Commissary Supervisor

State of North Carolina

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Zoo is growing, and it is an exciting time to join our team! The Zoo is seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to serve as Zoo Commissary Supervisor. The Commissary Supervisor is an integral member of the Animal Health Section of the North Carolina Zoo and will work closely with the Clinical Nutritionist in supporting the Zoo’s comprehensive animal nutrition program. This position is responsible for supervising Zoo Commissary Assistants and overseeing the accurate preparation, delivery, and documentation of diets for the Zoo’s diverse collection. The Commissary Supervisor manages a dynamic perishable and nonperishable food inventory, maintains high standards of sanitation, and ensures the safe and efficient operation of the commissary and hay barn facilities. While the Clinical Nutritionist provides overall leadership of the Zoo’s nutrition program, the Commissary Supervisor ensures effective daily operations within the commissary and serves as the lead in the Nutritionist’s absence. This position collaborates with the Clinical Nutritionist, veterinary, animal care, and horticulture staff to advance the Zoo’s mission by supporting excellence in animal health, nutrition, and welfare.

Requirements

• High school or General Educational Development diploma AND one year of experience in the preparation and serving of food in large quantities in a commercial or institutional kitchen; OR education and/or experience directly related to the job and consistent with accepted practices or the trade equivalent to two years of experience in a commercial and/or institutional kitchen.
• Typical work schedule is 7AM – 4PM or 8AM – 5PM, 5 days/week.
• Must be able to work weekends/holidays.
• 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.
• Must be able to advise and provide input to management regarding strategic plans, development of policies and procedures, and Nutrition section organizational issues.
• Must be able to train and supervise personnel and resolve disciplinary issues.
• 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.
• Working knowledge of animal nutrition to include diet preparation, diet formulation, and/or diet analysis.
• 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 and providing recommendations for complying with relevant regulations.
• Must be able to engage with the public and the media to promote the scientific and educational aspects of the North Carolina Zoo’s Mission.
• 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 have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid NC driver’s license within 90 days of hire.
• Must be able to work a rotating schedule that involves working weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts.

Nice To Haves

• Proven skill in relevant food product handling experience and/or general kitchen duties.
• Prefer prior experience in zoo commissary operations, animal diet preparation, or food service management.
• Working knowledge of safe food handling practices, including proper storage, rotation, and sanitation procedures for perishable and nonperishable food items.
• Proven skill in accurately following detailed instructions, recipes, or diet sheets to measure, portion, and label food products.
• Strong organizational skills to track inventory, monitor stock levels, and maintain accurate written and digital records.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for supervising and training the Zoo Commissary Assistants, including food handling, diet preparation, inventory management, and sanitation practices. Provides coaching, feedback, and performance evaluation to facilitate staff development and ensure best practices are consistently followed. Provides coaching and counseling as needed to promote teamwork, efficiency, and effective communication within the unit.
• Maintain a high level of expertise in diet preparation, food safety, and commissary operations. Responsibilities include ensuring accurate preparation, portioning, labeling, and delivery of animal diets in accordance with Clinical Nutritionist protocols and established zoo standards.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of proper food storage, handling, and rotation practices for perishable and nonperishable items, including produce, meats, fish, insects, hay, and specialized feeds. Responsible for training Zoo Commissary Assistants in these practices to ensure compliance with animal nutrition standards, food safety, and biosecurity protocols.
• Oversee ordering, receiving, and inventory control of commissary food supplies and hay barn products. Responsibilities include monitoring stock levels, ensuring quality control, tracking expenditures, and coordinating with vendors and Zoo staff to maintain an efficient and reliable food supply for the animal collection.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of sanitation and biosecurity standards, ensuring commissary facilities and equipment meet or exceed zoo, state, and federal requirements. Responsibilities include training staff in cleaning procedures, safe equipment operation, and monitoring compliance to ensure a safe, hygienic, and efficient working environment.
• Serve as the lead for commissary operations in the absence of the Clinical Nutritionist, ensuring continuity of operations and communication with animal care, veterinary, and horticulture staff regarding commissary functions.
• Provide hands-on support with diet preparation and commissary duties as needed during staff shortages, peak workload periods, or to ensure timely completion of daily responsibilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees