Nutrition Center Manager [Full-Time]
Job Description
Animal Health Center – Nutrition Center Manager
Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio
Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.
The Impact You’ll Make in this Role
The Nutrition Center Manager supervises all activities of the Nutrition Center including managing team members, purchasing, storage, preparation and distribution of foodstuffs, diets, and material supplies. Applications accepted until the position is filled.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
As the Nutrition Center Manager, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:
- The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is geared towards innovation and streamlining work flow processes.
- Establish and maintain professional, positive, cooperative, collaborative, and effective working relations with all fellow zoo employees and guests. Nutrition Center operations impact multiple departments across the zoo. It is essential to maintain a customer service attitude in daily interactions with all zoo colleagues and guests.
- A strong background in the development of zoo animal diets is preferred along with an understanding of nutritional, practical, and financial considerations.
- Similar related experience in the human nutrition sector will be considered.
- Ensure that the highest quality of all food items are received and distributed.
- Stay updated on the latest nutrition requirements, guidelines, and best practices (OSHA, USDA, AZA, Health Dept) for stocking, storing, processing, or rotating food items.
- Maintain and update online and accessible SOPs on food handling and other staff protocols.
- Identify and evaluate cost-effective vendors to purchase food items and janitorial supplies. Ensure prompt invoicing for vendor payment.
- Maintain organized records: online and accessible diet information on zoo species under our care, food composition records, and vendor records for food and enclosure supplies.
- Update animal diets as needed in collaboration with Veterinary staff, Animal Care leadership, and nutrition consultants.
- Ensure adequate daily department coverage. Manager may need to fill gaps in staff coverage, including during emergencies. Manager schedule may be adjusted based upon department need.
- Assist staff with diet preparation and delivery of food and cleaning supplies.
- Maintain the Nutrition Center budget under the guidance of the Senior Director.
- Promote a safe work environment. Ensure staff are trained to safely operate kitchen equipment, including knives, food grinders, dicers, and mixers. Keep equipment in good repair.
- Ensure staff have updated training and certifications to safely operate essential vehicles, including carts, trucks, hay tugs, and forklifts.
- Maintain AZA membership and attend approved Nutrition Advisory Group meetings.
- Serve as Nutrition Center Ambassador for special events, including tours and donor engagement.
- Maintain updated emergency contingency plans for the staff and facility.
- Communicate courteously and tactfully with guests. Assist guests with questions or directions to various areas of the zoo. Anticipate guest needs - do not wait to be asked.
- Remove trash and debris from public areas whenever you see it.
Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and after-hours assignments.
- Bachelor's degree.
- Knowledge of animal nutrition, behavior, and biology.
- Proficient with use of computer software programs, including Word and Excel.
- Possess strong oral and written communication skills.
- 2 years full-time experience in a zoo or similar work environment.
- 1 year full-time experience working in an animal commissary.
- 1 year full-time managerial or supervisory experience.
- Valid Texas driver's license.
The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
