Responsible for developing, managing and implementing the nutrition program for the zoo collection including monitoring diet consumption, diet formulation, and implementation; provides guidance for the department procedures manual.
- Annual review of the dietary husbandry protocols (including dietary behavioral enrichment items) to ensure nutritional adequacy of diets in regards to maintenance of health, breeding soundness, environmental enrichment and training.
- Responsible for approving all consumable items and diet changes; responsible for quality control testing for hay, fish, insect, meat (including whole prey items), grain, canned goods and produce.
- Assists horticulturalists with the management and continued development of the browse program and surveillance of the grounds and enclosures for toxic plants.
- Initiates and collaborates with the zoo veterinarians on clinical investigations and research projects as it relates to animal health and nutrition; responsible for advising the Senior Veterinarian on nutrition issues that require further investigation; will serve as point person on all nutrition research projects.
- Responsible for maintaining accurate records and preparing reports as it relates to animal nutrition; responsible for overseeing all commissary operations are conducted in a manner that meets or exceeds AZA and USDA requirements and federal, state and industry standards; remains current with pertinent regulations and standards (federal, state, industry, etc) that may affect zoo programs, and provides recommendations for complying with relevant regulations.
- Feeds animals in accordance with nutritional and behavioral requirements as specified by curatorial and nutritional staff; participates in approved scientific research and educational projects.
- Participates in additional conferences, workshops, seminars, NAG and AZA committees as approved by the Senior Veterinarian.
- Actively participate in the zoo nutrition community.
- Provides oversight of vendors, foods items, food supply, sustainability and budgeting for Nutrition supported by the Nutrition Manager.
Experience Required
- Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree.
- Two years of experience working with nutritional issues for captive wildlife is required.
- Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
- Advanced degree in animal nutrition and supervisory experience is preferred.
