Seasonal Commissary Team Member

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Job Title: Seasonal Commissary Team Member

Reporting to the Commissary Supervisor, Commissary Team Members (Nutrition Technicians) contribute to the proper care of the animals at John Ball Zoo by performing commissary duties, including but not limited to the preparation of scientifically formulated diets for zoo animals, distribution of diets and bulk food to various zoo areas, ordering, receiving, and maintaining adequate food supplies.

This position will be temporary and will run from mid‑February to mid‑May. Working an average of 25–30 hours per week.

Starting Pay: $16.00

• Pre and may deliver species‑specific zoo diets and other food for consumption by zoo animals
• Distributes diets, grain, produce, hay, meat, fish, and other food items in a timely manner to exhibit areas and animal buildings
• Orders produce, food products and supplies and inspects shipments for discrepancies/quality
• Loads and unloads food and supplies, rotates stock, and maintains inventory control records
• Maintains the kitchen and all food storage areas, including walk‑in freezers and refrigerators, in a clean, organized fashion consistent with industry, USDA, and AZA standards, ensuring that the zoo commissary is always kept up to inspection standards
• Ensures that animal food is stored properly to maximize freshness and to minimize contamination, pests, and spoilage
• Routinely inspects expiration dates of food items and supplies to ensure that they are used prior to expiration or discarded after expiration
• Assists in preparing dietary components of the Zoo’s enrichment program
• Works daily with Commissary Volunteers to direct work in assigned areas
• Engages with students and guests through commissary behind‑the‑scenes tours
• Performs other tasks as needed

• Affinity for the mission and values of John Ball Zoo
• Ability to interact positively with a wide array of individuals from diverse cultural and socio‑economic backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work effectively and show flexibility with daily responsibilities to solve problems with minimal guidance
• Knowledge of materials and methods used in preparing food on a large scale
• Ability to prepare special diets under the direction of the Zoo Veterinarian and Commissary Supervisor
• Knowledge of inventory practices and requirements sufficient to identify shortages and reorder supplies as necessary
• Knowledge of safe food handling techniques
• Skill in using kitchen utensils and equipment including but not limited to knives, blenders, food processors and food choppers
• Basic knowledge of building cleaning methods and materials
• Some knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of biology, zoology, or animal husbandry
• Ability to work weekends and holidays
• Flexing work hours may be needed periodically

• Will work in various indoor and outdoor environments, may be exposed to inclement weather, pollen, mold, dust, dirt, and other airborne contaminants, and temperature variations
• Must tolerate exposure to anti‑bacterial disinfectants and other cleaning compounds used in the cleaning and maintenance of exhibits and holding areas
• Must wear all required protective clothing and equipment

• Require sufficient visual acuity to safely use knives and other kitchen utensils
• Require sufficient auditory acuity to hear animal noises, warning signals, and malfunctions
• Require manual dexterity, strength, and ability to operate power tools and facility controls, and to occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds
• Must ascend and descend from kneeling positions several times per day
• Must tolerate exposure to dust, dirt, pollen, and other airborne contaminants and occasional exposure to inclement weather, high humidity, and extreme hot and cold temperatures

Seniority Level: Entry level

Employment Type: Full‑time

Job Function: Management and Manufacturing