Zoo Commissary Specialist - 0624

Job Summary

Under regular direction and in compliance with standard operating procedures, responsible for preparing the diets for the Zoo's animal collection and ensuring appropriate inventory of supplies. Manages the day-to-day aspect of the Zoo's nutrition program in coordination with the Veterinary and Animal Management teams with a focus on well-being and the Zoo's mission.

Ensures commissary is cleaned and disinfected to appropriate standards. Maintains inventory for all commissary related items and orders new stock accordingly. Maintains a permanent record of animal diets and records any changes. Participates in activities associated with animal welfare, guest engagement, and educational programming.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions

  % of Time

• Oversee and Implement Animal Diets: Maintain accuracy and follow safety protocols in preparing all animal diets for the Zoo's animal collection by following the approved diet sheet for each animal.
  
  Ensure the quality of produce or any other ingredients used meets standards and is of sufficient quality to feed out. Maintain the highest standard of cleanliness to ensure all diets are hygienically prepared and that the commissary is fully cleaned and disinfected daily. Ensure that all meat products are stored appropriately and there is no cross contamination with produce or grain ingredients.
  
  Put away clean/dry dishes and oversee laundry. Responsible for the daily upkeep and housekeeping of commissary physical facilities, cooler, freezer, and hay barn. Look for opportunities and make recommendations to improve and streamline procedures, processes, and documentation related to commissary function.
  
  Modify and create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to provide consistency and quality in commissary operations. Respond to any emergencies as directed, following approved protocols.

70%

• Maintain Inventory and Purchase Feed and Supplies: Maintain inventory for all commissary related items, including but not limited to, produce, grain, meat, whole prey, hay, cleaning chemicals, and other related items.
  
  Order produce weekly, grain monthly, meat twice yearly (or more frequently when indicated), and other items as needed. Coordinate with Guest Services to order bulk items. Procure supplies from multiple vendors which includes online ordering.
  
  Ensure proper storage, handling, and food stock rotation to prevent unnecessary food waste and assure quality and safety of animal diets. Identify expired products and remove from inventory. Establish and implement a quality control program in compliance with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) standards, food safety best practices, and the Greenville Zoo Animal Food Nutrition Policy.
  
  Collect and submit diet products as required for quality control analysis. Drive a continuous improvement process for sourcing feed and supplies while balancing animal welfare, product quality, environmental sustainability, and financial responsibility. Assist in planning the annual budget working with their supervisor and the Zoo Business Manager.
  
  Submit payment invoices in a timely manner. Coordinate deliveries of feed and other items with animal managers and keeper staff to facilitate their assistance in unloading products.

10%

• Maintain Permanent Records and Record Change in Animal Diets: Ensure each animals' diet sheets are up to date.
  
  Record changes to diet sheets after a request is approved by an animal manager and the Veterinarian. Facilitate diet evaluation, formulation, and refinement with Veterinary and animal care staff. Seek input from nutritionists as needed or directed. Research diets and their formulation through resources that include but are not limited to the Nutritional Advisor Group (NAG) or nutritionists for the respective taxonomic groups.

10%

• Perform Educational, Animal Welfare, and Guest Engagement Activities: Provide professional presentations and informal talks to the visiting public and school groups.
  
  Assist with media interviews. Participate in special events and Zoo rentals, including set-up and breakdown. Participate in various operational and staff committees.
  
  Oversee volunteers and interns. Participate in animal husbandry duties, including feeding animals, cleaning animal enclosures, and providing environmental enrichment. Prepare and submit daily records documenting animal observations, diet intake, and general animal welfare. Respond to animal emergencies as directed, following approved protocols.

10%

Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• At least one (1) year of experience in animal food preparation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in biology/zoology related field.

• Prior experience within an AZA accredited or certified facility.

Driver's License Requirements

• Valid South Carolina Class D Driver's License.

Performance Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Zoo animal nutrition.

• United States Department of Agriculture and AZA regulations as they pertain to food storage and biosecurity.

• Animal record keeping software such as ZIMS, Tracks, or equivalent for managing zoological records.

Ability to:

• Manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Work independently and prioritize workload.

• Create and uphold working relations with Zoo staff and outside vendors.

• Communicate educational information to the public in a respectful and knowledgeable manner through presentations and informal talks.

• Recognize animal behavioral cues and respond appropriately.

• Read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical documents, and standard operating procedures as well as literature, books, reviews, reports, and abstracts on best practices in animal care.

• Write reports and compose emails in a clear, and professional manner.

• Deal with a system of real numbers; and the practical application of fractions, percentages, ratio/proportions, and measurement as it relates to animal care.

• Complete required training including but not limited to job specific training, safety, zoonotic disease, blood borne pathogens, animal enrichment, animal training, conservation, active shooter, DEIA, radio protocol, CPR/first aid, and hand tool usage.

• Operate motor vehicles, electric carts, utility vehicles, and various landscaping and power tools.

• Operate general office equipment including scanner, copier, printer, telephone, and computer with Microsoft Office Suite.

Working Conditions

Primary Work Location:  Indoors, the Zoo commissary, various storage locations (i.e., hay barn, cooler, and freezer, and various animal habitats or enclosures).

Protective Equipment Required:  Latex gloves, eye protection, face mask, cut gloves, earplugs, and other specialty protective equipment depending on projects.

Environmental/Health and Safety Factors:

Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.

Daily exposure to noise and vibration. Season exposure to extreme temperatures, wetness and/or humidity, and respiratory hazards.

Physical Demands:

Continuously requires handling, fine dexterity, vision, hearing, and talking. Frequently requires standing, walking, carrying, kneeling, crouching and stooping, crawling, reaching, and bending.

Occasionally requires sitting, lifting, pushing/pulling, twisting, and climbing. Rarely requires foot controls. Heavy strength demands include exerting 50-100 pounds occasionally, 25-50 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.

Mental Demands:

Frequently requires time pressures and working closely with others as part of a team. Occasionally requires frequent change in tasks, irregular schedule/overtime, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, tedious, or exacting work, and noisy/distracting environment. Rarely requires emergency situations.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

The City of Greenville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Prospective and current employees should contact Human Resources to request an ADA accommodation.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.