Animal Diet Technician

Nashville Zoo; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Nashville Zoo is seeking an Animal Diet Technician in our Veterinary department. The role involves daily diet preparation for all animals, sanitation of work areas, and occasional outreach as needed, under supervision.

You may drive the Commissary vehicle to fetch supplies and support enrichment activities. The position requires a High School Diploma or equivalent, with desirable zoo/kitchen prep experience.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Prepare diets accurately according to diet menu specifications.
• Drive zoo vehicle to retrieve and deliver supplies.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Model the organization’s values in all interactions.
• Unload supplies from trucks using pallet jack when needed.
• Keep food prep areas clean and sanitary; operate kitchen equipment.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, vendors, veterinarians, and guests.
• Perform duties with safety and efficiency.

Skills

Safety practices

Diet preparation

Verbal and written instructions

Physical stamina

Self-direction

Public interaction

Independent work

Presentations

Public speaking

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Zoo, animal diet and/or kitchen prep experience desirable

Job description

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.

Position Title

Animal Diet Technician

Department

Veterinary

Status

Part Time/ Temporary

Supervisor

Commissary Area Supervisor

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.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Maintain professional conduct at all times and consistently model the organization’s values in all interactions with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.
• 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.

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 self‑direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
• 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

• The role requires frequently standing and walking for most of an 8–10‑hour shift and regularly bend, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive motions while cleaning habitats, preparing diets, and providing enrichment.
• The role requires frequently lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs and occasionally up to 75 lbs with assistance, as well as navigating ladders, stairs, uneven terrain, and wet or slippery surfaces.
• Strong hand dexterity, clear verbal communication, and adequate vision and hearing are essential to safely observe animals, operate tools and gates, and use radios.
• Work occurs indoors and outdoors year‑round in all weather, with routine exposure to animal dander, hay, dust, insects, loud noises, strong odors, and cleaning agents.
• Employees may encounter biological hazards, zoonotic diseases, and potentially dangerous animals and must follow established protocols for shifting, feeding, and emergency response.
• The role may require wearing PPE such as gloves, protective footwear, eye and hearing protection, and respirators as assigned.
• Schedules often include early mornings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime based on animal needs.
• Depending on assignments, a valid driver’s license and ability to operate facility vehicles may be required.
• Vaccinations, TB testing, or respirator fit testing may be necessary per policy.
• The role must learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete task independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Work Schedule

• 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.

Pay Range: $16.10 USD - $16.10 USD