Nutrition Assistant

The Animal & Plant Logistical Services team provides a key service in supporting our world class animal collection. We now have an opportunity for a passionate and detail-orientated Nutrition Assistant to join the team to support us during our peak time.

**The role**

The Nutrition Assistant will support our Nutritionist in ensuring the optimal health and wellbeing of our diverse animal collection. You will assist in the evaluation of animal body condition scores, diet analysis, and diet reviews and work closely with the Nutritionist to contribute to the ongoing care and nutritional management of our animals, ensuring they receive balanced and species-appropriate diets.

You will undertake the following roles:

- **Assist in Body Condition Scoring (BCS)**: Support the Nutritionist in evaluating and recording body condition scores for various species. Collaborate with animal care staff to monitor and track changes in animal body conditions over time.
- ** Diet Analysis and Review**: Aid in the collection and analysis of diet data for different species, ensuring diets meet nutritional requirements. Assist in reviewing and updating diet plans based on current research, seasonal availability of food items, and specific animal needs. Contribute to the preparation and presentation of diet review reports.
- ** Data Collection and Management**: Maintain accurate records of diet formulations, feeding regimes, and nutritional assessments. Assist in the management of nutrition-related databases and ensure data is accurately entered and maintained.
- ** Collaboration and Communication**: Work closely with the animal care team to ensure effective communication regarding dietary changes and nutritional needs. Participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions on animal health and nutrition.

**What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?**

As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 600 permanent and up to 500 seasonal team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development.

**The Package**
- 9 month fixed term contract
- 40 hours per week, worked Monday Friday, 7am 3:30pm with 30 minutes lunch break
- Salary of £24,860.54 per annum
- We’re a zoo first organisation, proud to call our 128 acres of beautiful surroundings our office. We empower our team to work in the smartest way possible to allow them to feel connected and get the job done. Hybrid working is available in this role; 1 day per week can be spent remotely in line with our Hybrid Working Policy.
- 33 days annual leave including bank holidays
- Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus a number of complimentary tickets for your family and friends
- 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

**We’re looking for someone who has**:

- Good numeracy and literacy
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.)

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

- Familiarity with animal nutrition and feeding practices
- Previous experience in a zoo, wildlife facility, or veterinary setting

**More About Us**

We’re not _just_ an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 37,000 incredible animals. We’re not _just_ the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally.** And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re **making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.