Commissary​/Animal Care Professional; Swing

Overview

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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 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

• 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…