Animal Care Nutrition Keeper

The Living Desert; Holiday (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in wildlife conservation is seeking a dedicated Animal Care Keeper for their Nutrition Center. This role is vital for ensuring the well-being of over 500 animals through careful diet preparation and adherence to strict regulations. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational and communication skills, thrive in a team environment, and demonstrate a commitment to guest engagement. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a modern zoo's vision while fostering an inclusive culture. If you are passionate about animal care and conservation, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Travel opportunities for conferences

Some expenses paid for workshops

Flexible schedule for emergencies

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of exotic animal experience required.
• Experience in kitchen/food prep and public presentations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare daily diets for 500 animals and maintain food supplies.
• Ensure compliance with USDA and AZA regulations.
• Engage guests through tours and talks.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Decision Making

Task Management

Guest Service

Communication Skills

Food Preparation Skills

Time Management

Basic Knowledge of Animal Nutrition

Public Speaking

Education

AA or AS degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Excel

Job description

Description

The Living Desert is seeking qualified candidates to join our Animal Care Team as an Animal Care Keeper – Nutrition Center. This is a key, front-line position that requires a motivated, dedicated team player who is willing to make a significant commitment to the organization. This requires an enthusiastic individual with strong organizational, decision making, and task management skills while demonstrating ability to work effectively with all levels of staff in a consistently changing environment.

The Animal Care team is expected to support the Zoo in its mission “to support desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation.” This position will help the Zoo achieve a forward-thinking vision of a modern zoo and inclusive culture. This person must have the ability to make good decisions regarding the welfare of animals, staff and guests while working for the greater good of the zoo. This person must be a cooperative and collaborative team member with a great guest service attitude.

Position Summary:

Reports to Animal Care Curator. The Nutrition keeper will be responsible for daily diet preparation for the 500 animals in the zoo, inventory, ordering, receiving, and following USDA and AZA regulations. Nutrition keepers will be proficient in food preparations skills including knife work, accuracy of diets, and have a basic understanding of caloric amounts for most food items. Keepers will also oversee volunteers and mentor interns. Must be highly skilled in efficiency and time management. This position will be expected to do keeper chats and guest engagement activities.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Must represent The Living Desert in a professional manner, and act as a role model at all times.
2. Responsible for daily diet preparation, daily stocking and maintaining food supplies.
3. Responsible for maintaining USDA & AZA regulations/standards of cleanliness and order in the Nutrition Center.
4. Responsible for maintaining professional working relationships with vendors.
5. Responsible for maintaining accurate inventory, ordering supplies and food with vendors and keeping management informed of shortages.
6. Proficient knowledge of computer programs such as Excel.
7. General knowledge of zoo animal husbandry and observational skills.
8. Able to have a basic knowledge of caloric and nutritional needs for animals.
9. Able to train staff, volunteers and interns on Nutrition Center duties in a positive and nurturing manner.

Excellent guest service and communication skills for effective & engaging public speaking; gives knowledgeable and engaging tours/talks for guests, staff and donors.

1. May assist with the daily behavioral husbandry, operant conditioning and enriching experiences of animal collection as needed.
2. Contribute and maintain a safe, positive and productive workplace environment for animals, guests and staff.
3. Able to establish and maintain effective and professional working relations with co-workers and other department personnel, and to do so in accordance with The Living Desert Employee Handbook.
4. Other related responsibilities as necessary to accomplish department objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. AA, AS or higher degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, food service or other related degree and at least one year of exotic animal experience. Bachelor degree preferred but not required.
2. Experience in a kitchen/food prep and public presentations a plus.
3. Will substitute training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities. Generally, one year of full time exotic animal experience will translate to one year of college.
4. Valid California driver license.
5. Must be insurable on The Living Desert's automobile policy.

Working Conditions:

1. Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting (up to 50#).
2. Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals and dust/airborne materials.
3. Works with potentially dangerous animals (large ungulates, carnivores, venomous snakes).
4. Holiday, evening, weekend work required. Available on as needed basis for emergencies and events.
5. Travel opportunities for conferences, workshops and/or conservation projects as appropriate. Some or all expenses paid.