Animal Nutrition Coordinator

The Animal Nutrition Coordinator supports the daily operation of the Houston Zoo's Animal Nutrition Center, with a primary focus on coordinating the zoo's browse program and commissary operations. This position oversees the collection, processing, and distribution of fresh browse for the animal collection, ensures accurate recordkeeping and food safety compliance, coordinates inventory and ordering activities, and assists with the preparation and delivery of diets and supplies. The Coordinator also helps oversee daily workflows, trains and mentors staff and volunteers, supports operational projects and standard operating procedures, and collaborates closely with animal care teams to ensure the highest standards of animal nutrition and welfare.

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates onsite browse processing logistics as established by the Nutritionist and Supervisor, ensuring proper cleaning, processing, and distribution in adherence with Nutritionist directives. 

• Maintain accurate records of plant species harvested and quantities distributed to animal sections. 

• Coordinates onsite browse processing logistics as established by the Nutritionist and Supervisor, ensuring proper cleaning, processing, and distribution in adherence with Nutritionist directives.  

• Ensures commissary protocols, recordkeeping, labeling, and food safety measures are carried out daily.  

• Maintains awareness of and works in accordance with applicable USDA, FDA, and AZA regulations, guidelines, and best practices related to animal nutrition, food safety, and commissary operations. 

• Prepares daily diets for animal collection, following written and oral instructions concerning food type, quantity, and preparation format. Obtains necessary ingredients from the Animal Nutrition Center (ANC) barn, coolers, and freezers. 

• Maintains daily product inventory records and diet change requests utilizing Microsoft Office software applications and database systems. 

• Submits requisitions for restocking food inventory and places orders with vendors as needed. 

• Carries out routine inspections of assigned areas, submitting work orders for ANC facility and equipment repairs as needed. 

• Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of work area, food surfaces, and equipment within the ANC. 

• Packs and delivers diets and supplies throughout the zoo as per instructions. 

• Supports receiving operations, including unloading food shipments, verifying deliveries against packing slips, and operating equipment including but not limited to forklifts and pallet jacks. 

• Assists with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA or other industry activities as directed/approved by the AN Supervisor/Nutritionist. Occasionally interacts with and educates the public about animal nutrition and department operations through tours, keeper chats and other special events. 

• In conjunction with the zoo’s pest control officer, may assist in pest control using exclusion or traps. 

• Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the AN Supervisor. 

• Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.

• Required to safely operate a motor vehicle. 
• Demonstrates proficiency in all duties and work areas within the ANC. 
• Assists with training, mentoring, and may oversee and direct activities of teenage volunteers, Zoo Crew. 
• Serves as a point of contact for area staff, veterinarians, Facilities staff, and/or other departments in the absence of the Animal Nutrition Supervisor. 
• Assists the Animal Nutrition Supervisor in the oversight of team projects. 
• Assists in the development and implementation of area standard operating procedures. 

• Serves as a positive role model for interns, volunteers, and other keepers and staff. 
• Actively pursues feedback and other resources to improve leadership skills and helps to improve such skills in other team members. 

• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions.  
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Minimum of six (6) years of food preparation experience at an AZA or equivalent facility, gained through employment or internships.  
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license within 60 days of employment.  

• Ability to work effectively and efficiently under minimal supervision.

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO

The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.

Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.