Assistant Commissary Manager / Barn Keeper

Elmwood Park Zoo

Assistant Commissary Manager / Barn Keeper

Organizational Relationship:

Reports to: Commissary Manager

Supervises: Diet Prep Volunteers, Animal Care Interns

Coordinates with: Veterinary, Animal and Education Staff

Summary of Responsibilities:

A highly motivated, skilled individual who will perform tasks associated with Animal Commissary management including diet preparation. A successful candidate has a collaborative, team-oriented approach to problem solving, exercises good judgment, efficiently manages time, foresees and applies safety precautions, possesses excellent written and oral communication skills, is able to work both independently and in a team environment and maintains confidentiality and Zoo safety protocols. All EPZ staff members are responsible for delivering exceptional guest service by creating positive interactions with guests and staff alike.

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities:

• Assist management in ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficiency in all areas of operation of the Zoo.

• Assist the Zoo in fostering an appreciation of wildlife and their habitats that will inspire active participation in conservation.

• Be available as per business needs.

• Follow and adhere to all policies and procedures and safety protocols for the department and the Zoo.

• Use proper radio etiquette, call numbers and adhere to proper dress attire at all time

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Commissary Related Duties:

• Oversees daily diet prep of diets prepared by the diet docents.

• Checks and updates diet boards and other information sheets.

• Ensures that during food prep that food safety and preparation guidelines are followed and that the Animal Commissary is kept up to inspection standards at all times in terms of cleanliness, organization, food labeling, pest control and disinfection. Maintain a working knowledge of USDA and AZA standards and ensure that all commissary buildings and work areas are in compliance;

• Assists Commissary Manager with supply inventory and ordering including hay, bamboo, meat, whole prey, produce, fish, feeder insects, and grain.

• Picks up food items as needed and coordinates unloading to appropriate areas

• Maintain a working knowledge of organizational safety policies, procedures, and protocols

• Observes all rules of safety that pertain to the position, including use of personal protective equipment, safe vehicular use, and safe use of large equipments and meat saws

• Performs regular quality assurance checks including checking hay quality/storage issues and monitoring of product freshness and checking expiration dates of stock on a regular basis

• Performs general maintenance of kitchen area and equipment with assistance from maintenance staff as needed.

Barn Related Duties:

• Daily husbandry of barn exhibit and holding areas associated with the interaction experiences.

• ZIMS and daily report entries for animals in the barn area.

• Participation in Operant Conditioning / Animal Training program for animals in the barn area.

• Knowledge of natural behavior and information concerning the animals housed in the barn area.

• Assist veterinary staff with the capture and restraint as well as administer prescribed medications and treatments (strictly according to written instructions) for animals living in the barn area.

• Communicate effectively with both adults and children in both group and individual settings. Greet guests and exercise professionalism at all times.

• Observe for any unsafe acts which would cause harm to a guest, Zoo property, or animal within the collection.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• One year previous experience working with captive animals or animal nutrition required

• Associates or Bachelor's degree in animal biology, nutrition or food safety preferred

• Successful Completion of the San Diego Zoo Global Academy Animal Welfare Professional Course

Other Requirements:

• Must have negative TB test

• Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor

• Must have good physical strength and endurance including the ability to lift, move and transport up to 60lbs

• Able to work outside in all weather conditions

• Must be able to work from heights or in confined spaces and have ability to ascend, descend and work from and around stairs and ladders

• Must have a valid driver's license

Identification: Two forms of official valid identification are required. Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances

Salary

Starting at $18 hourly

How to Apply

https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/employment/assistant-commissary-manager/

Elmwood Park Zoo

1661 Harding Boulevard

Norristown, PA 19401

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