Application Deadline: 31 October 2025 and/or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. We reserve the right to close the posting early if a well-qualified candidate pool has been established. Early submission is encouraged. Please ensure that your application highlights your experience and qualifications as they relate to the responsibilities of this role.
- Do you have a background in food handling and want to make an impact beyond the kitchen? If you have a background in food handling, this is a unique opportunity to apply your skills in an animal care environment.
- As an Animal Nutrition Technician I (Full-Time) at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, you are one of the first team members onsite.
- You’ll begin your day in the Animal Nutrition Center, ensuring each animal receives precise, high-quality nutrition.
- This hands-on role combines food handling, preparation, and safety protocols to support the health of hundreds of species. You’ll apply your knowledge of HACCP standards, and food handling to create balanced, species-specific meals that directly impact animal well-being and conservation success.
- If you are detail-oriented, passionate about animal care, and ready to grow in the field of nutrition, we encourage you to apply.
- Help us meet our mission "Connecting or community to wildlife and wild places."
What You’ll Do:
- Receive, inspect, prepare, portion, and issue a variety of foods and dietary supplements according to veterinary-approved nutrition plans.
- Follow strict HACCP and food safety protocols to maintain compliance with AZA, USDA, and internal Zoo standards.
- Perform accurate calculations, conversions, and measurements to ensure dietary precision across species.
- Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of food preparation and storage areas, including coolers and freezers.
- Collaborate closely with the Nutrition/Hospital Manager, veterinarians, and animal care specialists to meet specialized feeding schedules.
- Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently while ensuring quality control in all food handling processes.
- Support recordkeeping and inventory tracking for daily feedings, diet adjustments, and supply levels.
- Participate in disaster response and emergency feed plan preparation as part of the Nutrition team.
What you bring:
- Currently hold, or have you previously held, a satisfactory status in an unpaid or paid position with Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
- Candidates must be willing to complete all required pre-employment screenings, which include a background check, drug screen, physical examination, and employment verification, in accordance with the organization hiring standards.
- Working knowledge of HACCP protocols and safe food handling.
- Strong math and measurement skills (fractions, conversions, portioning).
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively across departments.
- Physical ability to perform active, on-your-feet 6–8 hour shift, including excessive heat and cold in association with the kitchen environment.
- Relevant coursework or internship in nutrition, culinary arts, or food science.
- A typical schedule consists of (5) five days (8 hours) including a weekend, plus a two (2) hour shift on holidays, with flexibility for occasional night shifts, events, or disaster recovery efforts.
- Tuesday- Saturday or Sunday- Thursday
- 6:00 AM- 3:00 PM
- Availability to start no later than November 18, 2025. Limited exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Availability for an onsite interview at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
- A Plus…
- Experience in a zoo, aquarium, or institutional food service environment.
- Food Handling/Sanitation certification.
- Successful completion of a degree in the field of dietetics, food, nutrition, food service management, institution management, or related science.
- Working knowledge of regulatory compliances, OSHA, Association of Zoos, and Aquariums (AZA) and USDA.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to consistently remain on your feet for 8-10 hours on shift.
- Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
- Ability to work in excessive heat and cold in association with the kitchen environment.
- Ability to transport and move items frequently up to 50 pounds for short distances without difficulty.
- Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium while performing various jobs.
- Manual dexterity for standing, reaching, flexibility, and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, stoop, bend, lift, kneel, crawl, climb, jump, dig and prolonged standing.
- Visual acuity for reading, writing, and observing surroundings, and auditory acuity for communication.
- Ability to operate motorized carts, trucks, and power tools.
- Ability to safely operate specialized food preparation equipment such as; ovens, microwaves, grinders, blenders, dishwashers, sharpeners, and mixers.
WORK CONDITIONS
- Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, snow, and wind.
- Regular work on weekends and holidays with irregular work hours sometimes required.
- Exposure to hazards such as wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.
- Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), pathogens, and injuries from animals.
- Periodic work in small, enclosed areas.
- We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations
- EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
Salary
- 16.00/hour
