Position Overview

The Animal Nutrition Lead is a working leadership position responsible for the daily operation of the Zoo’s Animal Nutrition Program. This role performs and leads the acquisition, preparation, storage, and delivery of diets for the Zoo’s resident animals while providing day-to-day supervision, training, and support to Animal Nutrition staff. The Animal Nutrition Lead partners closely with Veterinary and Animal Care teams to support animal health and welfare, ensure compliance with Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards, and continuously improve nutrition program operations. This position supports the Zoo’s mission through exceptional animal care, teamwork, guest engagement, and professional leadership.

Reports To: Staff Veterinarian

Qualifications

• B.S. or equivalent in Animal Science or Nutrition, Biology, Agriculture, or related field; Additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
  • Food industry or food prep experience preferred.
• Computer proficiency with standard Microsoft office applications, purchasing systems, and animal record keeping software.
• Previous supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• Experience with food safety regulations including storage of product, kitchen tool usage, and food preparation preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Animal Nutrition
  • Perform and oversee the acquisition, preparation, storage, and delivery of food items for the Zoo’s resident animals.
  • Participate in daily Animal Nutrition operations, including diet preparation, inventory management, food deliveries, sanitation, and other department responsibilities as needed.
  • Provide hands-on operational support and serve as primary department coverage during staffing shortages, peak operational periods, and scheduled staff absences.
  • Oversee the storage and rotation of all animal nutrition inventory.
  • Ensure food quality, sanitation, and food safety standards are maintained throughout acquisition, storage, preparation, and delivery processes.
  • Participate in veterinary health, nutrition, and welfare meetings and communicate nutrition program updates, concerns, and recommendations to the Veterinarian.
  • Assist with purchasing, vendor relations, inventory forecasting, and budget management for animal nutrition supplies.

• Staff Supervision & Scheduling
  • Lead by example through active participation in daily operations while promoting high standards of animal nutrition, professionalism, safety, and compliance with Zoo policies and procedures.
  • Schedule staff to ensure proper coverage for department.
  • Foster a positive, professional, and safety-conscious work environment.

• Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure compliance with all AZA standards, USDA regulations, and other applicable laws and guidelines.
  • Mentor other zoo staff/interns/externs/volunteers including demonstrating and teaching on proper methods for cleaning, sanitation, disinfection, and storage of department items.
  • Maintain and enforce safety protocols for staff and animals.

• Team & Interdepartmental Collaboration
  • Coordinate with Animal Care and Veterinary teams to implement diet modifications and support animal health and welfare goals.
  • Support the development of Animal Nutrition and Veterinary Health goals and ensure their effective communication and implementation within the Animal Nutrition team.
  • Support educational presentations, tours, and guest interactions as needed.

• Recordkeeping & Reporting
  • Perform and oversee up-to-date documentation information on animal diets.
  • Monitor inventory levels and maintain accurate records to ensure uninterrupted availability of food and nutrition supplies.
  • Maintain preventative maintenance schedule for equipment within department.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled.
• Physically able to lift up to or more than fifty pounds, and work in all weather conditions.
• This position involves frequent walking, stooping, lifting, carrying, pulling/pushing, bending, reaching, crouching, and may require repetitive movements. Exposure to potentially irritating materials such as hay, dust, and pollen are high.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Core Competencies

• Leadership and Team Development
• Communication and Collaboration
• Food Safety and Inventory Management
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
• Adaptability and Initiative
• Organization and Time Management

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: Hourly, full-time position
• Paid time off, medical, dental and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) plan.

Position Overview

Position Overview

Seasonal Admissions Associates are the first point of contact for guests, ensuring a positive entrance experience. This role includes handling transactions, answering questions, and keeping the admissions areas clean and organized.

Schedule & Availability

• Available to work April–October 2026 with occasional evening shifts available.
• Flexible scheduling; shifts available Sunday–Saturday.
• Work 12–39 hours per week, based on availability.
• Position duration: up to 7 months.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 or older.
• Basic computer skills preferred.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Previous customer service or retail experience is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Guest Experience & Sales
  • Provide a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for all visitors.
  • Greet guests, answer questions about the Zoo, AZA, and animal welfare.
  • Assist with purchases and provide product recommendations.
  • Operate the POS system for merchandise, memberships, tickets, rentals, and donations.
  • Handle cash, check, and credit card transactions accurately.

• Admission Operations & Inventory
  • Keep the admissions booth and surrounding areas clean and organized.
  • Assist with inventory management and recommend purchases to supervisors.
  • Record pricing and sales in the Altru system and assist with year-end inventory.
  • Follow Zoo policies, SOPs, and legal requirements as directed.

• Team Support & Special Events
  • Assist with Zoo events by setting up, breaking down, and managing crowd control.
  • Support check-ins for birthday parties, tours, and school groups.
  • Enforce Zoo guest policies politely and professionally.
  • Be cross trained for multiple areas within the Zoo as needed.

Position Overview

Seasonal Concessions Team Members provide excellent customer service, maintain a clean work environment, and ensure smooth operations at the Zoo’s concession stands.

Schedule & Availability

• Available to work April–October 2026 with occasional evening shifts available.
• Flexible scheduling; shifts available Sunday–Saturday.
• Work 12–39 hours per week, based on availability.
• Position duration: up to 7 months.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 or older.
• Basic computer skills preferred.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Prior food service, retail, or cash-handling experience is a plus.
• Ability to stand for long periods and work in all weather.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Guest Experience & Sales
  • Create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for all visitors.
  • Operate the point of sale (POS) system to process transactions (cash, check, and credit).
  • Follow cleaning, inventory, and food preparation checklists daily.
  • Track inventory levels and notify supervisors when restocks are needed.
  • Keep concession spaces clean, organized, and appealing to visitors.
  • Support Zoo events with setup, crowd control, check-ins, and clean-up.
  • Be cross trained for multiple areas within the Zoo as needed.
  • Answer basic questions about the Zoo, AZA, and animal welfare.
  • Enforce Zoo policies and rules in a courteous and professional manner.
  • Assist with additional Zoo operations and special projects/events as needed.

• Admission Operations & Inventory
  • Keep the admissions booth and surrounding areas clean and organized.
  • Assist with inventory management and recommend purchases to supervisors.
  • Record pricing and sales in the Altru system and assist with year-end inventory.
  • Follow Zoo policies, SOPs, and legal requirements as directed.

• Team Support & Special Events
  • Assist with Zoo events by setting up, breaking down, and managing crowd control.
  • Support check-ins for birthday parties, tours, and school groups.
  • Enforce Zoo guest policies politely and professionally.
  • Be cross trained for multiple areas within the Zoo as needed.

Position Overview

Seasonal Custodial & Rides Team Members help create a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment by maintaining Zoo grounds, operating the train and carousel, and ensuring visitor safety.

Schedule & Availability

• Available to work April–October 2026 with occasional evening shifts available.
• Flexible scheduling; shifts available Sunday–Saturday.
• Work 15–39 hours per week, based on availability.
• Position duration: up to 7 months.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 or older.
• Ability to lift 45+lbs.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Prior experience in custodial, groundskeeping, or ride operations is a plus.
• Ability to stand for long periods and work in all weather.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Guest Experience & Sales
  • Create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for all visitors.
  • Enforce Zoo guest policies in a courteous and professional manner.

• Custodial & Grounds Maintenance
  • Clean and maintain the Zoo, including restrooms, trash bins, and pathways.
  • Complete daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning checklists.

• Rides Operation (Train & Carousel)
  • Operate and monitor the train and carousel safely.
  • Ensure all safety procedures are followed while assisting guests.

• Team Support & Special Events
  • Assist with custodial supply inventory and report needs.
  • Support Zoo events by helping with setup, teardown, and guest experience.
  • Be cross trained for multiple areas within the Zoo as needed.

Position Overview

Seasonal Educators are essential members of the education and conservation department, that help facilitate safe and fun interactions with our guests and animals. This role includes answering questions, cleaning the Contact Yard, and presenting educational materials and conservation messaging to the public.

Schedule & Availability

• Available to work April–October 2026 with occasional evening shifts available.
• Flexible scheduling; shifts available Sunday–Saturday.
• Work 15–39 hours per week, based on availability.
• Position duration: up to 7 months.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 or older.
• Must be able to pull 45lb cart up hill, bend, and squat.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Strong customer service, interpersonal skills, and comfortability with public speaking.
• Previous customer service or education experience preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Guest Experience & Sales
  • Provide a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for all visitors.
  • Answer guest questions and provide excellent customer service.
  • Present educational materials and conservation messaging using the Connect-Understand-Act format.

• Animal & Educational Encounters
  • Keep Contact Yard clean throughout the day.
  • Facilitate guest interactions with animals in a fun and safe manner.
  • Properly handle zoo biofacts, following all specified protocols, and report damaged or missing items .

• Team Support & Special Events
  • Assist with Zoo events, setup, breakdown, and crowd control.
  • Present guest surveys, count guest interaction, and record findings.
  • Enforce guest policies in a polite and professional manner.