Lead Animal Diet Specialist

SALARY & FLSA:    $28.72 - $32.81 per hour; FLSA non-exempt

$28.72 - $32.81. The starting rate for this role is $28.72. Every employee under the Joint Crafts Council wage scale, on first appointment, will receive the first step of the salary range for the position. Employees will advance to the second step at the start of the pay period after their one-year anniversary in the job classification and each milestone thereafter (3 years, 6 years, 11 years, and 17 years of service) with Step 6 being the maximum pay rate.

OPENING DATE:   05/07/2026

CLOSING DATE:    05/29/26 This position may close early if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.

JOB TYPE:              Regular, Full-time

UNION:                  Represented

OPENINGS:            1

LOCATION:            Onsite

DEPARTMENT:     Animal Management

 

Experience in a food prep area at an accredited zoological institution, preferred.

This role is anticipated to work 4, 10-hour shifts with 3 consecutive days off. The schedule may shift due to operational needs.

 

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE
As our new Lead Animal Diet Specialist, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:

• Experienced in food warehouse or equivalent environments, bringing hands‑on knowledge of inventory flow, storage practices, and daily food operations.
• Well‑versed in food safety and handling procedures, with a strong commitment to cleanliness, accuracy, and compliance in every step of food preparation and storage.
• Exceptionally detail‑oriented, able to accurately read, interpret, and follow detailed diet orders, recipes, and standing instructions without deviation.
• Comfortable working with food preparation equipment and portion control standards, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and high‑quality nutrition outcomes for animals.
  
  

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Animal Care & Welfare 

• Prepares animal diets, following prescribed diet sheets and standing orders, for assigned areas of the zoo
• Maintain all perishable items, grain and hay in accordance with USDA regulations and AZA
• Routinely reviews all animal diets to ensure that the prescribed diet sheet is followed
• Oversee and support staff in daily routines

Habitat & Facility Maintenance 

• Ensures high standards of cleanliness in all food prep and storage areas
• Perform and oversee daily cleaning and maintenance of food processing equipment and tools and recommend replacements as needed.

 Administrative Responsibilities 

• Maintain accurate records of animal diets and facility maintenance, producing reports as needed.
• Collect invoices, credit card receipts and packing slips to document purchases; check invoices against packing slips; and code warehouse receipts and invoices for Accounting.
• Manage Nutrition Center scheduling, inventory and supplies related to animal care, 
• Conduct research and present findings as requested. 
• Attend departmental meetings and contribute to planning and decision-making. 

Staff Supervision & Development 

• Provide input to Animal Care Managers with performance evaluations and reviews of staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Support staff training and professional development initiatives. 
• Help set team goals and implement work plans and organizational policies. 

Public Engagement

• Engage visitors and donors through tours, presentations, and informal interactions. 
• Provide accurate and engaging information about the animal population and WPZ’s conservation efforts. 

Communication & Policy Compliance 

• Clearly communicate work instructions, policies, and procedures. 
• Ensure compliance with all organizational policies and standards. 

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One (1) year of Lead experience preferred
• Experience in large-scale or institutional food preparation preferred
• Experience in a food prep area at an accredited zoological institution

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent professional experience required
• Minimum of one-year related experience in a food warehouse environment, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of food safety and handling procedures.
• Ability to read and follow detailed diet orders and recipes accurately.
• Familiarity with food preparation equipment and portion control standards.
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

 

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time staff including:

• Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents
• 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays 
• Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave your first year
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days 
• 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks  
• Free staff parking 
• 403(b) Retirement Plan 

 

 

SELECTION PROCESS
Application: Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies. 

 

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications.  Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.

 

Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

 

Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant to successfully complete a: driving record review, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment tuberculosis test.