Fresno Chaffee Zoo – Nutrition Services Manager (closes 8 August 2021)

Nutrition Services Manager at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo – Position closes 8 Aug 2021

The nutrition services manager will work collaboratively with the veterinary and animal care staff to formulate specific diets to meet the varied needs of the Zoo’s collection, develop and implement diagnostic procedure to ensure that the diet formulations are achieving desired results, develop and implement food safety programs, manage the purchasing, storage, preparation and dispersal of animal food.  The nutrition services manager is responsible for the development and management of the animal nutrition center and its daily operations and reports directly to the Chief Veterinary Officer.

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo has a diverse collection of over 200 species including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, terrestrial and marine mammals.  The nutrition services manager takes a specific role in understand the effect and impact of diet on these animals.  This includes the formulation, preparation and scientific assessment of diets and nutritional records; tracking diets and diet changes; and assisting with the diet review process.

It is imperative, that the nutrition services manager has strong leadership, organizational, negotiation, teamwork, communication and motivational skills. The nutrition services manager will be expected to maintain and reinforce a culture of continual improvement, while working within the constraints of a finite allocation of resources. This position will be an active presence in the community in promoting the Zoo’s mission, and in developing and strengthening alliances with other partners, vendors, guests and staff. This individual must project a professional appearance and conduct with strong written and verbal communication skills for both general and academic audiences.

Essential Functions

• Works directly with the veterinary and animal care staff to formulate diets that balance nutritional objectives, with husbandry and behavioral objectives.
• Adjusts prescribed diets as required to ensure that nutrition, health and husbandry objectives are being met. Has direct responsibility and accountability maintaining all diets and accurate diet records.
• Has direct responsibility and accountability for following: Zoo Policies, Procedures and Protocols.
• Review quarantine animal arrival form diet information and make recommendations for transitioning newly acquired animals to Fresno Chaffee Zoo diets.
• Provide current diet information to receiving institution for approved animal dispositions.
• Responsible for the distribution of diets, monitors current and future availability of dietary items.
• Manages the ordering of produce, meat, fish, and other animal nutrition center products and equipment as needed.
• Assist in receiving deliveries and checking against packing slips, ensuring that animal food is of an appropriate quality through inspection at arrival and at the time of preparation.
• Remains current with pertinent regulations and standards (federal, state, industry, etc.) that may affect zoo programs, and provide recommendations for complying with relevant regulations.
• Direct responsibility and accountability for conducting all animal nutrition center operations in a manner that meets or exceed AZA and USDA requirements including performing and organizing preventive maintenance on all food preparation and storage facilities and equipment
• Responsible for developing and implementing food quality control and safety programs.
• The Nutrition services manager is directly responsible and accountable for supervising the animal nutrition center daily operations, staff scheduling, payroll and routine staff reviews and evaluations.
• Supervises and as needed directly assists in the preparation of daily diets for Zoo’s animal collection.
• Assists the Emergency Response team in animal events.
• Performs special assignments and projects as requested.
• Participates in the review of any research proposals affecting animal nutrition, and assists with projects approved by research committee.
• Direct responsibility and accountability for maintaining accurate records and preparing reports as it relates to animal nutrition.
• Must be proficient in the use of ZIMS for animal record keeping.
• Must maintain a valid California motor vehicle operator license.
• Maintain Food Safety and Fork Lift Certifications

Physical Requirements

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed.  Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position.  Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.

• This position is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel; use hands and arms for care of animals and cleaning of enclosures.  Regularly required to climb stairs or ladders.
• The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 75 pounds.
• Evaluating animal health, diet, or environment requires, sight, hearing and sense of smell.
• Visual acuity to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal behavior.  Color perception is also required.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.

Work Environment

• The position functions both indoors and outdoors, with potential exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather.
• The employee is regularly exposed to a variety of animals with risk of animal bites (including venomous), zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury.
• The employee may be required to work at heights.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Animal Nutrition, Zoology or other applicable field preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years’ related experience in an AZA accredited facility preferred.
• Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public.  Bilingual skills a plus.
• Valid California driver’s license and good driving record, preferred.
• ServSafe Certified, preferred.

Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays

Applicants can submit an application at www.fresnochaffeezoo.org/careers: