Commissary Assistant

State of North Carolina • Nc Zoo Randolph, NC

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Zoo is expanding and seeking a temporary 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 available to work a rotating schedule including holidays and weekends, involving indoor and outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• 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, walk and stand for extended periods, and maintain the ability to observe animals and exhibits for safety, as well as respond to auditory cues such as animal sounds, radio communications, and emergency alerts.
• 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 be able to participate in the Zoo's Occupational Health Program for vaccines and testing.
• Must be able to pass a pre‑employment work screen.
• This position is designated as Essential/Mandatory Staff and requires availability during adverse weather conditions and Zoo emergencies.
• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have the 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 working in a food service, kitchen, zoological commissary, or similar environment, including preparing, portioning, or handling food in accordance with established safety or sanitation standards.
• Experience preparing animal diets in a zoological or animal‑care setting, including weighing, cutting, portioning, and safely handling a variety of perishable food items in accordance with established protocols.
• Experience with inventory control, stock rotation, or receiving and storing perishable goods, ensuring proper handling and documentation of food items.

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility for those with student loans.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed