Animal Nutrition Center Manager (Full-Time)

Fuel the Future of Animal Care – Lead ZooTampa’s Animal Nutrition Center as our Nutrition Center Manager!

At ZooTampa, every bite counts. Behind the scenes of our world-class animal care, a dedicated team ensures that every species—from the smallest primate to the largest pachyderm—receives the highest quality nutrition. We are seeking an exceptional leader to oversee our Animal Nutrition Center, a role that is absolutely vital to the health and well-being of our animals and the overall success of the zoo.

This is more than a job—it’s a cornerstone position that requires expertise, innovation, and a deep commitment to excellence. The individual stepping into this role will continue a legacy of operational precision, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to the care of our animals.

Why This Role Matters

• Be the Foundation of Animal Care – Lead the team responsible for preparing specialized diets, managing inventory, and ensuring top-tier nutrition for a diverse animal collection.
• Drive Excellence in Zoo Nutrition – Work hand-in-hand with veterinarians and curators to enhance animal health, research dietary needs, and maintain industry-leading standards.
• Lead with Impact – Oversee purchasing, compliance, and staff development while implementing best practices that shape the future of zoo nutrition.
  
  
  

Your Expertise Makes the Difference

We’re looking for a detail-oriented leader with experience in food preparation, nutrition management, purchasing, and team supervision—preferably within an AZA-accredited zoo. If you have the passion and expertise to take on this mission-critical role, we invite you to apply.

Join us in ensuring every meal supports the well-being of the incredible animals in our care. Apply today!

Position Summary

Oversees all aspects of the Animal Department Nutrition Center. Responsible for performing diverse administrative and managerial assignments and is involved in assisting in the operational management and supervision of such functions specific to the care and management of the Nutrition Center. Provides leadership, staff coordination, and consultation for functions of subordinate work units. Continuously monitors and analyzes functions and makes recommendations to the General Curator, Curators, and Associate Curators on current and future Nutrition Center needs.

Who We Are

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.

Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.

Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!

Your day to day

Essential Functions (including but not limited to):

• Oversees all aspects of the Animal Nutrition Center.
• Responsible for hiring, training, safety, evaluation, motivation, discipline, termination, and addresses general human resource needs of Nutrition Center staff.
• Prepares daily diets for the collection of zoo animals.
• Responsible for purchasing of items and supplies needed to maintain daily operations including animal dietary, maintenance, janitorial, uniforms, etc.
• Researches and negotiates costs and purchases animal forage, janitorial, and general supplies.
• Manages inventory including product quality control and shipping/receiving.
• Maintains and enforces standards according to OSHA, USDA, AZA and the Health Department.
• Prepares reports concerning animal diet cost and reports to the General Curator concerning needs of the budget.
• Maintains awareness of various cost controls for food, supplies, and equipment.
• Manages the zoo pest control contract, coordinates will all departments for treatment and servicing.
• Oversee the zoos hand-held radio needs, point of contact for radio vendor. Manages repairs, rentals and upgrades to system.
• Promotes sales of exotic animal feeds to private institutions and individuals.
• Works with Veterinarian and Curatorial staff on nutrition research.
• Helps with needs of Special Events concerning storage, tours, news media, and acquiring donations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

What are we looking for?

Qualifications and Experience:

• High School degree or equivalency required. University degree in Animal Science or Nutrition preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in food preparation, nutrition, record keeping, purchasing, and requisitions.
• 5 years of paid zoo experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
• Ability to understand, follow, and delegate oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Proficient knowledge of animal diets, standard regulations as they relate to OSHA, USDA and AZA, staff training and supervisory techniques, and employee performance evaluation.
• Must be proficient with Word and Excel and be able to adapt to various other computer programs.
  
  
  

Other Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 65 pounds without difficulty.
• Ability to work in weather conditions typical to Florida, temperatures sometimes exceeding 90 degrees.
• Lull/Forklift certified or ability to obtain certification within 120 days.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
  
  
  

Our Perks at ZooTampa:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance options
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with company match up to 4%
• Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation and Wellness time)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Forgiveness
• Free gym membership
• Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• And so much more!
  
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace