Animal Nutritionist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Animal Nutrition Supervisor works under the direction of the Animal Nutritionist and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Animal Nutrition Center (ANC), including the acquisition, preparation, and delivery of food items for the animal collection and the supervision of the staff performing those duties.  

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities 

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the ANC, including the acquisition, preparation, and delivery of food items for animal collection. 

• Provides functional supervision, operational assistance, and technical guidance for ANC keepers, interns, and volunteers in the performance of job tasks. 

• Maintains ANC staff scheduling and ensures appropriate daily staffing. directs, organizes, prioritizes, and schedules work assignments within the section. 

• Oversees animal nutrition documentation utilizing TRACKS and other software programs; ensures that animal diet sheets are maintained and up to date.    

• Manages the animal food warehouse to ensure effective use of space and optimization of inventory on hand. 

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

• Collaborates in the development and implementation of standard operating guidelines, safety protocols, and emergency procedures in accordance with regulatory requirements and guidelines (AZA, USDA, HACCP). 

• Evaluates the condition of area facilities and equipment; generates and tracks work requests and monitors repair and maintenance work as needed. 

• Assists in the development and implementation of preventative maintenance and purchasing programs to optimize the use of organizational resources. 

• Assists in the development of purchasing and inventory reports in collaboration with the purchasing department. 

• Collaborates in the selection of animal food vendors and service providers, including price negotiations and establishment of price agreements. 

• Collaborates with Animal Nutritionist on area capital improvement planning. 

• Ensures that staff are appropriately trained in purchasing policies and procedures. 

• Participates in AZA and Nutrition Advisory Group (NAG) programs. 

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

• Contributes to other operational priorities as needed. 

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from four-year college or university;or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Minimum of six (6) years of experience in a zoological facility.  

• Demonstrated background in purchasing and warehouse functions.  

• Experience in acquisition, storage, and preparation of animal food items.  

• Basic knowledge of the nutritional needs of exotic animals.   

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

• Strong interpersonal, team building, and communication skills.   

• 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 promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.