Job posting: Zoo Animal Nutritionist
Zoo Animal Nutritionist
Full Time Regular
Position Title: Zoo Animal Nutritionist
Department: Animal
Reports To: Senior Veterinarian
Location: Audubon Zoo
Position Type: Full Time
Who We Are
Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park,
and Audubon Wilderness Park.
At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in
their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with
people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating
our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek
smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.
What You’ll Do
In the role of Zoo Nutritionist, the primary goal is to manage and ensure the efficient and continual operation of the Zoo Commissary, including the acquisition, inventory, proper storage, preparation, and delivery of high-quality, species-appropriate diets and feed items for the Zoo animals without interruption. Periodic and regular diet evaluation for species-appropriate nutrients, composition, welfare considerations, consumption, and alignment with advisory group recommendations is an expectation.
Day to Day Responsibilities
• Manage and maintain a hygienic Commissary facility appropriate for food preparation and in compliance with regulations and accreditation guidelines from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and USDA, including pest control.
• Recruit, interview, supervise, and manage Commissary employees and volunteers and establish work schedules to ensure the completion of daily duties that include diet preparations and deliveries, monitoring and maintaining an adequate inventory, and maintaining a clean and functional facility
• Train personnel in the efficient and safe performance of their daily duties, including standard food safety practices. Perform Commissary Staff responsibilities, including diet preparation, to ensure all Commissary work is completed each day
• Acquire and properly store all feed inventories and miscellaneous supplies necessary for operating the Commissary effectively, including regular orders from local grocery and feed stores as needed. Store, label, date, and rotate all feeds appropriately to maintain quality and comply with governing regulations
• Maintain accurate records of all purchasing, monitor expenditures, and complete purchasing requisitions and reconciliations in a timely manner. Participate in the bidding process on specified food items as required by Purchasing
• Keep accurate information on all feed suppliers, including their sustainable acquisition practices and philosophy (AZA requirement)
• Receive Animal Section orders and deliver appropriate quantities of high-quality feeds to animal sections as needed
• Periodic and regular diet evaluation for species-appropriate nutrients, composition, welfare considerations, consumption, and alignment with advisory group recommendations. Keep accurate records on individual diets of all animals in the zoo collection using a Nutrition/Commissary database. Report diet changes requested by Animal Staff to the Veterinarians and implement mutually recommended diets
Additional/Overall Skills:
• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
• Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.
• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful
culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
• The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
Must Haves:
• Two (2) years of experience working in animal nutrition in a Zoo or comparable facility
• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Animal Nutrition or related field with experience in animal science
• Passion for animal care and a commitment to delivering the highest quality nutrition services.
• One (1) year of experience working in food preparation
• Ability to direct and manage personnel with good communication skills
• Maintain current tetanus, hepatitis A/B, COVID-19, influenza vaccines, and biannual TB test
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Louisiana driver’s license
• Must be able to work overtime, weekends and holidays
• Willingness to serve on the zoo’s Hurricane Rideout Team as necessary
Nice-to-Haves:
• Food safety training and certification
• Two (2) years experience in purchasing and inventory management
• Fork-lift operation training and experience
Physical Requirements:
• Risk periodic exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animal and zoonotic diseases
• Working long hours between breaks or meals
• Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required in all environmental conditions
• Prolonged standing, walking, and climbing stairs or ladders.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent bending, crouching, twisting, and reaching.
• Manual dexterity to operate machinery or handle tools.
• Frequent use of vision and hearing to assess surroundings and job tasks.
Environmental Conditions:
• May include indoor and outdoor work environments.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Potential exposure to environmental hazards such as dust, chemicals, or loud noise.
