Commissary​/Animal Care Professional; Swing

Position: Commissary/Animal Care Professional (Swing)
Naples Zoo

Commissary/Animal Care Professional (Swing)

This position will be primarily responsible for the daily diet preparation for the animal collection. Several days a week, this position will rotate through the various animal areas (mixed mammals, primates, animal ambassadors/shows, ectotherms, and carnivores) to provide daily husbandry, enrichment, and training of the animals in those areas. This position requires a high degree of organization, flexibility within the workday, and excellent communication skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

* Perform daily commissary duties including but not limited to the following:

* Prepare daily animal diets- chopping, weighing, and measuring produce, grain, meat, and other foodstuffs

* Perform food and supply ordering and inventory for Animal Department

* Maintain detailed, accurate records of diets, diet changes, food and supply inventories, and order histories

* Coordinate with food and supply vendors for timely, appropriate deliveries

* Maintain a sanitary commissary according to USDA and AZA regulations

* Understand basic animal nutrition

* Perform daily animal care professional duties including but not limited to the following:

* Perform animal husbandry and care of assigned animals to maximize animal well-being, and alert the appropriate Field Supervisor of animal concerns

* Observe animal behavior to monitor health and welfare

* Participate in animal training for specific behaviors needed for husbandry, management, and veterinary procedures

* Participate in providing animal enrichment, including generating and implementing new ideas through the appropriate approval process

* Perform animal handling and restraint as needed

* Support veterinary health needs as requested

* Assist in the mentorship and training of Zoo staff, interns, and volunteers

* Respond to and assist in the resolution of Zoo emergencies

* Observe safety policies throughout the Zoo as they pertain to the use of equipment, materials, chemicals, and vehicles, and bring safety concerns to the appropriate supervisor

* Engage with guests in a welcoming, courteous manner, and address the public during keeper talks, shows, or other animal encounters

* Assist with special events and requests from marketing and development as needed

* Adhere to regulatory standards (USDA, FWC, AZA), and recognize and report concerns to the appropriate supervisor

* Provide support for education and conservation programming as needed

* Maintain records in accordance with protocols and as directed

* Perform all area specific standard operating procedures, and assist with training staff/interns as requested

* Perform skilled assignments related to animal care and wellness and prioritize routines and projects in accordance with sound time management and efficiency

* Effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and other Zoo personnel in support of the overall needs of the animals, department, and organization

* Actively participate in area meetings

* Assist with project management as needed

* Perform other duties as assigned

* OPTIONAL:
Apply to become a trained member of the Zoo's Weapons Team

Qualifications and

Experience:

* Associate or bachelor's degree in an animal related field is preferred; equivalent life experience may be substituted

* Experience in a zoological setting is desirable

* Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish and maintain professional working relationships

* Ability to safely use standard food prep equipment including knives, blenders, digital and non-digital scales, etc.

* Ability to follow written diet preparation guidelines

* Ability to or willingness to learn how to ride a bicycle

* Ability to drive a vehicle and operate small machinery

* Ability to communicate clearly and effectively via speaking and writing

* Ability to work independently or with a team

* Ability to work flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and special events

* Ability to learn Species 360/ZIMS and Animal Care Software data entry skills

* Possession of strong organizational skills

* Possession of strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, views, and…