Minnesota Zoo seeks Nutrition / Browse Technician

The Minnesota Zoo encompasses a 485-acre campus and is home to nearly 5,000 animals with about 1.5 million guests visiting annually. The Zoo is a coordinator of international conservation and breeding programs and is the State’s largest environmental educator. The Zoo’s conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems and its education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout our region, and around the world.

Position Details:

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: 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.

Job Summary

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.

Qualifications

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

Application Details

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

State of Minnesota is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Cyndee Robinson at cyndee.robinson@state.mn.us.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Cyndee Robinson at cyndee.robinson@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Zoological Garden 

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota’s State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you’ll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.