Nutrition (Diet Prep) Specialist

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

The Nutrition Specialist prepares scientifically formulated diets tailored to the unique needs of our animal population. This position ensures the highest standards of nutrition and food safety are maintained while distributing both prepared and bulk foods to various areas across the zoo. Responsibilities also include operating essential equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, trucks, electric carts, and commercial kitchen tools. Additionally, the role involves managing vendor deliveries and maintaining accurate inventory records to support daily operations.

Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Nutrition Operations

• Prepare bulk diet ingredients, fresh vegetation, and other items for zoo animals in accordance with dietary guidelines. Collect samples for nutritional analysis.
• Oversee orders and receipts of produce, food items, and supplies; report any discrepancies to vendors.
• Collaborate with the Horticulture Department on the distribution of browse and other edible plant materials.
• Drive a delivery truck, van, or electric cart to deliver dry goods, produce, prepared food, and other supplies to various locations within the zoo.
• Load and unload food supplies, rotate stock, and maintain inventory records.
• Operate manual and electric pallet jacks, forklifts, kitchen appliances, and small power tools.
• Enter data and manage electronic records, including diet plans, SOPs, inventory databases, and summaries of feed analyses.
  
  

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to specific AZA and USDA standards for food safety, including assigning and tracking necessary tasks.
• Demonstrate a commitment to DZCA Occupational Health, Safety, and Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.
  
  

Collaboration

• Under the supervision of the Nutrition Center Manager, help to instruct new Nutrition Specialists, interns, and volunteers on Nutrition Center procedures and other institutional processes and protocols.
• Positively engage with guests during Nutrition Center public tours, other formal engagements, and informal guest encounters.
  
  

Other Responsibilities And Duties

• Other assistance, as designated by the Nutrition Operations Manager, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• Acts as a good steward of DZCA’s resources.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.
  
  

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Completion or in pursuit of a high school degree or equivalent required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• One year of experience performing food preparation OR completing an approved food service training program. Experience in commissary or kitchen experience is preferred, as well as working in a nonprofit or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn and implement, food safety practices consistent with a standard food service environment.
• Knowledge of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and HACCP-related principles is desirable.
• Food handler certification through ServSafe or a comparable course is desirable.
• Knowledge of safety hazards and necessary safety precautions sufficient to be able to establish a safe working environment.
• Skill with kitchen equipment, including knives, band saw, blenders, commercial grinders, and food processors.
• Knowledge of inventory practices and requirements sufficient to be able to identify shortages and reorder supplies as necessary.
• Proficient knowledge of mathematics to be able to perform calculations in preparing a variety of diets.
• Proven computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, are preferred.
• Requires organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
• Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-tasking and changing environment, and the ability to work as part of a team.
  
  

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check, and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• To support our operational policies, candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Ability to lift to 50 lbs.
• Licenses/Certifications: Food handler certification through ServSafe or comparable course highly desirable. Heavy equipment operation basics within 3 months of hire and maintained throughout employment. (Provided and maintained through the organization).
• Schedule Availability: Monday-Friday with occasional weekends and evenings as needed.
• Work Location: On campus.
  
  

Compensation

The range for this position is $20.32 - $23.88 hourly.

A Truly Wild Workplace With Competitive Benefits

Join our One Zoo Team and enjoy a full spectrum of competitive benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• A Family-Plus DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
• Concession and retail discounts plus free parking
• And so much more!
  
  

Application Process and Timelines

Application deadline: April 11th, 2025. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date.

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org