Animal Nutrition Keeper

Saint Louis Zoo; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Louis Zoo in Saint Louis, Missouri is seeking a dedicated Animal Nutrition Assistant to prepare bulk diets, handle food safely, and assist with the browse program. You will operate kitchen equipment, maintain inventory, and support collaboration across departments to deliver high-quality nutrition for the Zoo's animal care team.

Hours are from 5am to 2pm. Candidates must be able to work independently or as part of a team; a high school diploma is required with a bachelor’s degree

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of the Nutrition Team.
• Strong emotional intelligence and teamwork.
• Detail oriented with good problem solving and communication skills.
• Ability to obtain Class E driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Prepare bulk diets for multiple animal areas using kitchen equipment.
• Assist in ordering products and maintaining inventory records.
• Assist with the browse program, including offsite trips to gather browse material.
• Promote a positive team environment and collaboration with departments and partners.
• Contribute ideas to expand Animal Nutrition services for the Animal Care team.

Skills

Emotional intelligence

Teamwork

Problem solving

Communication skills

Flexibility

Attention to detail

Pressure management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Organization: Saint Louis Zoo located in Saint Louis, Missouri

Directly Reports to: Director of Nutrition Services

Classification: Non-Exempt/Hourly

Position Summary: This position is responsible for daily, bulk, food preparation and delivery to animal buildings. This includes diet preparation using kitchen equipment, safe food handling, maintaining food quality, keeping inventory records and assisting in the Zoo’s animal browse program. Maintaining the standards required by AZA and USDA for cleanliness and organization for a world class Nutrition Center are a must. The Animal Nutrition staff work hours are from 5am to 2pm.

Job Duties Include

• Following established protocols to prepare bulk diets for multiple animal areas. This includes using a food processor and meat saw as needed.
• Assist in ordering products and maintaining inventory records.
• Assist with the browse program which will include driving offsite to gather browse material.
• Help to promote a positive team environment, by continuing to grow collaboration between internal departments and with external partners.
• Contribute thoughts and ideas to help the Animal Nutrition Department expand on the basic role of providing the best products and service to the Animal Care team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Four-year Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Candidates must be able to work both independently and collaboratively as a part of the Nutrition Team
• Demonstration of a high level of emotional intelligence and the ability to work as a positive team member
• Detail oriented
• Great at problem solving.
• Ability to pivot focus based on immediate needs/priorities.
• Excel and Word experience.
• Strong communication skills and gifted with flexibility and patience.
• The ability to obtain a Class E driver’s license is required.
• Commitment to the Zoo’s Three Keys (Animals Always, People Matter, and Operational Excellence) and Core Values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance)
• All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.

About The Saint Louis Zoo

The world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo is an AZA accredited institution dedicated to saving species and bringing people and wildlife together. It is home to over 16,000 animals, many of which are endangered. Entry is free every day for everyone, an important part of our commitment to the people and “Animals Always”. Learn more at https://stlzoo.org/

About St. Louis, Mo

From Explore St. Louis: “Urban explorer, outdoor adventurer, aficionado of family fun – no matter your travel persona, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Louis. The city is brimming with free, world-class attractions and boasts an arts-and-culture scene that’s second to none. Plus, fans of fresh air will be surprised and delighted by our flourishing public parks, miles of trails and exhilarating waterways. Sprinkle in a bit of our secret sauce – the warmth and hospitality of the residents – and you’ll discover that St. Louis dishes up undeniably epic travel experiences. Don’t take our word for it, though. Come and see for yourself.” Learn more at https://explorestlouis.com/