Nutrition/Diet Prep Specialist

Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

Denver Zoo honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

The Nutrition/Diet Prep Specialist will support Denver Zoo's mission by preparing scientifically prescribed diets for Zoo animals, distributing prepared and bulk food to various zoo areas and maintaining the Nutrition Center facility. The Nutrition Specialist operates equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, hand truck, trucks, electric carts commercial kitchen and small power equipment and unloads vendor deliveries and updates inventories.

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests. If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Priority 1- Nutrition Center

• Prepare bulk diet ingredients, fresh vegetation, and other substances for consumption by zoo animals according to dietary instructions. Collects samples for nutritional analysis.

• Coordinate with Horticulture Department on distribution of browse and other edible plant products.

• Distribute dry goods, produce, prepared items, and other supplies to locations throughout the zoo.

• Order and receive produce, foods, and supplies; notifies vendors of any discrepancies in shipments.

• Load and unload foodstuffs and supplies, rotates stock, and maintains inventory.

• Operate a manual and electric pallet jack, forklift, various kitchen appliances, and small power tools. Drives a delivery pick-up truck or van, and an electric cart.

• Perform data entry and works with electronic records, including diet records, SOPs, inventory databases, and/or summaries of feed analyses.

Priority 2-Compliance

• Maintain work area by regularly cleaning and disinfecting walls, floors, countertops, and equipment.

Priority 3- Collaboration

• Under the supervision of the Nutrition Center Manager, help to instruct new Nutrition Specialists, interns and volunteers on Nutrition Center procedures and other institutional processes and protocols.

• Positively engage with Denver Zoo guests during Nutrition Center public tours, other formal engagements and informal guest encounters.

Other Responsibilities and Duties

• Perform various duties as assigned.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate.

• One year of experience performing food preparation OR completion of an approved training program in food service. Commissary/Kitchen experience preferred.

• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn and implement, food safety practices consistent with a standard food service environment.

• Knowledge of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and HACCP related principles is desirable.

• Food handler certification through ServSafe or comparable course desirable.

• Knowledge of safety hazards and necessary safety precautions sufficient to be able to establish a safe working environment.

• Skill with kitchen equipment including knives, band saw, blenders, commercial grinders and food processors.

• Knowledge of inventory practices and requirements sufficient to be able to identify shortages and reorder supplies as necessary.

• Knowledge of mathematics sufficient to be able to perform calculations in preparing a variety of diets.

• Forklift experience or certification preferred.

• Ability to identify problems and provide adequate information, including alternative solutions, to the manager.

• Proficiency in both written and oral communication skills; ability to produce and maintain written records, inventories, and diet protocols. Ability to read, interpret, and follow organizational policy, procedures and other written guidelines to work functions. Ability to work independently.

• Competency in computer skills including Microsoft Office and Internet-based programs.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.

• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Clear driving record.

• TB test

• Schedule Availability: Days with occasional weekends and evenings.

• Work Location: On Campus.

Compensation

Range for this position is $18.29-$21.02 (hourly).

Benefits

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision benefits; life insurance; short term and long-term disability; 403(b) retirement plan; and vacation and sick leave.

Application Process & Timelines

Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by May 21, 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role.

Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org