Director of Nutrition

Indianapolis Zoo • Indianapolis, IN

1d

About The Position

The Director of Nutrition leads and advances the Indianapolis Zoo’s nutrition program, applying scientific knowledge to support the health and welfare of its diverse animal collection. Working closely with Veterinary, Curatorial, husbandry, and Nutrition Center staff, the Director provides expertise and guidance on diet formulation, nutritional assessments, food quality, and animal nutrition research. The position also contributes to the effective operation of the Zoo’s Nutrition Center, including food purchasing, inventory, storage, preparation, and distribution.

The Director provides leadership and direct supervision of the Nutrition Center, including the Nutrition Center Manager, and supports staff development and coordination of operations. The role also supports the Zoo’s browse program, contributes to identifying potentially toxic plants, maintains nutrition records and procedures, and participates in professional development, scientific committees, and cooperative programs that advance zoological nutrition.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Animal Nutrition, Comparative Nutrition, Animal Science, or a closely related field.
• At least four years of full-time professional experience as a nutritionist in a zoological setting.
• 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 and a valid driver’s license.
• Commitment to continued professional development in zoological nutrition, including required continuing education.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in a related field.
• Experience in zoo animal husbandry.
• Previous supervisory experience.
• Experience with program and budget planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, monitor, and continually improve nutrition programs for the Zoo’s animal collection.
• Formulate and evaluate animal diets with Veterinary, Curatorial, and husbandry teams, balancing nutritional needs with animal health, behavior, and husbandry objectives.
• Monitor nutritional health using diet consumption, body weight trends, body condition assessments, and other relevant information.
• Evaluate animal responses to prescribed diets and recommend adjustments for individual animals and the collection as a whole.
• 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 improve animal care.
• Support development and maintenance of food quality-control programs, including safe handling, storage, and preparation of animal diets.
• Lead and directly supervise 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.
• Maintain required food safety and forklift certifications, a valid driver’s license, and continuing education in zoological nutrition.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director