Manager, Animal Nutrition Center

About the role

The Birmingham Zoo is seeking an Animal Nutrition Center Manager to oversee the daily operations of the Animal Nutrition Center. This position includes supervising technicians, volunteers, interns, and staff, preparing and delivering animal diets, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with USDA and AZA standards, and maintaining a safe work environment.

Responsibilities

• Conducts day-to-day supervision of Animal Nutrition Center (ANC) Technicians, Volunteers, Interns, and staff.
• Oversees and assists with preparation, organization, and delivery of animal diets.
• Maintains cleanliness and sanitization of the nutrition center to ensure USDA and AZA standards are met.
• Manages the nutrition center budget, including purchase orders, record of expenses, and inventory management.
• Ensures compliance with USDA and AZA standards and monitors inventory levels.
• Assists in researching and implementing diet changes after approval by staff veterinarians.
• Oversees the browse program and creates new protocols as needed.
• Engages with zoo visitors and provides tours of the Animal Nutrition Center.
• Supports BZI initiatives and participates in AZA, AAZK, and other professional organizations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Animal Nutrition Center Technicians
• Seasonal Staff and Volunteers

Safety Analysis

This position is expected to maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures. The position is impacted by a wide variety of potentially hazardous exposures, including dealing with unpredictable wild animals, caring for dangerous or zoonotic disease-carrying animals, and using cleaning and disinfecting agents. Specific training and procedures designed to maintain safety of people and the animal collection will be provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Nutrition, or an equivalent field of study is preferred.
• Experience in animal care and/or food service is preferred.
• Experience and knowledge of animal nutrition is preferred.
• Ability to think critically, manage time effectively, communicate clearly, make decisions, foster teamwork, use computers, organize tasks, and pay close attention to details.
• Strong interest in advancing the conservation missions of zoos and aquariums.
• High self-motivation and a detail-oriented work ethic.
• Professional, positive, and enthusiastic demeanor.

Other Requirements

• Current negative TB test and documentation.
• Willingness to travel locally and have a valid driver's license with no prior traffic violations in the past five years.

Position Type and Hours of Work

• Full time, exempt (salary)
• Varying schedule between weekdays and weekends, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• Will be included in the Animal Department Coordinator (ADC) rotation or Manager on Duty rotation (MOD).

Workplace Environment

Birmingham Zoo is committed to creating a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued. The core values of Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion guide a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous learning.