Animal nutritionist : Employers and vacancy sources

In the commercial sector, most feed retailers and pet food manufacturers employ animal nutritionists. Roles may range from product development to sales-related jobs. Opportunities may also exist in agricultural consultancy organisations, overseas development agencies, marketing, and public relations and the media.

The ADAS UK Ltd  and the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC)  employ animal nutritionists as research scientists and on a consultancy basis.

For those preferring an academic route, there are opportunities for teaching and research in universities and agricultural colleges. Delivering health and science education in schools and colleges is also an option, for which a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) would be a requirement.

There are a small number of openings for experienced animal nutritionists to work for non-governmental organisation (NGO) projects in the developing world.

Animal nutrition for pets and in zoos, apart from posts with pet food manufacturers, is largely in the hands of veterinarians, who may call on nutritionists for advice when necessary.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Farmers Weekly    
• New Scientist Jobs   
• Farmers Guardian    
• Scottish Farmer    
• Horse and Hound   
• Local press (for broader farm labourer work).

Specialist recruitment agencies handle some scientific vacancies.

Conferences often provide valuable sources of contacts. Through networking, jobseekers can hold informal meetings with key contacts in established organisations.

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