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Zoo Nutritionist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dallas Zoo

General Application - Animal Health

Dallas, TX

$15.50 - $21/hr

The Dallas Zoo's Animal Nutrition and Browse Programs operate under the guidance of an experienced Zoo Nutritionist, ensuring balanced, science-based diets and fresh, safe plant material for a ...

Houston Zoo

Animal Nutrition Coordinator

Houston, TX · On-site

Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities * Coordinates onsite browse processing logistics as established by the Nutritionist and ...

Houston Zoo

Animal Nutrition Coordinator

Houston, TX · On-site

Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities * Coordinates onsite browse processing logistics as established by the Nutritionist and ...

Knoxville Zoo

Animal Nutrition Specialist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Zoo Knoxville Job Title: Nutrition Specialist Department: Animal Care Date Written: 8/22/2024 Reports To: Nutritional Services Supervisor Status: Part time, Non-Exempt Supervises: N/A Pay Rate ...

Knoxville Zoo

Animal Nutrition Specialist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Zoo Knoxville Job Title: Nutrition Specialist Department: Animal Care Date Written: 8/22/2024 Reports To: Nutritional Services Supervisor Status: Part time, Non-Exempt Supervises: N/A Pay Rate ...

Zoo New England

Part- Time Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

... the nutritional needs of animals. This includes preparing diets according to specifications ... Assists Curators, zoo veterinarian and veterinary staff in capture and restraint of zoo specimens ...

Knoxville Zoo

Animal Nutrition Specialist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Nutrition Specialist Department: Animal Care Date Written: 8/22/2024 Reports To: Nutritional ... Zoo Knoxville is home to approximately 1400 animals representing more than 180 species. Driven by ...

Chattanooga Zoo

Nutrition Keeper

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

Chattanooga Zoo is looking for a dedicated Nutrition Keeper, this position is responsible for the daily preparation of animal diets, updating diet preparation sheets, assisting with food inventory ...

mkecounty

Zoo - Associate Veterinarian

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$89K - $100K/yr

Manages the Commissary and Commissary Animal Nutrition Coordinator. Participates in zoo conservation and research programs. Oversee hospital operations in the absence of the Senior Staff Veterinarian.

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Zoo Nutritionist information

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$32.5K

$54.1K

$90K

How much do zoo nutritionist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoo nutritionist in the United States is $54,137.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a zoo nutritionist?

Zoo nutritionists are specialized professionals who develop and oversee the diets of animals living in zoos and aquariums. They ensure that each species receives a balanced diet tailored to its unique nutritional needs, which helps maintain optimal health, reproduction, and longevity. Zoo nutritionists work closely with veterinarians and animal caretakers to monitor animal health, adjust feeding protocols, and research new dietary strategies. Their role is essential in supporting the well-being and conservation of diverse animal species in captivity.

How does a zoo nutritionist collaborate with animal care teams to develop and implement feeding protocols?

A Zoo Nutritionist regularly works closely with veterinarians, keepers, and curators to tailor diets that meet the specific nutritional needs of each animal species. This involves assessing individual health, monitoring feeding behaviors, and adjusting menus based on life stages or medical conditions. Nutritionists participate in team meetings, share research findings, and provide training for staff to ensure protocols are followed. This collaborative approach helps maintain animal health and supports conservation efforts within the zoo.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a zoo nutritionist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zoo Nutritionist, you need a strong background in animal science, nutrition, and biology, often supported by a relevant degree such as animal nutrition or veterinary science. Familiarity with specialized diet formulation software, laboratory analysis techniques, and knowledge of regulatory standards is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and excellent communication skills distinguish top candidates in this field. These skills ensure the development of balanced diets that promote animal health, meet species-specific needs, and support conservation efforts.

What is the difference between Zoo Nutritionist vs Zoo Keeper?

AspectZoo NutritionistZoo Keeper
Required CredentialsDegree in animal nutrition, biology, or related field; certifications in animal careHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentOffice and animal care areas, focusing on diet planning and nutritional healthAnimal enclosures, daily animal care, and habitat maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, wildlife parks, animal sanctuariesZoos, aquariums, wildlife parks

While both roles work within zoo environments, a Zoo Nutritionist specializes in developing and managing animal diets to ensure nutritional health, often requiring specialized education. A Zoo Keeper primarily cares for animals' daily needs, including feeding, habitat cleaning, and enrichment. Both roles are essential for animal well-being but focus on different aspects of animal care.

Are animal nutritionists in demand?

Animal nutritionists, including zoo nutritionists, are in steady demand due to increasing awareness of animal health and welfare. Employment opportunities are often found in zoos, aquariums, research institutions, and conservation organizations, with success often requiring relevant degrees and knowledge of animal diets and nutrition management.

How do you become a zoo nutritionist?

To become a zoo nutritionist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in animal science, zoology, nutrition, or a related field, followed by specialized experience or education in animal nutrition. Many positions require knowledge of diet formulation, often gained through internships or work experience in zoos or wildlife facilities, and some roles may prefer or require advanced degrees or certifications in animal nutrition or veterinary sciences.
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Who are the top companies hiring for Zoo Nutritionist jobs?

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What states have the most Zoo Nutritionist jobs?

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Zoo Nutritionist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Nutritionist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,137 per year, or $26 per hour.

General Application - Animal Health

Dallas Zoo

Dallas, TX

$15.50 - $21/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Dallas Zoo rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Summary

Are you passionate about advancing animal health, nutrition, and welfare? Submit your application here to be considered for future opportunities within the Animal Health team at the Dallas Zoo! Even if your experience does not follow a traditional path or meet every listed qualification, we value diverse perspectives and backgrounds, including experience gained through veterinary practice, animal care, nutrition, horticulture, food science, research, or conservation work.

The Dallas Zoo's Animal Health teams work together to ensure the welfare of nearly 2,000 animals representing around 400 diverse species. Our professionals combine veterinary expertise, precise dietary management, and field-based conservation initiatives to deliver exceptional care and uphold the Zoo's mission of Engaging People & Saving Wildlife.

The Dallas Zoo has a well-equipped hospital that has an in-house clinical pathology and a dedicated Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) PCR lab, portable digital radiography, ultrasound, rigid and flexible endoscopy, therapeutic laser and more.

The Dallas Zoo's Animal Nutrition and Browse Programs operate under the guidance of an experienced Zoo Nutritionist, ensuring balanced, science-based diets and fresh, safe plant material for a diverse animal collection. The Nutrition team prepares and delivers daily diets with precision and care, while the Browse team harvests and cultivates browse on-grounds and through community partnerships to support animal health, welfare, and enrichment.

Whether you are an early-career veterinarian, a veterinary technician, or if you have an interest in animal nutrition or our browse program, you'll find opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

By applying through this posting, you'll be added to our talent community for upcoming roles and may be contacted when positions become available that align with your background and interests. We encourage you to check back regularly and apply directly to specific roles that match your interests, background, and skills.

Located just three miles south of downtown Dallas, the 106-acre Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest in Texas. Founded with just two deer and two mountain lions in 1888 as the first Zoo in the Southwest. This city-owned and privately managed zoo is a thriving example of a successful public-private partnership. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for 35 years, the Zoo provides a home for more than 2,000 animals representing over 400 species.
For full-time staff, the Dallas Zoo offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, PTO, and sick time. Compensation is commensurate with experience and education. The Dallas Zoo participates in in-situ and ex-situ conservation programs and encourages and supports staff to participate.
Summaries of the work of our Animal Health Teams are below.
Animal Nutrition/Browse Program
The Animal Nutrition Center (ANC) ensures the highest standards of dietary care for the Zoo's diverse animal collection. Under the guidance of an experienced management team, the team prepares and delivers balanced diets, maintains strict food safety protocols, and collaborates with veterinarians and animal care staff to support optimal health and welfare.

The Browse Program provides fresh, safe plant material to support animal diets, health, and enrichment. Guided by the Zoo Nutritionist, the team harvests, identifies, distributes, and cultivates browse from sources both on-grounds and from community partners, ensuring a sustainable and high-quality supply. Browse Specialists work closely with Animal Care and Horticulture teams to meet species-specific needs.
Clinical Support
Veterinary Technicians at the Dallas Zoo play a critical role in supporting the medical care and welfare of the Zoo's diverse animal collection. Working alongside veterinarians and hospital staff, they assist with exams, surgical procedures, diagnostics, and treatments while ensuring the highest standards of safety and animal welfare. Technicians rotate through clinical, laboratory, and pharmacy duties and play a key role in emergency response, anesthesia monitoring, and medical behavior training.
Veterinarians
Veterinarians at Dallas Zoo provide exceptional medical and surgical care for a diverse animal collection. Working alongside a skilled team of fellow veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, and hospital zoologists, they engage in a comprehensive preventive medicine program, perform diagnostics and procedures across taxa, and contribute to research, clinical teaching, and conservation initiatives that advance the field of zoological medicine.

The department supports a benefited full-time, year-long Veterinary Internship program, offering early-career veterinarians immersive, hands-on experience in all aspects of zoological medicine under the mentorship of our veterinary team.

Whether serving as a staff veterinarian or as a mentor to interns and veterinary students, these professionals play a vital role in upholding the Zoo's commitment to excellence in animal health, professional development, and collaborative care.

Join us in Engaging People & Saving Wildlife every day!
Employment Type: Variable Hour / Temporary

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