Animal Nutrition Technician (Full-Time)

Application Deadline: 31 October 2025 and/or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. We reserve the right to close the posting early if a well-qualified candidate pool has been established.  Early submission is encouraged.

Please ensure that your application highlights your experience and qualifications as they relate to the responsibilities of this role. 

Do you have a background in food handling and want to make an impact beyond the kitchen?  If you have a background in food handling, this is a unique opportunity to apply your skills in an animal care environment. As an Animal Nutrition Technician I (Full-Time) at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, you are one of the first team members onsite.  You’ll begin your day in the Animal Nutrition Center, ensuring each animal receives precise, high-quality nutrition. This hands-on role combines food handling, preparation, and safety protocols to support the health of hundreds of species. You’ll apply your knowledge of HACCP standards, and food handling to create balanced, species-specific meals that directly impact animal well-being and conservation success.

If you are detail-oriented, passionate about animal care, and ready to grow in the field of nutrition, we encourage you to apply.  

Help us meet our mission "Connecting or community to wildlife and wild places."

What You’ll Do:

• Receive, inspect, prepare, portion, and issue a variety of foods and dietary supplements according to veterinary-approved nutrition plans.
• Follow strict HACCP and food safety protocols to maintain compliance with AZA, USDA, and internal Zoo standards.
• Perform accurate calculations, conversions, and measurements to ensure dietary precision across species.
• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of food preparation and storage areas, including coolers and freezers.
• Collaborate closely with the Nutrition/Hospital Manager, veterinarians, and animal care specialists to meet specialized feeding schedules.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently while ensuring quality control in all food handling processes.
• Support recordkeeping and inventory tracking for daily feedings, diet adjustments, and supply levels.
• Participate in disaster response and emergency feed plan preparation as part of the Nutrition team.

What you bring:

• Currently hold, or have you previously held, a satisfactory status in an unpaid or paid position with Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
• Candidates must be willing to complete all required pre-employment screenings, which include a background check, drug screen, physical examination, and employment verification, in accordance with the organization hiring standards.
• Working knowledge of HACCP protocols and safe food handling.
• Strong math and measurement skills (fractions, conversions, portioning).
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Physical ability to perform active, on-your-feet 6–8 hour shift, including excessive heat and cold in association with the kitchen environment.
• Relevant coursework or internship in nutrition, culinary arts, or food science.
• A typical schedule consists of (5) five days (8 hours) including a weekend, plus a two (2) hour shift on holidays, with flexibility for occasional night shifts, events, or disaster recovery efforts.   
  • ​Tuesday- Saturday or Sunday- Thursday
  • 6:00 AM- 3:00 PM 
• Availability to start no later than November 18, 2025. Limited exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Availability for an onsite interview at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. 

A Plus…

• Experience in a zoo, aquarium, or institutional food service environment.
• Food Handling/Sanitation certification.
• Successful completion of a degree in the field of dietetics, food, nutrition, food service management, institution management, or related science.
• Working knowledge of regulatory compliances, OSHA, Association of Zoos, and Aquariums (AZA) and USDA.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to consistently remain on your feet for 8-10 hours on shift.
• Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
• Ability to work in excessive heat and cold in association with the kitchen environment.
• Ability to transport and move items frequently up to 50 pounds for short distances without difficulty.
• Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium while performing various jobs.
• Manual dexterity for standing, reaching, flexibility, and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, stoop, bend, lift, kneel, crawl, climb, jump, dig and prolonged standing.
• ​Visual acuity for reading, writing, and observing surroundings, and auditory acuity for communication. 
• Ability to operate motorized carts, trucks, and power tools.  
• Ability to  safely operate specialized food preparation equipment such as; ovens, microwaves, grinders, blenders, dishwashers, sharpeners, and mixers.

WORK CONDITIONS 

• Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, snow, and wind.  
• Regular work on weekends and holidays with irregular work hours sometimes required. 
• Exposure to hazards such as wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights. 
• Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), pathogens, and injuries from animals. 
• Periodic work in small, enclosed areas. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations
EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE