Animal Nutritionist

Houston, TX, United States

The Nutritionist oversees the Animal Nutrition program including formulation of species and individual animal-specific diets, managing diet changes, performing routine diet reviews, and facilitating nutrition research. The Nutritionist will also be responsible for evaluating nutrient analyses of food items, working closely with veterinarians and Animal Care leaders, managing the acquisition, quality control, preparation, and delivery of food items for the animal collection, managing the Animal Nutrition budget, and the supervision of the staff performing those duties (1 Animal Nutrition manager and 6 Animal Nutrition keepers). The nutritionist is part of the Animal Programs Leadership team.

May occasionally be required to work weekends, holidays, and beyond scheduled work hours.

Our Mission: Connect communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision: Be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

With support from the Animal Care and Health teams, design, evaluate, and monitor animal diets that meet the nutritional and psychological needs of each species and individual or group of animals

Oversees the operations of the Animal Nutrition Center, including the acquisition, quality control (including nutrient analysis), preparation, and delivery of food items for the animal collection

Provides functional supervision, operational assistance, and technical guidance for AN Manager, keepers, interns, and volunteers in the performance of job tasks

Responsible for the recruitment, selection, development, evaluation, and performance management of direct reports

Develop and maintain nutrition records, including diet changes

Provide direction and oversight to ensure nutritional regulatory requirements and standards are met or exceeded (AZA, USDA, HACCP)

Manage nutritional resource acquisitions and maintain relationships with vendors

Develop, revise, and implement area-specific protocols and operating procedures

Collaborate with the horticulture department to implement the institutional Browse program

Develop and manage the departmental budget, including capital campaign requests

Oversee maintenance of the Animal Nutrition facilities

Partner with Animal Care and Health teams to facilitate nutrition research

Collaboratively develop institutional food procurement program in accordance with AZA sustainability guidelines

Participate in AZA and NAG programs

Positively represent the Zoo and promote the zoo's mission and vision

Performs other duties as assigned

Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water, and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife-protecting actions

Education and Experience

Advanced animal nutrition training (MS and/or PhD and/or commensurate degree or experience)

Knowledge of animal nutrition principles including the unique requirements of non-domestic species

Basic animal husbandry and welfare of zoo species knowledge as it relates to nutrition.

General food handling, safety and sanitation practices experience

Knowledge of USDA, AZA, FDA, and state food safety guidelines and regulations

Demonstrated background in purchasing, budgeting, and warehouse functions

Experience in the acquisition, storage, and preparation of animal food items

Computer proficiency with standard Microsoft Office applications, purchasing systems, and animal record-keeping software

Strong leadership, interpersonal, team-building, and communication skills

Ability to work independently, but also with a large team

Practice safe work methods, identify workplace hazards, and use appropriate safety equipment.

Training and supervising employees

Must possess the ability to effectively partner with other departments and all levels of staff.

Valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.

About the Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.

Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

Benefits

Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.

Medical and Prescription Drug

Vision

Dental

Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)

Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)

Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)

Supplemental Life

Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account

401k, with employer match

Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.

Free Zoo Membership

Free Guest Passes

Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs

Free parking

Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.