Director of Nutrition

Indianapolis Zoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking an experienced nutrition professional to lead and advance our nutrition program as Director of Nutrition. You will work with Veterinary, Curatorial, husbandry, and Nutrition Center staff to formulate diets, assess nutrition, manage food quality, and guide research to improve animal care.

This role oversees the Nutrition Center, directs staff including the Nutrition Center Manager, and ensures safe handling, storage, preparation and distribution of diets, while

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant nutrition field.
• PhD preferred; clinical or zoo nutrition experience valued.
• Minimum four years in zoological nutrition.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, monitor, and improve nutrition programs for the Zoo’s animal collection.
• Formulate and evaluate animal diets with veterinary/curatorial/husbandry teams.
• Monitor nutritional health via diet, body weight trends, and body condition assessments.
• Recommend adjustments to diets for individual animals and the collection.
• Collaborate with veterinarians and animal care teams on nutritional concerns.
• Support dietary transitions, new animal introductions and disposition planning.
• Lead nutrition-related research to advance animal care.
• Oversee food quality-control, handling, storage, and preparation of diets.
• Supervise the Nutrition Center and manager to ensure efficient operations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Collaboration skills

Diet formulation knowledge

Nutrition knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Animal Nutrition, Comparative Nutrition, Animal Science, or related field

Ph.D. in a related field (preferred)

Job description

Do you have a passion for animal nutrition, a strong background in zoological nutrition, and a desire to make a meaningful impact on animal health and welfare? The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking an experienced nutrition professional to lead and advance our nutrition program. In this role as Director of Nutrition, you'll have the opportunity to apply your scientific knowledge, collaborate with animal care and veterinary teams, and help ensure the nutritional needs of our diverse animal collection are met.

About the Role

Working closely with Veterinary, Curatorial, husbandry, and Nutrition Center staff, the Director of Nutrition provides expertise and guidance on diet formulation, nutritional assessments, food quality, and animal nutrition research. This position also contributes to the effective operation of the Zoo's Nutrition Center, including food purchasing, inventory, storage, preparation and distribution.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, monitor, and continually improve nutrition programs for the Zoo's animal collection.
• Formulate and evaluate animal diets in collaboration with Veterinary, Curatorial, and husbandry teams, balancing nutritional needs with animal health, behavior, and husbandry objectives.
• Monitor nutritional health through diet consumption, body weight trends, body condition assessments, and other relevant information.
• Evaluate animal responses to prescribed diets and recommend adjustments to support individual animal and collection-wide nutritional needs.
• Participate in clinical rounds and collaborate with veterinarians and animal care teams to identify and address potential nutritional concerns.
• Develop nutrition recommendations for newly acquired animals and support dietary transitions, animal transfers, and disposition planning.
• Initiate and collaborate on nutrition-related research and clinical investigations, using scientific findings to support continued improvement of animal care.
• Support the development and maintenance of food quality-control programs, including the safe handling, storage, and preparation of animal diets.
• Provide leadership and direct supervision of the Nutrition Center, including the Nutrition Center Manager, supporting effective operations, staff development and coordination of animal food purchasing, inventory, storage, preparation, and distribution.
• Support the Zoo's browse program and assist with identifying potentially toxic plants within animal habitats and Zoo grounds.
• Maintain accurate nutrition records, reports, diet prescriptions, and applicable procedures.
• Participate in professional development, scientific committees, and cooperative programs that advance zoological nutrition.

What We're Looking For

• Master's degree in Animal Nutrition, Comparative Nutrition, Animal Science, or a closely related field required.
• Ph.D. in a related field preferred.
• At least four years of full-time professional experience as a nutritionist in a zoological setting required.
• Experience in zoo animal husbandry preferred.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience with program and budget planning preferred.
• Strong knowledge of animal nutrition, diet formulation, and nutritional assessment.
• Strong analytical, research, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively with Veterinary, Curatorial, husbandry, and Nutrition Center teams.
• Ability to maintain required food safety and forklift certifications, as well as a valid driver's license.
• Commitment to continued professional development in zoological nutrition, including required continuing education.

Why Join Us?

At the Indianapolis Zoo, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to animal health and welfare while working alongside a team dedicated to protecting nature and inspiring people to care for our world. Your expertise will help shape nutrition practices, support scientific advancement, and make a difference in the lives of the animals in our care.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.