Under the direction of the Manager, the Animal Nutrition Keeper is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with a variety of duties pertaining to preparation and delivery of food and supplies between the hours of 5am and 2pm. This position will coordinate all program objectives in addition to day-to-day husbandry and enclosure maintenance.
Our Mission:
- Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision:
- Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- 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
- Aids in the development of programs for area maintenance and carries out routine inspections of assigned areas.
- Maintains daily product inventory records and diet change requests
- Submits requisitions for restocking and places orders with vendors as required.
- Submits work orders for repairs.
- Accurately measures and weighs portions and packages foods in accordance with instructions.
- Cuts, chops and grinds foods based upon detailed instructions.
- Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of work area, all surfaces and equipment.
- Packs and delivers diets and supplies throughout Zoo as per instructions.
- Will assist in receiving deliveries and checking against packing slips.
- Assist in receiving using forklift when needed
- Occasionally interact with and educate the public about animal nutrition and department operations through tours, keeper chats and other special events.
- In conjunction with the Zoo’s pest control officer, may assist in pest control through the use of exclusion or traps. Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the Zoo Supervisor
- Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with their teams or departments.
- May be required to safely operate a motor vehicle.
- Demonstrated proficiency in all duties and all work areas within the assigned section.
- Serves as a point of contact for area staff, veterinarians, Facilities staff, and/or other departments in the absence of a Zoo Manager.
- Assists in the development and implementation of area standard operating guidelines.
- Serves as a positive role model for interns, volunteers, and other keepers and staff.
- Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Being vaccinated against Covid-19 is a requirement for this position
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5 years of food preparation experience at an AZA or equivalent facility, gained through employment or internships.
- Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license within 60 days of employment.
ABOUT THE HOUSTON ZOO
- The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education!
- There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests.
- We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
- Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities.
- Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
