Animal Diet Technician

Job DetailsLevel: EntryJob Location: Galveston , TX 77554Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: NoneSalary Range: $15.00 - $17.00 HourlyTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: AnyJob Category: Animal CareJOB SUMMARY: The Animal Diet Technician performs the essential duties to support the Life Sciences and Exhibit Operations (LSEO) commissary, to include animal diet preparation, animal food inventory, animal diet delivery, animal food storage and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness in the animal food areas. Technicians do not have direct contact with animals but play an important role in the animal department   POSITION AUTHORITY: The incumbent is authorized to take reasonable action necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities, provided such action is consistent with position guidelines as outlined below.   POSITION GUIDELINES: Position guidelines include, but are not limited to, established company and department policies and procedures and all supervisory directives.  The incumbent is expected to exercise sound, reasonable judgment and initiative, and give high priority to accuracy and details in the performance of job responsibilities.   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Prepares animal diets in accordance with the species-specific Diet Sheets and an established high standard of quality control. Proficient in reading and interpreting menus. Understanding mathematical concepts and logic and must be able to perform basic mathematical formulas and calculations. Assists the Animal Nutrition Manager with maintaining an adequate animal food inventory, reporting shortages and receiving produce and dry goods shipments. Properly rotates animal food stocks to ensure “first in first out” compliance and ensures an accurate and precise inventory of animal food items for the Rainforest and Aquarium animals. Routinely inspects expiration dates of food items and supplies to ensure that they are used prior to expiration or discarded after expiration. Ensures that animal food is being stored properly to maximize freshness and to minimize contamination, pests and spoilage. Maintains, cleans and sanitizes the kitchen and all food storage areas, including walk-in freezers, coolers and refrigerators, in a clean, organized fashion consistent with industry, Moody Gardens and USDA standards. Ensures Quality Control through inspection of food items on arrival and during preparation. Operates Moody Gardens’ vehicles to transport animal food between departments and buildings. Communicates professionally and effectively to animal care staff, Animal Nutrition Manager, Senior Biologists and Curators. Work in safe proximity to animals without touching, feeding, engaging or entering enclosures. Any and all other duties as assigned; duties are subject to change as management deems necessary to best serve the needs of Moody Gardens QualificationsREQUIRED SKILLS:   This list contains KSAs that are associated with the job, however is not all-inclusive and may vary. Demonstrated knowledge of food handling policies, standards, operations, cleaning, inventory and maintenance. Ability to professionally and effectively communicate with staff through written correspondence (email and text). Ability to operate office and communication equipment, including computers, copiers, printers, phones and two-way radios. Ability to make independent decisions and manage time efficiently and effectively. Ability to work a highly flexible schedule, weekend, holidays and irregular hours. Ability to understand and comply with all safety regulations. Ability to arrive to work on time and maintain a positive attendance record. Demonstrate excellent communication skills to establish and maintain effective and sound working relationships with staff, volunteers, partners and the public. Ability to represent Moody Gardens positively and professionally in all interactions with visitors, guests, all staff/departments and other members of the community.   EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:   High School Diploma or GED, pursuit of related higher education degree preferred Minimum of 1 year experience in a food preparation role Preferred 3 years’ experience in a food preparation role Valid driver’s license with safe driving record   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:   Ability to work with a variety of animal food products, including but not limited to produce, nuts, raw meat, live feeder insects, frozen prey food items (fish, mice, rats, chickens, rabbits etc.) Ability to safely handle and operate sharp knives, microwave and food preparation and cleaning equipment. Ability to regularly travel via walking to assigned areas several times per day and efficiently enter all assigned areas. Ability to properly lift and carry up to 50lbs. Ability to stand and sit for periods of time. Ability to perform activities that include bending, stooping reaching. Common hand, eye, finger dexterity and coordination are required to perform essential functions. Working Conditions   Ability to work both indoors and outdoors for extended periods of time, with exposure to extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions; wet, cold, hot, mosquitoes and muddy conditions. Ability to work around animal odors   Emotional Demands   Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to negotiate a confined workspace while working with one or more coworkers. Ability to troubleshoot, analyze situations, and make sound decisions. Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines. Ability to perform focused work with close attention to detail. Ability to work well in a team environment as well as independently. Ability to handle confidential information.