Animal Nutrition Keeper

Ultipro; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The Saint Louis Zoo in Saint Louis, Missouri, seeks a Nutrition Center team member to prepare bulk diets for animal buildings, handle food prep, maintain inventory, and support the browse program. The role emphasizes safety, accurate records, and AZA/USDA standards.

Shift hours are 5am–2pm, with a strong focus on teamwork and quality service. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent (Bachelor’s preferred), Excel/Word skills, and the ability to work independently and with the

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Able to work independently or with the Nutrition Team.
• Demonstrates high emotional intelligence and team spirit.
• Detail oriented and good at problem solving.
• Able to pivot focus as priorities change.
• Excel and Word experience.
• Strong communication, flexible and patient.
• Must have a valid Class E driver’s license.
• Committed to Saint Louis Zoo’s Three Keys and Core Values.
• Background check and drug test required in safety-sensitive role.

Responsibilities

• Follow established protocols to prepare bulk diets for multiple animal areas using a food processor and meat saw as needed.
• Assist in ordering products and maintaining inventory records.
• Assist with the browse program, including driving offsite to gather browse material.
• Promote a positive team environment and collaborate with internal departments and external partners.
• Contribute ideas to help the Animal Nutrition Department expand its services to the Animal Care team.

Skills

Team collaboration

Emotional intelligence

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication skills

Flexibility

Patience

Driver's license

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/

Qualifications

Education

Required

High School or better.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.