Nutrition Officer

Nutrition Officer

Chester Zoo

Cheshire

Temporary 6 month contract - 35 hours per week

Chester Zoo is one of the leading zoological collections in Europe with an international reputation for achieving its mission in conservation breeding programmes, research and education.

We are currently recruiting within our Science Team for a Nutrition Officer to support and assist the Nutritionist in optimising health and welfare of Chester Zoo’s animal collection through the development and implementation of an animal feeding programme, confirming Chester Zoo as a centre of excellence for conservation breeding and animal welfare.

The Role

The Nutrition Officer will support the Nutritionist in providing an efficient and cost-effective animal feeding and research programme, to internal and external staff and clients, maintaining accurate records of nutritional practices, standards and strategies, which contribute to health and welfare of Chester Zoo’s animal collections and populations.

Where appropriate, the Nutrition Officer will optimise animal feeding through diet evaluation, nutritional assessment of foodstuffs and close liaison with keeping and animal supplies department staff.

They will maintain full and accurate records of foodstuffs inventory, nutrient composition, diet practice and efficacy, and audit food spend and use to ensure animal feeding programme is accurate and cost-effective.

The Nutrition Officer will promote nutritional best practice by testing and developing FAUNA, zoo diet management software and provide student research support on commissioned projects.

They will also ensure effective dissemination of Chester Zoo’s nutrition activities through targeted communications.

The ideal candidate will have:

 - A minimum of a Master’s degree in an Animal Science or related field.

 - Proven ability to establish credibility, command respect and influence at all levels.

 - Ability to present information clearly and concisely in verbal presentations and written communications, including scientific writing.

 - A strong commitment to animal health and well-being.

 - Proficiency in the use of IT systems and familiarity with statistical software.

 - Proven ability to work and contribute in a team environment.

 - Proven experience and skill in designing and carrying out research projects, including data collection, processing and analysis.

 - Evidence of flexibility in approach to research problems.

Applied nutritional research experience, knowledge of zoo management or affiliated conservation industry and general zoo keeping experience are all desirable.

Hours of work are 35 hours per week, worked Monday-Friday.

Salary is £21,015 per annum based on a 35 working week.

To apply for this position, please provide your current CV and covering letter stating why you believe you should be considered for our Nutrition Officer role to http://www.chesterzoo.careers/applynow/b5f6b32169278aed?s=ZooNewsDigest

Closing date for applications is Friday 21st August 2015.