Animal Food Preparation Technician - Full-Time Temporary for a year

The Santa Barbara Zoo is looking for an Animal Food Preparation Technician to support our Animal Kitchen.  This position is a Full-time temporary for a year, with the possibility of transitioning to regular full-time status after one year. 

Position Status: Full-time, Temporary for a year, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Schedule: Sunday to Thursday, typically 8am to 5pm

Compensation: $19.20 - $20.70 per hour, DOE

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Animal Nutritionist, the Animal Food Preparation Technician is responsible for the preparation of animal diets for the Zoo’s animal population, monitoring food quality, maintaining the cleanliness of the animal kitchen, freezer, and refrigerator, and washing animal dishes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Maintains cleanliness of the Zoo’s animal kitchen throughout the day
• Operates automatic dishwasher to wash all dishes, buckets, utensils, and enrichment items
• Performs cleaning duties, such as wiping down all surfaces, disinfecting sinks, and mopping floors
• Monitors temperature of walk-in refrigerator and freezer
• Cleans and mops the floor of the walk-in refrigerator and freezer
• Follows written and oral instructions concerning animal diets to be prepared
• Interprets established diets accurately
• Cuts fruits, vegetables, meat products and other food items
• Uses a scale to weigh and measure designated ingredients accurately according to written diets
• Works with many different types of food preparation equipment including, knives, blenders, hot plates, and microwave
• Restocks and shelves food items in all animal food storage areas in a timely manner
• Stores completed diets for the day in the animal kitchen refrigerator
• Reports maintenance issues and potential hazards for staff to the supervisor in a timely manner
• Adheres to the Zoo’s cleanliness and sterilization standards
• Adheres to Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
• Follows Santa Barbara Zoo Animal Kitchen Standard Operating Guidelines/Protocols
• Follows all Santa Barbara sustainability practices/standards when possible
• Follows all recognized AZA and USDA food safety handling and best practices
• Attends bi-monthly all-employee meetings
• Attends department meetings

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Guest Relations:

• Greets every guest with a smile
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
• Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
• Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
• Associates with guests to assist and share information
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
• Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
• Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
• Other miscellaneous duties as required

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education & Experience:

• Minimum 18 years of age

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

• Some animal-related or food prep work preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures
• Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
• Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to develop productive and friendly relationships at work
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, employees, volunteers, and guests
• Ability to exercise safe work habits 

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
• Requires the ability to negotiate the Zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, and hilltop
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally and 25 or fewer pounds frequently  
• Must be able to unload and shelve dry goods in grain storage up to 50-pound bags
• Must be able to stand/walk during the entire shift
• Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials
• Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move objects
• Ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists
• Ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects
• Exposure to cleaning solutions
• Exposure to wheat, soy, tree nuts, legumes, or shellfish
• Exposure to sharp objects and hot surfaces
• Exposure to freezer and refrigerator temperatures during limited intervals
• Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
• Supportive and open employment culture

Tools Used:

• Scale
• Commercial ware washer 
• Two-way radio
• Hand tools
• Standard kitchen utensils
• Knife Sharpener
• Grinder
• Food Processor
• Hot Plate
• Microwave
• Blender

BENEFITS & PERKS: 

• Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round! 
• Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
• Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development, and lunch & learn opportunities

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.