Nutritionist

The nutritionist will work collaboratively with the veterinary and animal care staff to formulate specific diets to meet the varied needs of the Zoo’s collection, develop and implement diagnostic procedure to ensure that the diet formulations are achieving desired results, develop and implement food safety programs. They will collaborate with the Nutrition Services Manager in a newly opened state of the art animal nutrition center to ensure appropriate purchasing, storage, preparation and dispersal of animal food.  

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo has a diverse collection of over 200 species including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, terrestrial and marine mammals. The nutritionist takes a specific role in understanding the effect and impact of diet on these animals. This includes the formulation, preparation and scientific assessment of diets and nutritional records; tracking diets and diet changes; and assisting with the diet review process.    

Essential Functions 

• Works directly with the veterinary and animal care staff to formulate diets that balance nutritional objectives, with husbandry and behavioral objectives.  

• Adjusts prescribed diets as required to ensure that nutrition, health and husbandry objectives are being met. Has direct responsibility and accountability maintaining all diets and accurate diet records. 

• Has direct responsibility and accountability for following: Zoo Policies, Procedures and Protocols. 

• Review quarantine animal arrival form diet information and make recommendations for transitioning newly acquired animals to Fresno Chaffee Zoo diets. 

• Provide current diet information to receiving institution for approved animal dispositions.    

• Responsible for coordinating with Nutrition Services Manager to ensure appropriate distribution of diets, and availability of dietary ingredients. 

• Remains current with pertinent regulations and standards (federal, state, industry, etc.) that may affect zoo programs, and provide recommendations for complying with relevant regulations. 

• Supervises and as needed directly assists Nutrition Services Manager in the daily operations of the Animal Nutrition Center.  

• Performs special assignments and projects as requested. 

• Participates in the review of any research proposals affecting animal nutrition, and assists with projects approved by research committee. 

• Direct responsibility and accountability for maintaining accurate records and preparing reports as it relates to animal nutrition.   

Management Accountabilities 

• Customarily and regularly exercises discretion and independent judgement during the course of the work day. Actively demonstrates leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor. Practices solution based problem solving and learns from mistakes. Works with the team to find solutions and asks for help when you need it. 

• Reports to meetings/activities fully present, prepared and punctual. Thoughtfully prioritizes needs in order to be respectful of each other’s time. Respond to emails and other communications in a timely manner. All written communication contains professional and proper language.  Demonstrates follow through and is accountable for the management of the team. 

• Willingly engages the team/ Zoo staff and proves to be an inspirational leader.  Actively create connections that encourage open and honest communication with all. 

• Remains accessible to the Zoo staff by cell phone.  Uses professional courtesy and only call/texts on day off in the event of an emergency.  

• Provides regular performance feedback to reporting staff.  Completes timely and appropriate written evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for improvement.   

Physical Requirements 

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed.  Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position.  Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.  

• This position is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel; use hands and arms for care of animals and cleaning of enclosures.  Regularly required to climb stairs or ladders. 

• The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 75 pounds. 

• Evaluating animal health, diet, or environment requires, sight, hearing and sense of smell. 

• Visual acuity to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal behavior.  Color perception is also required. 

• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction. 

Work Environment 

• The position functions both indoors and outdoors, with potential exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather.   

• The employee is regularly exposed to a variety of animals with risk of animal bites (including venomous), zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury.   

• The employee may be required to work at heights. 

• Occasional travel may be required. 

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Animal Nutrition, Zoology or other applicable field. 

• Minimum three (3) years’ animal nutrition work experience preferred.   

• Related experience in an AZA accredited facility preferred 

• Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public.  Bilingual skills a plus.   

• Valid California driver’s license and good driving record, preferred. 

• Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.