Animal Nutritionist

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 90 years we’ve been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.
We’re also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to prevent extinction, from caring for animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our visitors an inspirational day out.
We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and despite all the recent challenges thrown at us, we still want to be the best zoo in the world! If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Animal Nutritionist, working in a work setting like no other! This role will be patrolling amongst rare and endangered species, and is set within stunning gardens across a 128-acre estate!

The Role:

This is a key role working as part of our Animal and Plant Logistical Services team to maintain the nutritional requirements across the zoo. This involves routine development of diets and looking at improving, developing, and implanting dietary requirements across the Animal collection.
The successful candidate will have responsibility for leading the Nutrition operation while reporting into the Animal and Plant Logistical services manager.
The candidate will be expected to contribute information and suggestions towards the wider department including but not limited to, live food breeding, forage sampling and browse intake.

As an Animal Nutritionist you will:

• Develop and maintain cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and efficient dietary provision for the Animal Collection.
• Work with the animal teams to formulate diets and give advice and training on animal nutrition.
• Formulate, analyse, adjust and review diets for all species held, taking into account factors such as life-stage, health, activity and reproductive physiology based on current research base and known species-specific nutritional requirements.
• Liaise with animal department staff, advising and providing training on diet preparation, animal nutrition and nutrition-related enrichment.
• Help with general administrative and other tasks of the Logistical Services department, including report writing and invoicing as required.
• Liaise with relevant management teams to advise on an appropriate and sustainable supply of on-site and off-site food production, including browse.
• Identify, prioritise, and address specific nutritional issues of concern in order to ensure optimal health and welfare.

Successful candidate will:

• Relevant practical nutritional knowledge.
• Nutritional dietary analysis across a range of taxa the use of nutritional analysis software
• Organization skills with proven record of ability to manage time and work to deadlines
• Communication and interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication for a range of audiences
• Computer literacy (MS Office)
• Research skills, including design, data collection, statistical analysis

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages
  

The hours of work are mainly fixed hours, typically 8.00am to 4.30pm. This role offers some flexibility to work from home when needed.

The salary for this role is £29,021.21 per annum and in addition we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/staff-benefits/

To apply for this position, click ‘Apply Now’ to provide your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you believe you should be considered for this role.

Shortlisting of applications and interviews for the role will take place while the advert is live; the advert will close once the successful candidate is found. Candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.

The Package

• Permanent Opportunity
• £29,021.21 per annum 40 hours per week
• The hours of work are mainly fixed hours, typically 8.00am to 4.30pm. This role offers some flexibility to work from home when needed.
• 33 days annual leave per year
• Staff pass so that you can visit the zoo during your time off plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
• Cycle to work scheme
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions of up to 9%
• Excellent training and career progression opportunities