Nutritional Services Swing Keeper

This position will receive, prepare, and deliver food and supplies to all animal buildings and exhibit areas. This position is responsible for providing support to the lab staff and nutritionists, including all or a combination of participation in laboratory analysis, record keeping, data assessment, quality control, research, and laboratory services. Positions at this level are expected to perform under general supervision as knowledge of operating procedures is gained.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Accurately prepare and deliver food and supplies to animal areas daily
• Follow protocols and procedures to maintain a high level of sanitation
• Receive items delivered to the Nutritional Services facility
• Prepare various diets
• Continue to develop proficiency in routines and specialized procedures
• Maintain equipment and report problems if needed 
• Communicate, work cooperatively with staff zoo wide, and follow appropriate chain of command
• Participate in the maintenance of diet, inventory, stocking and receiving records
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous and well-informed manner
• Acquire general knowledge about the Fort Worth Zoo, its mission statement, policies and procedures, collection, and the objectives of the Nutritional Services Department
• With training, euthanize feeder animals as part of a diet management program
• Participate in the operation of laboratory equipment including, but not limited to, spectrometers, chromatographs, water purification systems, microwaves, drying ovens, muffle furnaces, freeze driers, scales, and grinders
• Participate in the quality control program for laboratory analyses
• Participate in Fort Worth Zoo and contract quality control programs
• Participate in the maintenance of the laboratory supply and sample inventory
• Participate in the training of students and residents
• Participate in nutrition research projects
• Participate in record keeping, and analysis/evaluation of animal diets
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner
• Fill in/participate in Nutritional Services facility functions as needed

Qualifications:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to (1) communicate effectively and work within a close-knit teamwork environment, and (2) perform each essential duty.
• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability 

Demonstrated knowledge of:    

• Practical food service sanitation and food handling
• Food service safety
• Maintenance and operation of various food service equipment
• Safe procedures for working with hazardous chemicals
• Principles of quality control programs
• Word processing and spreadsheet software

Must possess ability to:    

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Work effectively in a team setting
• Show initiative in problem solving, exhibiting alertness and good judgment
• Consistently carry out tasks as directed, following detailed directions
• Meet emergencies calmly and effectively
• Prepare and deliver diets accurately in a timely fashion
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities 
• Independently perform laboratory procedures
• Operate a variety of laboratory equipment in a safe and effective manner

Education and/or Experience:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have 1 year of food service, zoo nutrition/operations, laboratory or a combination.
• 1 year of FWZ Nutritional service experience preferred
• Experience in a laboratory setting preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• College coursework in biology, zoology, wildlife, nutrition, etc. preferred

Physical Demands: 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.  

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 
• Team oriented environment
• Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends)
• Ability to work special events and functions as required
• Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold and inclement weather
• –20 degrees F in a freezer for short periods of time
• 3 – 4 hours of food preparation in 35 – 40 degree F cooler
• Exposure to a variety of domestic and wild or potentially dangerous animals; animal odors and animal body fluids
• Exposure to all types of inclement weather conditions
• Exposure to chemicals (cleaning, water chemicals, additives, etc.)
• Ability to work special events and functions as required
• This position may be safety sensitive 
• This position may work around animals susceptible to specific diseases, thus may be subject to regular tuberculosis and rabies titer testing, and the routine use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, face masks

Disclaimer

• The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. 
• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.
• Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
• Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities.
• To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
• Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

• Benefits 
• This is a full-time position and offers the following benefits: 
• Medical and Prescription Drug (Employee Coverage 90% Employer Paid, Dependent Coverage 55% Employer Paid)
• Vision
• Dental
• Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
• Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Supplemental Life
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401k
• Paid Time Off (Accrual Equivalent to 5 Weeks Per Year)
• PTO Rollover
• PTO Sell Back
• Free Zoo Membership
• Free Guest Passes
• Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs

Salary

• $17.75 per hour