Are you passionate about animals and conservation? ZooTampa is looking for a part time Nutrition Center Associate to join our team.
Who We Are
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Position Summary
Under direction of the Nutrition Center Manager, this position assists in all aspects of the Animal Department Nutrition Center.
Your day to day
Essential Functions (including but not limited to):
- Prepares animal diets as instructed by Nutrition Center Manager and Veterinarian and delivers diets to animal areas as needed.
- Maintains standards according to OSHA, USDA, AZA and the Health Department.
- Ensures quality control of all food items and goods and prepares food using proper recipes to provide consistency.
- Responsible for maintaining proper sanitation in food preparation and keeping equipment, walk-ins, freezers and storerooms cleaned.
- Follows proper and safe use of Nutrition Center equipment including mechanical slicing equipment and assorted knives.
- Follows departmental safety procedures and understand Nutrition Center’s role in emergency procedures.
- Assists with stocking, cleaning, and maintaining all kitchen equipment including break-down, maintenance, and restoration of equipment.
- Rotate supply inventories according to the FIFO method.
- Assists with school tours and VIP visitors who enter Nutrition Center areas.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- High School degree or equivalency required.
- Demonstrated experience in food preparation, nutrition, and record keeping preferred.
- One year of paid zoo experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
- Must be able to work well with minimal supervision.
- Must have good communication skills and be able to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Must be able to follow daily routines as assigned.
- Must be able to maintain work areas in a clean and organized fashion at all times.
- Must be able to communicate ideas and contribute effectively to the department.
- Must be multi-task oriented and work in a fast paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude.
- Be clean, well-groomed and always dressed in a proper uniform.
- Work cohesively with co-workers, vendors, and management.
- Deal with conflicts in a professional manner.
Other Requirements:
- Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
- Must be able to bend, lift 50 lbs, and stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to work in weather conditions typical to Florida, temperatures sometimes exceeding 90 degrees.
- Ability to work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
Our Perks at ZooTampa
- Pet insurance
- Retirement 403(b) plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Free gym membership
- Free membership to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
- Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
- Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
- Discounted auto insurance
- And so much more!