Manager, Animal Nutrition Center

BIRMINGHAM ZOO INC•Birmingham, AL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Birmingham Zoo is currently seeking applications for an Animal Nutrition Center Manager. This full-time position is responsible for the daily operation of the Animal Nutrition Center including tracking and ordering food, budget management, compliance with USDA and AZA standards, monitoring inventory, and assisting with the day-to-day needs in the department. This position requires working at least 40 hours per week, including weekends, holidays, and late events as needed.

Requirements

Must have current negative TB test and provide documentation, or be willing to have a TB test. Must provide other documentation of vaccines or be willing to follow protocols including, but not limited to, wearing N95 masks and gloves.
Must be willing to travel locally. Must have a current valid driver’s license with no prior traffic violations within the last five years.
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Nutrition or an equivalent field of study is preferred.
Experience in animal care and/or food service preferred.
Experience and knowledge of animal nutrition is preferred.
Ability to think critically and demonstrated time-management skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as decision making skills; possess team building skills; and has the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Must have ability to foster teamwork within and across teams.
Competency in computer skills.
Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Conducts the day-to-day supervision of Animal Nutrition Center (ANC) Technicians, Volunteers, Interns, and/or staff members in assigned area.
Oversee and assists with preparation, organization, and delivery of animal diets.
Helps with the day-to-day duties in the department including making diets, delivering diets, cleaning building, etc.
Preforms manual labor to include: cleaning and moving feedbags, meat and fish, hay bales, shaving, etc.
Oversees the nutrition center budget including purchase orders, maintaining record of expenses, facilitating orders, and maintaining appropriate inventory including making sure stock is rotated.
Ensures cleanliness and sanitization of the nutrition center to ensure USDA and AZA standards are met or exceeded.
Maintains a safe work environment for assigned staff. Identifies, reports, and works to resolve safety concerns in a timely manner.
Under the direction of the Animal Health Center, implements diet changes after approval by staff veterinarians. Assists in researching animal diet needs and diet changes when needed.
Oversees ordering and maintaining appropriate inventory of supplements, working closely with Animal Health Center.
Responsible for going out to purchase diet items at in town stores as needed.
Builds and maintains a positive working relationship with food venders including reaching out to meet occasionally, discussing our changing needs, researching new venders as zoo needs change, etc.
Reports pest issues and works with contractors to make sure any pest concern is dealt with immediately.
Accurately maintains all documents and records.
Engages and interacts with zoo visitors including keeper chats and providing tours of the Animal Nutrition Center.
Keeps up with maintenance needs, reporting and coordinating any maintenance concerns.
Creates new protocols as needed and ensures staff are following established protocols.
Responsible for recruiting and overseeing hiring process for department.
Oversees performance management with a focus on developmental objectives. Completes performance appraisals and evaluations on all direct reports.
Oversee browse program including browse collection both on grounds and off grounds.
Determine other tasks that the department can take on and help with (e.g., creating enrichment foods such as frozen treats, feeder colonies, etc.)
Assigned Animal Department Coordinator duties to act as a point person for any major zoo animal issue or concern during the day or Manager on Duty to act as point person for any major non-animal issue or concern during the day.
Other duties as assigned.