We are seeking a Nutrition Laboratory Manager that will provide and support for all aspects of exotic animal nutrition at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. This position is responsible for conducting nutrition laboratory operations including independently performing relevant chemical analyses, laboratory record keeping, and management of students, interns, and technicians. This person will also assist in collaborating with animal care, veterinary, and behavior and welfare staff for diet formulations and modifications as needed to maintain the animal’s health and wellbeing. The Nutrition Laboratory Manager is responsible for maintenance of the nutrition laboratory including all equipment for the following analysis: dry matter, organic matter, protein, fat, total dietary fiber, and gross energy.
Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions (include but not limited to):
- Responsible for conducting all laboratory analyses associated with related exotic animal nutrition research and diet management.
- Perform all regular and unplanned maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Enhance and refine laboratory operating procedures when necessary or relevant.
- Remain up to date with laboratory and relevant analytical best practices and advances.
- Maintain and manage inventory of lab supplies.
- Maintain a clean and uncluttered workspace to prevent cross-contamination and/or injury.
- Oversee diet database updates with all quality control and research data, also incorporating data from third party labs.
- Manage Nutrition Lab interns, students, and technicians.
- Training in laboratory safety and procedures.
- Assist in research project development and implementation.
- Oversee preparation of specialized diets and milk formulas.
- Formulate diets and change/update diets as directed.
- Continually evaluate current diet formulations, considering changes in product availability/composition and recent advances in the field of comparative nutrition.
- Assist in conducting research studies that relate to animal nutrition.
- Perform sample collection or work with animal care areas to collect samples for nutrition research projects.
- Attend conferences and present recent research projects.
- Assist in preparation of grant applications to support research projects when indicated.
- Assist in development of an internal research program that addresses the needs of the animals in our collection and/or species-wide issues affecting population management.
- Occasionally assist Browse team with planting, watering, and harvesting browse for animal consumption.
- Understand and adhere to guidelines and recommendations established by AZA, USDA, and OSHA.
- Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Directly oversee Nutrition Laboratory Technicians.
- Directly oversee Zoo Academy students and Nutrition Laboratory interns.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in nutrition, animal science, or related biological field.
- Minimum of 3 years' experience in applied comparative nutrition or in a laboratory setting, which may include graduate school.
- Minimum of 2 years' experience in a supervisory/management role.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Detail-oriented, organized, and strong communication skills (written and spoken).
- Self-motivated with ability to effectively manage time and resources.
- Must be able to work in a team environment and willing to work alone in a laboratory setting.
- Computer skills are necessary, including applications for Microsoft 365.
- Experience conducting collaborative nutrition research studies that benefit the collection and zoological industry preferred.
- Experience formulating animal diets (domestic or exotic) preferred.
- Valid driver’s license.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
- Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays and some night programs. Monday – Friday schedule is typical.
- Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.
- Will be regularly exposed to water, cleaning and laboratory chemicals, loud noise, etc.
- Will be regularly exposed to a variety of produce, nuts, seafood, meat, and rodents.
Travel Required:
- Some travel is required (conferences, workshops).
Remote Work:
- This is to be determined in conjunction with the Department Head and Zoo policy.
Work Authorization:
- List any visa requirements, H1B sponsorship or special clearances.
DISCLAIMER
- The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification.
- It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
