Nutritional Services Temporary Keeper

Summary: 
This position will receive, prepare, and deliver food and supplies to all animal buildings and exhibit areas. Positions at this level are expected to perform under immediate supervision, progressing to general supervision as knowledge operating of procedures is gained. The duration of this position is 400 hours.

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
• Assist with 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
• Assist with nutrition laboratory operations and research 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
Must possess ability to:    
• Communicate well verbally and in writing
• Work effectively in a team setting
• Show initiative in problem solving, exhibiting alertness and good judgment
• Learn quickly and carry out tasks as directed, following detailed directions
• Meet emergencies calmly and effectively
• Prepare and deliver diets accurately in a timely fashion

Education and/or Experience:
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• One year of food service experience or 1 year of working in a zoo facility
• 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 50 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
• 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.