Animal Nutrition Center Lead: Operations & Team Leadership

Houston Zoo; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Houston Zoo seeks an Animal Nutrition Supervisor to oversee the Animal Nutrition Center's day-to-day operations, including acquisition, preparation, and delivery of food items for the animal collection, and supervise ANC staff.

You will implement nutrition documentation, manage inventory, recruit and develop staff, and collaborate with the Animal Nutritionist on safety, purchasing, and capital improvement; knowledge of AZA/USDA guidelines required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of six (6) years of experience in a zoological facility.
• Experience in purchasing and warehouse functions.
• Experience in acquisition, storage, and preparation of animal food items.
• Basic knowledge of the nutritional needs of exotic animals.
• Computer proficiency with standard Microsoft Office applications, purchasing systems, and animal record keeping software.
• Strong interpersonal, team building, and communication skills.
• Must possess the ability to effectively partner with other departments and all levels of staff.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one within60 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the ANC, including the acquisition, preparation, and delivery of food items for animal collection.
• Provides functional supervision, operational assistance, and technical guidance for ANC keepers, interns, and volunteers in the performance of job tasks.
• Maintains ANC staff scheduling and ensures appropriate daily staffing; directs, organizes, prioritizes, and schedules work assignments within the section.
• Oversees animal nutrition documentation utilizing TRACKS and other software programs; ensures that animal diet sheets are maintained and up to date.
• Manages the animal food warehouse to ensure effective use of space and optimization of inventory on hand.
• Responsible for the recruitment, selection, development, evaluation, and performance management of direct reports.
• Collaborates in the development and implementation of standard operating guidelines, safety protocols, and emergency procedures in accordance with regulatory requirements and guidelines (AZA, USDA, HACCP).
• Evaluates the condition of area facilities and equipment; generates and tracks work requests and monitors repair and maintenance work as needed.
• Assists in the development and implementation of preventative maintenance and purchasing programs to optimize the use of organizational resources.
• Assists in the development of purchasing and inventory reports in collaboration with the purchasing department.
• Collaborates in the selection of animal food vendors and service providers, including price negotiations and establishment of price agreements.
• Collaborates with Animal Nutritionist on area capital improvement planning.
• Ensures that staff are appropriately trained in purchasing policies and procedures.
• Participates in AZA and Nutrition Advisory Group (NAG) programs.
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions.
• Contributes to other operational priorities as needed.

Skills

Staff supervision

Purchasing

Warehouse management

Nutrition knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Education

BA/BS in animal science

Tools

TRACKS

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Houston Zoo seeks an Animal Nutrition Supervisor to oversee the Animal Nutrition Center's day-to-day operations, including acquisition, preparation, and delivery of food items for the animal collection, and supervise ANC staff.

You will implement nutrition documentation, manage inventory, recruit and develop staff, and collaborate with the Animal Nutritionist on safety, purchasing, and capital improvement; knowledge of AZA/USDA guidelines required.