Zoo Nutritionist

Zoo Miami Responsibilities

• Responsible for developing, managing and implementing the nutrition program for the zoo collection including monitoring diet consumption, diet formulation, and implementation; provides guidance for the department procedures manual.
• Annual review of the dietary husbandry protocols (including dietary behavioral enrichment items) to ensure nutritional adequacy of diets in regards to maintenance of health, breeding soundness, environmental enrichment and training.
• Responsible for approving all consumable items and diet changes; responsible for quality control testing for hay, fish, insect, meat (including whole prey items), grain, canned goods and produce.
• Assists horticulturalists with the management and continued development of the browse program and surveillance of the grounds and enclosures for toxic plants.
• Initiates and collaborates with the zoo veterinarians on clinical investigations and research projects as it relates to animal health and nutrition; responsible for advising the Senior Veterinarian on nutrition issues that require further investigation; will serve as point person on all nutrition research projects.
• Responsible for maintaining accurate records and preparing reports as it relates to animal nutrition; responsible for overseeing all commissary operations are conducted in a manner that meets or exceeds AZA and USDA requirements and federal, state and industry standards; remains current with pertinent regulations and standards (federal, state, industry, etc) that may affect zoo programs, and provides recommendations for complying with relevant regulations.
• Feeds animals in accordance with nutritional and behavioral requirements as specified by curatorial and nutritional staff; participates in approved scientific research and educational projects.
  • Participates in additional conferences, workshops, seminars, NAG and AZA committees as approved by the Senior Veterinarian.
  • Actively participate in the zoo nutrition community.
  • Provides oversight of vendors, foods items, food supply, sustainability and budgeting for Nutrition supported by the Nutrition Manager.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree. Two years of experience working with nutritional issues for captive wildlife is required. Must be able to lift 40 pounds. Advanced degree in animal nutrition and supervisory experience is preferred.

NOTE: County applications now allow you to attach a resume. Therefore, prior to submitting your application, please make sure your resume is updated with your current and previous position(s) to include details of duties performed and responsibility. However, please also make sure the application details (all tabs) are completed in full.

Applications will be accepted until close of business on January 8, 2026.

Zoo Miami
12400 SW 152nd St
Miami, FL 33177
Phone: