Animal Nutrition Coordinator

Houston Zoo, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Vision plan

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

401k match

Free Zoo Membership

Free guest passes

Discounts on attractions

Free parking

Job summary

The Houston Zoo is seeking an Animal Nutrition Coordinator to support the daily operation of the Animal Nutrition Center, focusing on coordinating the browse program and commissary operations. This role oversees the collection, processing, and distribution of fresh browse, maintains records and food safety, and assists with diets, inventory, and staff training.

Requires a BA/BS and at least six years of food preparation experience at an AZA or equivalent facility, plus the ability to obtain a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in related field.
• Six years of food preparation experience at AZA or equivalent facility.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate browse processing and distribution per Nutritionist guidance.
• Record harvested plant species and quantities by animal section.
• Maintain commissary protocols, labeling, and daily food safety.
• Comply with USDA, FDA, AZA regulations and best practices.
• Prepare daily diets and obtain ingredients from ANC facilities.
• Track inventory and process diet change requests using Office apps.
• Submit restocking requisitions and place vendor orders.
• Train staff and volunteers; support SOP development.
• Assist with pest control and safety issue reporting.
• Operate required equipment and assist animal care teams.

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in related field

Six years food preparation at AZA facility

Job description

6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, USA

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 6:00 AM

The Animal Nutrition Coordinator supports the daily operation of the Houston Zoo's Animal Nutrition Center, with a primary focus on coordinating the zoo's browse program and commissary operations. This position oversees the collection, processing, and distribution of fresh browse for the animal collection, ensures accurate record‑keeping and food safety compliance, coordinates inventory and ordering activities, and assists with the preparation and delivery of diets and supplies. The Coordinator also helps oversee daily workflows, trains and mentors staff and volunteers, supports operational projects and standard operating procedures, and collaborates closely with animal care teams to ensure the highest standards of animal nutrition and welfare.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates onsite browse processing logistics as established by the Nutritionist and Supervisor, ensuring proper cleaning, processing, and distribution in adherence to Nutritionist directives.
• Maintains accurate records of plant species harvested and quantities distributed to animal sections.
• Ensures commissary protocols, record‑keeping, labeling, and food safety measures are carried out daily.
• Maintains awareness of and works in accordance with applicable USDA, FDA, and AZA regulations, guidelines, and best practices related to animal nutrition, food safety, and commissary operations.
• Prepares daily diets for animal collection, following written and oral instructions concerning food type, quantity, and preparation format. Obtains necessary ingredients from the Animal Nutrition Center (ANC) barn, coolers, and freezers.
• Maintains daily product inventory records and diet change requests utilizing Microsoft Office software applications and database systems.
• Submits requisitions for restocking food inventory and places orders with vendors as needed.
• Performs routine inspections of assigned areas, submitting work orders for ANC facility and equipment repairs as needed.
• Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of work area, food surfaces, and equipment within the ANC.
• Packs and delivers diets and supplies throughout the zoo as per instructions.
• Supports receiving operations, including unloading food shipments, verifying deliveries against packing slips, and operating equipment including but not limited to forklifts and pallet jacks.
• Assists with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA or other industry activities as directed/approved by the AN Supervisor/Nutritionist. Occasionally interacts with and educates the public about animal nutrition and department operations through tours, keeper chats and other special events.
• In conjunction with the zoo’s pest control officer, may assist in pest control using exclusion or traps.
• Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the AN Supervisor.
• Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.
• Required to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Demonstrates proficiency in all duties and work areas within the ANC.
• Assists with training, mentoring, and may oversee and direct activities of teenage volunteers, Zoo Crew.
• Serves as a point of contact for area staff, veterinarians, Facilities staff, and/or other departments in the absence of the Animal Nutrition Supervisor.
• Assists the Animal Nutrition Supervisor in the oversight of team projects.
• Assists in the development and implementation of area standard operating procedures.
• Serves as a positive role model for interns, volunteers, and other keepers and staff.
• Actively pursues feedback and other resources to improve leadership skills and helps to improve such skills in other team members.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from four‑year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of six (6) years of food preparation experience at an AZA or equivalent facility, gained through employment or internships.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license within 60 days of employment.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently under minimal supervision.

Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at‑will basis.

Benefits

• Medical and Prescription Drug
• Vision
• Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
• Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Supplemental Life
• Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
• 401k, with employer match
• Free Zoo Membership
• Free Guest Passes
• Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
• Free parking

Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.