Animal Nutrition Manager

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is seeking an Animal Nutrition Manager to lead the Animal Nutrition Center, overseeing diet formulation, food safety, and daily operations for hundreds of species. You will manage a small team, collaborate with our veterinary partners, and ensure high-quality nutrition and compliance across all food programs.

The role requires a Bachelor's in animal science, nutrition, or related field, at least 5+ years in related roles, and 2+ years of leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in animal science, nutrition, food science, or related field.
• 5+ years in food prep, kitchen ops, animal nutrition, or warehouse logistics.
• 2+ years managing a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 3–4 nutrition technicians and volunteers.
• Partner with vets and consulting nutritionists to formulate species-specific diets.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and storage across all food types.
• Maintain food safety SOPs and conduct routine quality control testing.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Food safety

HACCP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in animal science, nutrition, food science, or related field

Tools

HACCP

Job description

Animal Nutrition Manager Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens (JZBG) | On-site | Full-time

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is looking for a nutrition expert to lead our Animal Nutrition Center — the team behind every meal served to hundreds of species. You'll manage a small crew, collaborate with our veterinary team, and own everything from diet formulation to food safety compliance. Come join the wildest team in town.

You are the right candidate if you have experience in food service, warehouse management, kitchen operations, and leadership. We are looking for someone who can build a winning team and bring out the best in the people around them.

What you'll do:

• Lead and develop a team of 3–4 nutrition technicians and volunteers.
• Partner with vets and consulting nutritionists to formulate species‑specific diets.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and storage across all food types.
• Maintain food safety SOPs and conduct routine quality control testing.

Check out this video to learn a bit more of what feeding 3,000+ animals takes.

Required education and experience:

• Bachelor's in animal science, nutrition, food science, or related field
• 5+ years in food prep, kitchen ops, animal nutrition, or warehouse logistics
• 2+ years managing a team
• Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety practices

Bonus: Master's in animal nutrition, HACCP certification, or AZA/Nutrition Advisory Group involvement.

Physical requirements:

• Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 50 pounds
• Ability to remain on your feet for up to 4 hours at a time
• Ability to climb ladders, steps, and navigate uneven terrain
• Ability to walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, and perform physically demanding tasks
• Ability to operate motorized carts, vehicles, and a forklift
• Valid driver's license required; must be 18+
• Negative TB test required within six months of hire

Work conditions:

• Exposure to various weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, and rain
• Potential exposure to allergens, bloodborne pathogens, zoonotic diseases, and animal‑related injuries
• Exposure to wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights
• Irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required

JZBG connects communities with wildlife and wild places. We're an equal opportunity, drug-free employer committed to an inclusive workplace and investing in our people.