Nutrition Technician 1 (variable hour)

The Oregon Zoo’s Animal Nutrition Center is hiring for a Nutrition Technician 1 on a variable hour basis. In this role, you will collaborate closely with the dedicated animal nutrition and care teams to prepare and deliver food for the diverse animals throughout the Oregon Zoo.  The Animal Nutrition Center operates 365 days a year and ensures every animal’s dietary needs are met to the highest standards. As a valuable part of our nutrition team, you will contribute in maintaining this excellent nutritional care. The Animal Nutrition Center operates in a fast-paced environment, with this position contributing to various tasks including food and supply receiving, operation of food processing equipment, and meticulous food safety recordkeeping.

As the Nutrition Technician 1 you will

• Prepare animal diets according to established protocols using proper safe food handling practices, under the direction of the Animal Nutrition Manager and Nutrition Technician 2.
• Receive and store animal food and supplies and deliver diets and supplies throughout the Zoo.
• Retrieve animal diet items from off-site locations and deliver to Zoo or off-site facilities.
• Maintain food inventory and follow appropriate inventory rotation.
• Off-load deliveries using pallet jacks, forklifts, hay loaders, etc. and verify shipments against orders. 
• Perform routine cleaning tasks at the Animal Nutrition Center and related facilities.
• Assist employees and guests in a professional and courteous manner.  This may include interacting with regulatory inspectors or other public officials. 
• Consistently demonstrate punctual attendance and possess the ability to effectively collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to cultivating a positive team atmosphere.

Attributes for success

• Understanding of food preparation in a commercial (e.g., restaurant, commissary, animal nutrition center, etc.) setting including safe food handling techniques and operation of commercial food processing equipment (e.g., industrial food processors, etc.).
• Introductory knowledge of or interest in the principles of nutrition.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to perform strenuous tasks including lifting up to 50 pounds and perform tasks in inclement weather and other adverse conditions.
• Knowledge of operating warehousing equipment (e.g., pallet jacks, forklifts, carts, etc.).
• Enjoys working in a collaborative environment.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION                                              

• At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work.
• This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities.
• Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region.
• Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.  

Experience Required

• Minimum qualifications Three years of progressively responsible ordering, delivery, logistics, warehouse, and customer service experience preferably with animal care, zoo, and food preparation experience and High school diploma or G.E.D. or
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities Required Valid driver’s license Possession of, or the ability to obtain within six months of hire Forklift Operator Certification Food handler’s card

Salary

• $25.86 Hourly