Pros
After being a diet tech for three years I could not say enough good things about my team or my management staff. They both try hard to make the work environment cohesive and efficient. My management staff has even gone out of the way to encourage multiple employees to seek experience in other departments within the zoo through volunteering. Hard work is rewarded often and through recognition and the added trust of new responsibilities. The job is also a great way to network with other zoo staff to learn more about the animal collection. My manager has always made a point to work with everyone to accommodate time off requests, volunteer requests, and shift requests as best as possible.
Cons
The environment can be high stress and some people are not able to adapt and overcome which will greatly hinder their ability to work well withing the kitchen. It is close quarters so if one person decides to not communicate or work with the group it affects the morale and work load of everyone else having to pick up the slack.