Commissary Assistant

State of North Carolina

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Zoo is expanding and seeking a full-time Commissary Assistant to join the Animal Section’s Commissary team. The Commissary is responsible for the storage, preparation, and distribution of diets that support the nutritional needs of more than 1,400 animals across the Zoo. In addition to maintaining inventories and preparing diets, the team ensures accurate and timely daily delivery of diets to animal areas. Frequent communication and coordination with Animal and Veterinary staff are essential to support optimal animal health and welfare.

Requirements

• Must be able to work a rotating schedule including holidays and weekends that involves indoor and outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• This position is designated as Essential/Mandatory Staff and requires availability during adverse weather conditions and zoo emergencies.
• Must be able to participate in the Zoo's Occupational Health Program.
• Must have good physical agility, strength, hearing, and vision, as well as the ability to perform physically demanding tasks in extreme weather.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, walking and standing for extended periods, and maintaining the ability to observe animals and exhibits for safety, as well as responding to auditory cues such as animal sounds, radio communications, and emergency alerts, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in oral and written form and maintain detailed accurate records and files.
• Must have demonstrated organizational skills in order to effectively manage a wide variety of perishable food items.
• Must be able to conduct all commissary operations in a manner that meets or exceeds AZA and USDA requirements.
• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• Education and/or experience in food service that is directly related to the job and consistent with accepted practices of the trade

Nice To Haves

• Experience with safe food handling, storage, and preparation, including perishable and nonperishable items, following established standards.
• Experience using basic food preparation equipment, including knives, scales, mixers, and processors.
• Experience with accurately following written and verbal instructions, including diet sheets, portioning, and labeling requirements.
• Knowledge of proper cleaning, sanitizing, and biosecurity procedures for equipment, utensils, and food preparation areas, as well as the ability to maintain high sanitation standards.
• Experience with inventory management, including receiving, tracking, rotating, and reporting on food items, supplies, and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, portion, label, and deliver animal diets daily in accordance with Clinical Nutritionist protocols and established zoo standards.
• Receive, inspect, and properly store food items (produce, meats, fish, hay, insects, and specialty feeds) and rotate stock to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Maintain commissary cleanliness and sanitation by cleaning and disinfecting preparation surfaces, equipment, tools, and containers daily in compliance with AZA, USDA, and state standards.
• Safely operate commissary equipment, kitchen machinery, and sharp utensils while following proper food-handling, biosecurity, and zoonotic disease prevention practices.
• Drive and operate a large Zoo delivery van safely to ensure timely daily distribution of diets to animal areas.
• Assist with inventory control, including receiving deliveries, restocking supplies, and monitoring shortages or substitutions.
• Accurately document diet preparation, delivery, and inventory records, while maintaining working knowledge of Zoo policies, procedures, and safety protocols.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed