Our Ability Jobs

Working Title: Nutrition/Browse Technician

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Technical Specialist

Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job ID : 77781

• Location : Apple Valley

• Telework Eligible : No

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 06/26/2024

• Closing Date : 07/16/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-AFSCME

• Division/Unit : Biological Programs / Animal Health

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift; 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

• Days of Work : Tuesday - Saturday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $22.26 - $31.38 / hourly; $46,478 - $65,521 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME

• Work Area : Animal Health

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Earn a competitive wage, have affordable and comprehensive insurance benefits, a retirement plan and free parking.

This position provides assistance to the Animal Nutritionist with animal feed acquisition, inventory management, record-keeping, and developing the zoo’s browse program.

The incumbent collaborates with staff across the Animal Care, Health, Conservation, and Behavior (CHCB) division, as well as many other zoo staff and community partners to ensure the highest level of animal care in a manner that supports the Minnesota Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The incumbent must be able to drive fleet vehicles throughout the Zoo campus.

• Assist the Animal Nutritionist with developing and maintaining a browse program capable of providing sufficient browse for animal diets.

• Place orders for animal feed to meet the needs of the animal collection.

• Assist the Animal Nutritionist with maintaining diet records for the zoo collection.

• Keep current on food safety practices regarding storage and handling of feeds ranging from raw meat and fish to hay and browse.

• Perform other duties as needed to ensure the care of the animals in the collection, the smooth functioning of the department, and/or the reputation of the Zoo.

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• One year of experience working in an AZA accredited zoo, food industry, forage management, or related field

• Computer skills with business applications, such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access etc., sufficient to enter data and maintain inventory databases

• Math skills sufficient to accurately convert units of measure

• Plant identification skills sufficient to identify common safe and toxic browse

• Customer service skills sufficient to work with co-workers, community partners, vendors, and guests courteously and respectfully

• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree in Nutrition, Biology, Environmental Science, Forestry, or related field

• At least 1 year experience working in an established zoo browse program

• At least 1 year experience leading a team and training other employees or volunteers

• Data entry experience with diet formulation software

• Experience with inventory management related to perishable foods

• Experience operating chainsaws and driving a vehicle with a trailer

• Familiarity with AZA, USDA, and other relevant standards for browse and food handling as it relates to multiple species

Physical Requirements

• Current Rabies vaccination and negative TB or ability to become Rabies vaccinated and complete a negative TB test within the probationary period

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year-round

• Ability to negotiate all types of terrain

• Ability to frequently move up to 50 pounds

• Ability to lift and move large objects as a team over uneven terrain

• Ability to climb stairs and ladders throughout the day

• Ability to tolerate loud noises throughout the day

• Ability to stand for long periods of time throughout the day

• Ability to wear N95 face masks/respirators

• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach upward, twist and have good lateral movement

• Ability to perform tasks requiring heavy use of arms, wrists, and exertion of upper body, arms and hands to perform duties

• Ability to work in freezers or coolers for extended periods of time

• Exposure to a variety of potential allergens, including but not limited to hay, nuts, and fish

Additional Requirements

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Criminal History Check including fingerprinting

• Education Verification

• Employment Reference / Records Check

• License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.