Nutrition Manager (Maternity Cover)

Sydney Zoo; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Sydney Zoo in Western Sydney is seeking a Nutrition Manager (Maternity Cover) to lead nutrition strategies, policies, and daily diet preparation for all animals.

You will work with Nutrition Assistants to monitor intake, formulate diets, maintain the Nutrition Centre, and train staff in animal nutrition. The role requires strong data skills and collaboration across departments.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years in the zoo profession or related field.
• Comprehensive knowledge of animal nutrition, hygiene, and welfare principles.
• Qualification in animal nutrition or related field.
• Strong data management and documentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and review nutrition policies, standards and practices.
• Oversee diet formulation and daily diet preparation for all animals.
• Monitor daily dietary intake and conduct research to improve nutrition.

Skills

Nutrition knowledge

Communication skills

Project management

Data management

Time management

Driver's license

WWCC

Education

Animal nutrition qualification

Tools

Spreadsheets

Databases

Record management systems

Job description

Nutrition Manager (Maternity Cover) at Sydney Zoo

Located in the heart of Western Sydney, Sydney Zoo strives to showcase a broad range of native and exotic animals using technology and advanced exhibit design, with a strong focus on animal welfare, conservation, and educating our visitors about animals and their habitats. Environmental and social awareness play a vital role in our message that highlights the indigenous culture and human influence on the environment.

The Position

This is an outstanding opportunity to be part of an exciting team at Sydney zoo in the role of our Nutrition Manager in a fixed term capacity for approximately 8-9 months , utilising your skills in an area that you are genuinely passionate about. This role will commence as soon as possible.

The Nutrition Manager is responsible for contributing to the development, implementation and review of Sydney Zoo's animal nutrition strategies, policies, standards, and practices for the Zoo's animals. Working closely with the Nutrition Assistants they will oversee efficient and effective operations with regards to nutrition standards, diet formulation and the preparation of daily diets for animals. This role will monitor the daily dietary intake of the Zoo's animals and carry out research to improve the nutritional value of animal diets on an ongoing basis. The role is also responsible for ensuring maintenance of the Nutrition Centre facilities and providing training and support to staff with regards to animal nutrition.

Sydney Zoo is open every day of the year and this position will require the successful candidate to work some weekends and public holidays.

Skills, Knowledge, and Relevant Experience

Essential

• Ability to adapt effectively to changing priorities, operational requirements, and emerging animal management needs. While maintaining strong organisation and time management skills.
• A minimum of three years working in the zoo profession or in a related field.
• Comprehensive knowledge of animal husbandry, nutrition, and hygiene principles, and their application in maintaining positive animal welfare outcomes.
• Qualification in animal nutrition or qualification in a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume and diverse workload, effectively prioritising competing demands while consistently meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated understanding of the role nutrition plays in ensuring a positive animal welfare state linked to the Five Domains.
• Advanced computer literacy, including experience using spreadsheets, databases, and record management systems, with the ability to maintain accurate data and documentation in a high-volume operational environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments and external stakeholders.
• Valid and current driver's license.
• Paid Working with Children's Check.

Desirable

• Thorough understanding of the World Aquarium and Zoo and Aquarium Association (WAZA) Conservation and Animal Welfare Strategies and demonstrated knowledge of implementation thereof, with the emphasis on the Australasian region.

Why should you join the Zoo Crew?

By joining the exciting Sydney Zoo Crew, you will not only be in close proximity to some of the most incredible animals native to Australia and across the world, but you will also join an amazing team of dedicated people! Our team are passionate, devoted, and heavily inspired by Sydney Zoo’s values and mission to deliver a world-class visitor experience that encourages the community to make a difference, and all with a smile!

We are very proud of our diverse team of staff that represent all the different backgrounds and cultures that call Western Sydney 'home'. We love the individuality across our team of people as much as we love the collection of animals we so proudly care for. Whether you are looking for your first job, wanting to jump back into the workforce, or simply need a stimulating change to shake up your career, we encourage you to take the next step and join in our vision to make a difference.

Sydney Zoo is committed to providing a positive workplace and fostering employee engagement and wellbeing. We know how important it is to recognise and thank our staff for making Sydney Zoo great and we do this by providing our team with free annual flu vaccinations, workplace massages, quarterly staff BBQs, training opportunities, access to Fitness Passport and fulfilling fundraising events, just to name a few! If you would like to become part of an amazing team that does all of this and so much more, then look no further… Sydney Zoo is for you!

Applicants will be required to provide a current resume and a covering letter outlining your ability to meet the above selection requirements. Applications close at 9am Thursday, 8th October 2026.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with disability are encouraged to apply for all Sydney Zoo positions.

Sydney Zoo is a fully COVID-19 vaccinated workplace. We will require proof of your double vaccination status prior to commencement. Please contact us for general enquiries, including if you have any queries regarding our policy or to obtain a copy of the Sydney Zoo Vaccination policy.

Sydney Zoo is a Child Safe Organisation which means we require a valid NSW Working with Children Check (Paid Employment), or proof of application.

You can contact us by email [e-mail] or by phone to 7202 2560

Sydney Zoo is committed to the principles and practices of Equal Employment Opportunity and Cultural Diversity.