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Nutritional Services Coordinator
POSITION SUMMARY
The Nutritional Services Coordinator is responsible for daily diet preparation for the animals housed at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. Maintains accurate diet record sheets and performs periodic audits to ensure accuracy. Responsible for aspects of inventory, ordering, stocking, rotating food as well as overall efficiency and safety in diet preparation. Required to maintain a professional and collaborative relationship with all Zoo departments and outside vendors. Knowledge of, and compliance with, AZA and USDA regulations is mandatory. Knowledge of best food safety and contingency practices is expected. Supports Utah’s Hogle Zoo’s conservation efforts.
At the zoo we look for employees who are passionate about conservation, who approach their daily work with a can-do attitude, who are resourceful, who communicate respectfully with everyone, and are ready to work hard supporting the zoo’s mission of creating champions for wildlife by making connections between people and animals to inspire action.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
Reports to the Director of Animal Care.
PERKS
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other supplemental insurance.
- The Zoo is a part of the Utah Retirement System and makes a 10% contribution to an employee’s retirement. This includes an additional opportunity to make contributions to a 401K plan within URS.
- $3000 relocation allowance for qualifying new employees.
- Vacation days: New employees accrue up to 13 days annually of vacation time.
- Sick days: New employees accrue up to 10 days annually of sick time.
- Nine paid holidays in the year.
- Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families paid for by the Zoo.
- Employee long-term disability insurance paid for by the Zoo.
- Various employee reimbursements and contributions including wellness activities and professional development.
- Every employee receives a free Zoo Card that allows admission to the employee and up to 5 guests. It also provides free carousel and train rides, as well as free admittance to ZooLights and BooLights.
- 50% discount on concessions and 33.3% discount on gift shops items.
- Tickets at Work membership, which provides discounts and offers on theme parks, shows, sporting events, and travel.
- Awesome coworkers who care about animals and each other!
ABOUT UTAH’S HOGLE ZOO
For over 90 years, Utah’s Hogle Zoo has been a loved and trusted part of the community. Located within Salt Lake City proper, the Zoo is nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountain range at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. The Zoo spans over 42 acres and is home to a diverse collection of animals. Be a part of the Zoo as we share our newest exhibit, Wild Utah, and begin planning for one of our largest projects, South America. Make your contribution to a rich tradition of elevated behavior husbandry, guest engagement, professional development, and top animal welfare.
Being only minutes from both a vibrant downtown and national wilderness area, Salt Lake City is a dream for cultural aficionados and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This city has it all from professional sports teams, theater, cultural attractions, universities, nightlife, and many green spaces. From mountain ranges to deserts, Utah is home to five National and 45 State parks.
If all of this sounds exciting to you, then come and excel with us at Utah’s Hogle Zoo!
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Responsible for Commissary cleanliness, inventory and diet preparation as well as maintaining adequate and in-date supplies, adherence to AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), USDA (United Stated Department of Agriculture) regulations.
- Accurately prepares and delivers animal diets. Works with Animal Keeper Apprentices to ensure all animal diets are prepared daily as prescribed.
- Trains and directs the daily activities of the Animal Keeper Apprentices during their assigned Commissary shift.
- Works with animal care staff and supervisors to prepare nutritionally based animal enrichment.
- Maintain and update contingency strategies to prevent food shortages due to a disaster.
- Responsible for completing tasks related to the Commissary in the absence of the Commissary Manager; including inventory, ordering, stocking, recycling, replenishing, cleaning, organization and maintenance.
- Checks in deliveries for accuracy, quality, and wholesomeness. Makes determinations necessary to address any inconsistencies. Unloads, or manages a team to unload, and store all deliveries ensuring all items are stocked in a rotated and labeled manner for timely use.
- Communicates with the Commissary Manager any needs or issues with vendors to ensure product quality and consistency.
- Exercises fiscal and environmental responsibility; supports the Zoo’s conservation initiatives.
- Strives to reduce food waste and implement reclamation/recycling/composting strategies.
- Attends staff meetings as required.
- Mentors Keeper Apprentice staff.
- Routinely reviews all work practices for efficiency, resourcefulness and safety.
- Must safely operate a forklift, pallet jack, hand truck and comply with UHZ’s (Utah’s Hogle Zoo) protocols for certification for driving the forklift.
- Maintains pest control of all Commissary areas.
- Works with the Director of Animal Health on all diet changes, ensuring that they are accurately translated to all personnel needing the information.
- Manages the diet library in order to keep historical changes for future reference.
- Collaborates with the Grounds/Horticulture department for the storage of browse for winter feeding.
- Researches and develops new whole foods programs in conjunction with the Animal Health, Animal Care and Ground/Horticulture departments (e.g. invertebrates and rodents).
- Public speaking for media, donor events, educational programs and other events as necessary.
- Handles and prepares vegetables, fruit, grains, fish, fowl, other protein and produce foods.
- Maintains work area by cleaning and disinfecting walls, floors, countertops, equipment, utensils, containers, and refrigeration equipment. Monitors sanitation practices to ensure that employees, volunteers, and interns follow standards and regulations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES NEEDED
Required technical skills include the knowledge and ability of:
- Computer operations and technical software applications.
- Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel
Required mathematical skills include working knowledge of:
- Mathematical concepts and logic.
- Performs basic mathematical formulas and calculations. Must be able to work in both the metric and standard weighing systems.
Must possess excellent communications skills:
- Ability to lead, train, and retain employees.
- Effective interpersonal communication, including verbally and in writing.
- Ability to speak in front of a crowd or media camera.
Must have the ability to:
- Be very organized such that others can easily follow the work
- Follow written and verbal instructions.
- Apply critical thinking techniques.
- Work in a neat and detailed fashion
- Work at a pace that completes tasks in a timely manner without taking risks and/or cutting corners.
- Analyze and solve problems.
- Prioritize work.
- Have difficult conversations.
- Mentor staff.
- Ability to stay focused despite interruptions.
- Perform within deadlines while exhibiting a calm demeanor.
- Deal with stress caused by deadlines and circumstances outside of the position’s control.
- Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
- Have a memory for details.
- Be available evenings/weekends.
- Safely operate machinery (kitchen, forklift, etc.)
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS
- A Bachelor’s or Associates degree in a animal science, biology, culinary science, nutrition or related science field is preferred.
- Must have knowledge of animal care and basic husbandry skills OR proper food handling techniques.
- Exceptional organizational skills are essential, including effective time management and the ability to set and meet deadlines.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION
- Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a drug-free workplace. All employees are subject to random drug testing.
- Provide a negative TB test prior to hire date and maintain TB testing through course of employment.
- A current driver’s license is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Performs work in a climate-controlled area for the majority of the time, with other tasks being required in a non-climate controlled environment including freezers and coolers (refrigerators). Tasks require a variety of physical activities which may involve muscular strain such as walking, standing, bending, lifting, stooping, sitting, chopping food, and reaching, for the majority of the shift. Requires the ability to frequently lift 60 lbs. and occasionally be required to pull, with the assistance of a pallet jack, 75+ lbs., talking, hearing and seeing are required. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential functions.
Apply on the Hogle Zoo website.
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Additional Info
Job Type : Full-time
Education Level : Associate Degree
Experience Level : Mid Level
Organization Mission : Create champions for wildlife by making connections between animal and people to inspire action.
Nondiscrimination Statement : Utah’s Hogle Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.
Job Location : Salt Lake City, Utah
Work Model : On-site
Closing Date : 3/9/2026
Compensation Type : Hourly
Job Status : Nonexempt
Benefits Offered : Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Retirement Plan, Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Time
Pay Range : $19-$22/hour
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