Animal Nutrition Lead

Job Title: Animal Nutrition Lead

Reports To: Staff Veterinarian

Position Summary:

The Animal Nutrition Lead is a working leadership position responsible for the daily operation of the Zoo's Animal Nutrition Program. This role performs and leads the acquisition, preparation, storage, and delivery of diets for the Zoo's resident animals while providing day-to-day supervision, training, and support to Animal Nutrition staff. The Animal Nutrition Lead partners closely with Veterinary and Animal Care teams to support animal health and welfare, ensure compliance with Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards, and continuously improve nutrition program operations. This position supports the Zoo's mission through exceptional animal care, teamwork, guest engagement, and professional leadership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Animal Nutrition

o Perform and oversee the acquisition, preparation, storage, and delivery of food items for the Zoo's resident animals.

o Participate in daily Animal Nutrition operations, including diet preparation, inventory management, food deliveries, sanitation, and other department responsibilities as needed.

o Provide hands-on operational support and serve as primary department coverage during staffing shortages, peak operational periods, and scheduled staff absences.

o Oversee the storage and rotation of all animal nutrition inventory

o Ensure food quality, sanitation, and food safety standards are maintained throughout acquisition, storage, preparation, and delivery processes.

o Participate in veterinary health, nutrition, and welfare meetings and communicate nutrition program updates, concerns, and recommendations to the Veterinarian.

o Assist with purchasing, vendor relations, inventory forecasting, and budget management for animal nutrition supplies.

· Staff Supervision & Scheduling

o Lead by example through active participation in daily operations while promoting high standards of animal nutrition, professionalism, safety, and compliance with Zoo policies and procedures.

o Schedule staff to ensure proper coverage for department

o Foster a positive, professional, and safety-conscious work environment.

· Compliance & Safety

o Ensure compliance with all AZA standards, USDA regulations, and other applicable laws and guidelines.

o Mentor other zoo staff/interns/externs/volunteers including demonstrating and teaching on proper methods for cleaning, sanitation, disinfection, and storage of department items

o Maintain and enforce safety protocols for staff and animals.

· Team & Interdepartmental Collaboration

o Coordinate with Animal Care and Veterinary teams to implement diet modifications and support animal health and welfare goals.

o Support the development of Animal Nutrition and Veterinary Health goals and ensure their effective communication and implementation within the Animal Nutrition team.

o Support educational presentations, tours, and guest interactions as needed.

· Recordkeeping & Reporting

o Perform and oversee up-to-date documentation information on animal diets.

o Monitor inventory levels and maintain accurate records to ensure uninterrupted availability of food and nutrition supplies.

o Maintain preventative maintenance schedule for equipment within department

Qualifications

· B.S. or equivalent in Animal Science or Nutrition, Biology, Agriculture, or related field; Additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education

o Food industry or food prep experience preferred

· Computer proficiency with standard Microsoft office applications, purchasing systems, and animal record keeping software.

· Previous supervisory or lead experience preferred

· Experience with food safety regulations including storage of product, kitchen tool usage, and food preparation preferred

Other Requirements

· Willingness to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled.

· Physically able to lift up to or more than fifty pounds, and work in all weather conditions.

· This position involves frequent walking, stooping, lifting, carrying, pulling/pushing, bending, reaching, crouching, and may require repetitive movements. Exposure to potentially irritating materials such as hay, dust, and pollen are high.

· Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Core Competencies

· Leadership and Team Development

· Communication and Collaboration

· Food Safety and Inventory Management

· Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

· Adaptability and Initiative

· Organization and Time Management

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary: Hourly, full-time position

Paid time off, medical, dental and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) plan.

Pay: $18.00 - $20.44 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20