Chattanooga Zoo is looking for a dedicated to perform routine animal husbandry duties to prepare diet and assist in managing the nutrition center. This position is responsible for the daily preparation of animal diets, updating diet preparation sheets, assisting Animal Care Supervisor with food inventory and ordering, and training staff and volunteers on diet preparation. This position is responsible for maintaining area compliance with USDA and AZA regulations and standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prepare animal diets in accordance with what is listed in the Diet Preparation Sheet
• Assist ACS with keeping the Diet Preparation Sheet up to date and accurate
• Follow AZA and USDA standards for cleaning and storage of animal food
• Follow a FIFO rotational system for animal food
• Train new volunteers, interns and staff on diet preparation
• Coordinate with ACS, vet staff, and keepers to ensure diet preparation and presentation is meeting that individual's welfare needs
• Regularly complete inventory of various food items
• Assist the ACS with completing purchase orders and placing food orders with suppliers

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in animal science, zoology, life science, or similar
• For Keeper I: one (1) year experience in animal care and/or diet preparation is required
• For Keeper II: three (3) years experience in animal care and/or diet preparation is required
• For Keeper III: fine (5) years experience in animal care and/or diet preparation is required
• Knowledge of exotic animal care and/or animal nutrition
• Any combination of equivalent education and experience to successfully perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Medium: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently. This position requires standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping and lifting/holding a majority of the time. This position requires the ability to hold, lift, carry, or restrain animals as necessary

Environment: This position is routinely exposed to external elements which include heat/cold, wet/humid, dry/arid and extreme weather conditions. Personal protective equipment is frequently required. Keepers will be exposed to various allergens possibly including, but not limited to, pollen, grass/hay, dust, hair, dander, and nuts.

The Friends of the Zoo, Inc. / Chattanooga Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Zoo will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.