Role Purpose

The Keeper of Animal Nutrition is team player of daily operations and staffing, and strategic management of the Animal Nutrition Center. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality nutrition services while maintaining rigorous international standards for food safety, staff welfare, and organizational efficiency. May act as designate for the senior keeper during his/her absence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership & Development

• Assists in the preparation, storage and inventory of food for animal collection, as well as performing various computer related duties.
• This position is also responsible for assisting and providing support in implementing the Strategic Plan

2. Technical Operations & Logistics

• Inventory Management: Oversee procurement, stock rotation (FIFO), and rigorous inspection of all food items and supplies.
• Diet Preparation: Ensure all animal diets are prepared accurately according to established Diet Worksheets and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Operates and maintains specialized food preparation equipment.
• Stores prepared diets and perishable ingredients under required temperature conditions.
• Cleans and disinfects Nutrition Science Centre area and equipment, including food containers.
• Assists with the care and eventual disposal of live animals used for food.
• Makes periodical inventory checks, keeps daily inventory control and ordering of foodstuffs as required.
• Under the direction of Supervisor, performs all tasks involved in the Environmental Management and Auditing System within the Nutrition Centre.

3. Standards & Compliance

• ISO Management: Maintain operational alignment with ISO 9001 Quality, ISO 22000 Food Safety, ISO 45001 OH&S, and ISO 14001 Environmental Management.
• Regulatory Oversight: Support zoo licensing requirements and ensure strict adherence to Health & Safety protocols.
• Research: Encourage evidence-based practice and support scientific research initiatives within the nutrition service.

4. Visitor Experience & Public Engagement

• Presentation: Maintain back-of-house and public-facing nutrition areas to an excellent aesthetic standard.
• Public Relations: Support VIP tours, media interactions, and donor events as a subject matter expert.

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience & Skills

• expertise in sanitary food preparation, animal feeding behavior, and nutrition service management.
• Leadership: Proven track record in personnel management scheduling, mentoring, and conflict resolution.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to troubleshoot complex logistics and make independent, data-driven decisions.
• Communication: High proficiency in written and verbal communication for professional reporting and public engagement.

Technical Requirements

• Education: Highschool graduate (12th) Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or a related field equivalent experience.
• Experience: Minimum 1 year in food preparation/nutrition /commercial kitchen
• Physical Ability: Must be able to perform labor-intensive tasks in varying environments (outdoor weather and high-temperature kitchens).

Interested applicants can apply by submitting their resumes to ritub@dubaisafari.ae