Nutrition Services Technician - Part Time Seasonal

GENERAL PURPOSE

This seasonal position lasting from March to September 2025, is responsible for the preparation and delivery of animal diets, sanitation of containers and premises, and inventory of products and essential items needed for the operation of the Commissary in accordance with standards for accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums as well as food safety regulations of USDA. This position will regularly interact with Zoo guests to answer questions, provide animal information, and ensure an excellent guest experience.

We are pleased to offer this part time seasonal position an Employee Assistance Program, 401K, Paid CA Sick Time earned on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position is $20.40 - $22.00 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate’s experience.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Maintains the kitchen and all food storage areas, including walk in fridges and freezers, in a clean, organized fashion consistent with industry standards and regulations. Maintains adequate stock of all section supplies and reports low inventory levels to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Assist in receiving deliveries and checking against packing slips, ensuring that animal food is of an appropriate quality through inspection at arrival and at the time of preparation.
• Prepares daily diets for Zoo's animal collection, follows written and oral instructions concerning type and quantity of foods to be prepared and size of portions, obtaining necessary ingredients from the warehouse/barn/coolers/freezers, and washing, cleaning, peeling, dicing and/or slicing as required.
• Performs preventive maintenance on all food preparation and storage facilities and equipment.
• Maintains accurate diet, USDS or AZA records as assigned.
• Exercise good judgement when making decisions that affect our collection.
• Assists the Emergency Response team in animal events.
• Performs special assignments and projects as requested.
• Work effectively in a team setting.
• Follow and maintain a safe working environment in accordance with all OSHA standards.
• Positively contributes to team and greater zoo workplace culture.
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoo’s facilities and offsite.

MISSION

WE INSPIRE PEOPLE TO CARE FOR ANIMALS, CREATE CONNECTIONS, BUILD COMMUNITY, AND SAVE WILDLIFE.

VISION

A JUST FUTURE THAT BEGINS WITH US AND MAKES POSSIBLE A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE THRIVE TOGETHER.

ORGANIZATIONAL PILLARS

WILDLIFE SCIENCE – Creating environments for animals to thrive.

• Outstanding animal care
• Research-driven animal wellness.
• Meaningful connections
• Transformative exhibits
• Effective global and regional conservation

COMPANY CULTURE– Promoting personal and professional staff fulfillment.

• Collective success
• Career growth and development
• Commitment to staff well-being and happiness

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS – Fostering a sense of belonging and connection to our mission.

• Premier cultural destination
• A sense of belonging for all
• Equitable access
• Environmental and social justice
• Trusted leader in conservation and sustainability
• Rooted in the Central Valley

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS – Striving for sustainability in our business and operations.

• Sustainable business model
• Continued community support (Measure Z)
• Compelling brand
• Modeling green practices

EDUCATION AND JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• 4-year degree in applicable fields of study (Animal Science, Nutrition, Feed Science, etc.) or 2 years experience in food service desired.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food service and handling safety practices.
• Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public.
• A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.
• Ability to be trained on and certified to operate equipment such as Forklift, electric pallet jack, and band saw.
• Show initiative in problem solving, exhibiting alertness and good judgement.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.

• This position is regularly required to stand, bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel; use hands and arms to prepare diets. Regularly required to climb stairs or ladders.
• The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift to 75 pounds.
• Ability to work in -20F freezer for short periods of time.
• Evaluating food quality and safe operations of large equipment sight, hearing, and sense of smell.
• Visual acuity to read printed instructions and safety information. Color perception is also required.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral and written communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The position functions both indoors and outdoors, with potential exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather.
• The employee is regularly exposed to a variety of animals with risk of animal bites (including venomous), zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury.
• The employee may be required to work at heights.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.