Animal Nutrition Technician 1

Position Title:         Animal Nutrition Technician 1

Department:           Commissary/Nutrition 3270

Classification:         Non-Exempt / Full Time

Employee Type:     TSN - Team Spec FT Nexe

Direct Report:        Assistant Manager of Animal Nutrition

Position Summary

The Animal Nutrition Technician 1 (ANT1) is a member of a team that implements best practices to achieve and maintain the highest standard of aquatic animal nutrition, management, and care. The individual will assist with dietary analysis and diet change implementation based on individual species’ needs and requests originating from the Zoological Operations and Animal Health departments. The ANT1 will assist the Animal Nutrition Technician 2 (ANT2), Senior Animal Nutrition Technician (SANT) and Assistant Manager of Animal Nutrition (AMAN) in critically reviewing laboratory results, with data entry and analyses, and conducting science-based research that addresses institutional priorities for animal nutrition needs. The ANT1 will also assist with diet preparation and commissary tasks as needed. They will interface closely with the AMAN and Commissary Operations supervisors and technicians. This position must have experience with commissary operations, proper food sampling techniques, and a working knowledge of Georgia Aquarium’s computer systems (e.g., Tracks, Excel, OERCA) and a general knowledge of USDA guidelines is imperative. The ANT1 must work effectively in a team environment as well as independently.

Responsibilities

1. Sample testing and physical sample and database management
   • Organize, collect, and ship food samples for quality control nutritional testing or other research purposes on a monthly basis with guidance from the Animal Nutrition Technician 2, Senior Animal Nutrition Technician, and Assistant Manager in Animal Nutrition.
   • Correspond with analytical labs on appropriate nutritional testing and results with guidance from the Animal Nutrition Technician 2, Senior Animal Nutrition Technician, and Assistant Manager in Animal Nutrition.
   • Coordinate with the Commissary Technicians and Assistant Manager of Commissary Operations on inventory items for sampling.
   • Assist with database management of testing results.
2. Maintain and Manage Inventory and Ordering.
   • Responsible for inventor of all products and food items.
   • Alerts animal nutrition and commissary operations teams on low dies items.
   • Participate in regular inventory as needed.
   • Rotate items to ensure FIFO rule is observed.
   • Understands resident animal use of diet items and can actively calculate and order accordingly.
   • Manages and maintains the running spreadsheets to keep track of the movements of items through our systems.
3. Refill nutritional supplementations for zoological departments.
4. Diet Change implementation and record management:
   • Inform and assist commissary operations team with diet transitions and changes.
   • Communicate corrections to zoological staff.
   • Ensure proper items are on hand for all approved diet changes and helps acquire new items.
   • Implement diet changes in Tracks/OCERC and create prep sheets for commissary.
5. Maintain records as needed (diet sheets, diet cards, inventory sheets, etc.).
   • Help to develop and maintain operations manuals and SOPs.
6. Prepare Diets
   • Accurately follows written and oral instructions concerning type and quality of food to be prepared an size of proportions.
   • Inspect, sort, and clean food items as needed.
   • Cut food items to appropriate sizes and accurately weigh diets into prescribed amounts.
   • Prepare/process items to ensure efficient future operations.
7. Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of commissary spaces and induvial work areas.
   • Maintain sanitation level appropriate for a food service area.
   • Clean and disinfect all surfaces and equipment.
   • Keep all food storage areas clean and organized.
   • Develop policies and procedures to avoid cross contamination within commissary operation.
8. Actively and professionally communicates among staff and supervisors in other departments to ensure best service, convey dietary information and advocate for best nutritional practices.
9. Consistently act as a positive role model to mentor and inspire commissary volunteers and other staff on importance of appropriate diet prep and facility operations,
10. As needed, interact on behalf of the Georgia Aquarium with guests, media, and general public.
11. Perform other duties as workload dictates.

 Qualifications

1. BS/BA degree in biology, nutrition, animal science, food management, or related is required.
2. Minimum two years of experience in an AZA accredited institution, or equivalent, with a proven track record of team oriented and professional performance.
3. Direct experience with aquatic animals preferred.
4. Food service or preparation (human or animal) preferred, understanding of food service sanitation required.
5. Flexible schedule with the ability to work nights, weekends, on call, etc.
6. Superior verbal and written communication skills.
7. Effective problem analysis and resolution skills
8. Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet departmental requirements.
9. Motor coordination and manual dexterity required to safely handle sharp knives during food preparation.
10. Ability to detect signs of deterioration in foods.
11. Ability to be self-motivated and able to function in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.
12. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move loads in excess of 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.  The job requires work in a cooler (35-40 degrees F) and freezer (-10 - -20 degrees F).  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  The daily routine requires consistent physical exertion.

Commitment:

I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:

Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.

Vision: To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.

Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion