleanliness of the animal kitchen, freezer, and refrigerator, and washing animal dishes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Maintains cleanliness of the Zoo’s animal kitchen throughout the day
• Operates automatic dishwasher to wash all dishes, buckets, utensils, and enrichment items
• Performs cleaning duties, such as wiping down all surfaces, disinfecting sinks, and mopping floors
• Monitors temperature of walk-in refrigerator and freezer
• Cleans and mops the floor of the walk-in refrigerator and freezer
• Follows written and oral instructions concerning animal diets to be prepared
• Interprets established diets accurately
• Cuts fruits, vegetables, meat products and other food items
• Uses a scale to weigh and measure designated ingredients accurately according to written diets
• Works with many different types of food preparation equipment including, knives, blenders, hot plates, and microwave
• Restocks and shelves food items in all animal food storage areas in a timely manner
• Stores completed diets for the day in the animal kitchen refrigerator
• Reports maintenance issues and potential hazards for staff to the supervisor in a timely manner
• Adheres to the Zoo’s cleanliness and sterilization standards
• Adheres to Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
• Follows Santa Barbara Zoo Animal Kitchen Standard Operating Guidelines/Protocols
• Follows all Santa Barbara sustainability practices/standards when possible
• Follows all recognized AZA and USDA food safety handling and best practices
• Attends bi-monthly all-employee meetings
• Attends department meetings

SECONDARY DUTIES: Guest Relations:

• Greets every guest with a smile
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
• Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
• Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
• Associates with guests to assist and share information
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
• Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
• Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
• Other miscellaneous duties as required

POSITION CRITERIA: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education & Experience:

• Minimum 18 years of age

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

• Some animal-related or food prep work preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures
• Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
• Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divid