Animal Diet Technician

Position Title:  Animal Diet Technician

Department:  Veterinary     

Supervisor: Commissary Area Supervisor

Nashville Zoo Mission:

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Why Work with Us:

At the Nashville Zoo, we believe in taking care of our team just as well as we care for our animals. Full-time employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching – helping you build a secure future while you make a meaningful impact today.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave – because rest and recovery are vital.
• Exclusive zoo perks – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture – be part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.
• AZA-accredited facility – Nashville Zoo is committed to top-tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts.

Description:   

Under the general supervision of the Commissary Area Supervisor, the Animal Diet Technician is responsible for the daily preparation of diets, including all duties related to diet preparation for all the animals in the collection within Nashville Zoo, and for outreach programs as necessary. The Animal Diet Technician is responsible for diet preparation, cleaning and sanitizing work areas and work materials, unloading supplies and running errands as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the accurate preparation of diets in accordance with diet menu specifications for all required departments.
• Drive a zoo vehicle for the purpose of retrieving and or delivering supplies and materials.
• Unload various supplies from trucks and vendors using a pallet jack when needed.
• Responsible for maintaining clean and sanitary conditions of food preparation areas including counters, floors, coolers, freezers, grain rooms, supply areas.
• Operate various types of equipment in the performance of duties such as grinders, blenders, food processors, dishwashers, scales, pallet jacks etc.
• Maintain effective communication with co-workers and supervisors.
• Maintain effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities.
• Interact and communicate with coworkers, immediate supervisor, vendors, veterinarians, and visitors as needed.
• Perform other duties as needed.
• Model Nashville Zoo’s image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times.

Qualifications

Skills:

• Knowledge of safety practices while handling sharp kitchen utensils (knives, etc.)
• Knowledge of animal diet preparation and animal diet terminology.
• Ability to receive, understand, and carry out verbal and written instruction, direction, and assignments.
• Ability to perform physical work activities in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with employees and to deal with the public in an effective and positive manner.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.
• Ability to write and present professional presentations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and comfortable with public speaking.

Education/ Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Zoo, animal diet and/or kitchen prep experience is desirable.

Physical Responsibilities:

• Ability to work indoors in temperatures of 76 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round in high humidity and outdoors in temperatures ranging from below 20 to above 90 degrees Fahrenheit regularly.
• Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period or for an entire work shift. Applicants are required to have the ability to bend, stoop and extend oneself etc., as required for performing assigned tasks. 
• Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 50 pounds without assistance.

Work Schedule:

• Full Time Hours: 6:00am to approx. 3:00pm
• Part Time Hours: 6:00am to approx. 11:00am

• Flexibility: Position may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate special events, emergencies, or animal care needs.
• Must have flexibility to be available to work weekends.

Pre-employment requirements:

Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All employment is at-will.

• All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
• Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.