What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nutrition Technician position at Brevard Zoo?
Position: Nutrition Technician
Status: Part Time; FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt
Department: Veterinary Programs
Reports to: Veterinary Resource Manager
Position Overview
Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, the Brevard Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. It is also home to multiple wildlife conservation and rehabilitation programs focused on the preservation of native Florida wildlife, including those specific to marine turtles, black bears, manatees, Perdido Key Beach Mice, and Florida grasshopper sparrows. Brevard Zoo is well-known for its strong conservation ethic and unique attractions, such as kayaking through the Africa area, giraffe feeding, and rhinoceros and various other animal encounters.
The Zoo’s growing Department of Veterinary Programs is seeking a dynamic individual to join our team of dedicated animal health professionals as a Animal Nutrition Technician. We are searching for a team-oriented candidate that is positive, motivated, and engaging, and will enthusiastically represent Brevard Zoo in all aspects of the job. The Veterinary Programs team consists of its Director, Staff Veterinarian, Veterinary Intern, Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Resource Manager, Animal Nutrition Technicians, and Sea Turtle Program Manager.
Qualifications
REQUIRED:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Physical Requirements
(H) Heavy Work
Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Potential Environmental Conditions/Hazards
Indoor office environment most often with frequent movement outdoors. Exposure to extreme heat and weather conditions. It requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, finger dexterity, talking, hearing, and visual acuity frequently.
Work Schedule
May be required to work weekends and nights as necessary.
Travel
None
The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Zoo’s policies on evaluation of personnel.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement
East Coast Zoological Society of Florida, Inc., dba Brevard Zoo, is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any aspect of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, transfer, termination, or any other terms and conditions of employment.
Employees and applicants are encouraged to report any concerns regarding discrimination or harassment, and retaliation for reporting such concerns is strictly prohibited.
Brevard Zoo is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. We value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals. Join us in sharing the joy of nature to help people and wildlife thrive.
Status: Part Time; FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt
Department: Veterinary Programs
Reports to: Veterinary Resource Manager
Position Overview
Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, the Brevard Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. It is also home to multiple wildlife conservation and rehabilitation programs focused on the preservation of native Florida wildlife, including those specific to marine turtles, black bears, manatees, Perdido Key Beach Mice, and Florida grasshopper sparrows. Brevard Zoo is well-known for its strong conservation ethic and unique attractions, such as kayaking through the Africa area, giraffe feeding, and rhinoceros and various other animal encounters.
The Zoo’s growing Department of Veterinary Programs is seeking a dynamic individual to join our team of dedicated animal health professionals as a Animal Nutrition Technician. We are searching for a team-oriented candidate that is positive, motivated, and engaging, and will enthusiastically represent Brevard Zoo in all aspects of the job. The Veterinary Programs team consists of its Director, Staff Veterinarian, Veterinary Intern, Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Resource Manager, Animal Nutrition Technicians, and Sea Turtle Program Manager.
Qualifications
REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of mathematics is sufficient for common kitchen calculations. Proficiency in written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Experience with commercial food preparation or completion of a food service training program preferred.
- Commissary/kitchen experience at an AZA-accredited facility is desirable.
- First Aid/CPR certification required. Training provided by Brevard Zoo.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Prepares diets according to dietary instructions for consumption by zoo animals.
- Orders produce and confirms accuracy of deliveries.
- Loads and unloads foodstuffs and supplies, rotates stock, and maintains inventory control records.
- Responsible for maintaining animal care center including such duties as sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, disinfecting equipment and preparation areas, emptying garbage, exterminating insects, etc.
- Maintains invertebrate cultures (e.g., mealworms, super worms, crickets, etc.).
- Operates and utilizes various types of equipment and tools such as computer/copier/printer/scanner, various kitchen appliances, carts, vehicles (e.g., truck or van), manual pallet jack, fork truck, etc.
- Helps with various projects (e.g., maintaining compost, preparing animal enrichment items, etc.
- Supervises volunteers assisting in commissary.
- Communicates with security as needed.
- Under special circumstances, may be asked to help with animal procedures or care
- responsible for ensuring compliance with USDA, OSHA, Florida Department Of Health, and Brevard Zoo policies.
- Responsible for supervising volunteers, husbandry of sea turtles, some record keeping and various other duties as directed by Sea Turtle Manager.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Must always maintain a professional and respectful demeanor.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to take initiative and work independently in the absence of immediate supervision.
- Ability to react calmly and objectively in emergency situations and under adverse conditions.
Physical Requirements
(H) Heavy Work
Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Potential Environmental Conditions/Hazards
Indoor office environment most often with frequent movement outdoors. Exposure to extreme heat and weather conditions. It requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, finger dexterity, talking, hearing, and visual acuity frequently.
Work Schedule
May be required to work weekends and nights as necessary.
Travel
None
The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Zoo’s policies on evaluation of personnel.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement
East Coast Zoological Society of Florida, Inc., dba Brevard Zoo, is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any aspect of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, transfer, termination, or any other terms and conditions of employment.
Employees and applicants are encouraged to report any concerns regarding discrimination or harassment, and retaliation for reporting such concerns is strictly prohibited.
Brevard Zoo is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. We value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals. Join us in sharing the joy of nature to help people and wildlife thrive.