Commissary Worker (Temporary)

zoological society of PH•Philadelphia, PA

5h•$0 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Nutrition Operations Manager, this role supports the daily operations of a zoo commissary, ensuring animal food preparation, storage, and inventory meet USDA, AZA, and internal standards. The incumbent monitors food quality and inventory levels and maintains applicable work areas to USDA and AZA standards. Commissary workers possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrate physical stamina, consistently adhere to safety standards, and effectively perform in a wide range of environmental conditions. This role must be able to perform the essential functions and any assignments within the area of responsibility.

Requirements

Must be able to be trained in all aspects of Commissary Operations.
Knowledge of AZA nutrition standards and USDA regulations relating to food safety.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Successful completion of a medical screening, drug test and tuberculin test prior to beginning work.
Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
Able to safely move and transport up to 50 pounds.
Able to work from heights or in confined spaces.
Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
Ability to work around plants and animals.
Must obtain proof of required vaccinations prior to employment start date and demonstrate awareness of possible exposure to other infectious and parasitic diseases which may be present in the animal collection.
Able to remain in stationary position for long periods of time.
Ability to ascend, descend and work from stairs and ladders, move under low objects.
Ability to use and handle knives and other commercial kitchen equipment.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person as well as through Relay, phones and computers.
Ability to drive Zoo vehicles.
Able to deal with possible exposure to dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and hazardous chemicals and/or drugs. Use of protective clothing or equipment may be required for some tasks, including but not limited to goggles, masks, gloves, braces, hats, gowns, boots, etc. Work in specific areas may require the ability to use other protective gear (e.g. respirators).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in animal science or other related field preferred. Additional appropriate experience may be considered as a substitute for a bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Adheres to directives in the Zoo employee handbook, the area SOPs and / or HACCP programs, and any other supplied directives.
Provides input to Commissary Lead and Managers for protocol and SOP development.
Ability to be trained in multiple areas while maintaining high USDA food safety standards.
Regularly liaises with the animal management, the Commissary Lead, other commissary workers, facilities and other Zoo teams. Works collaboratively with others to solve problems with mutually beneficial outcomes in a timely manner.
Responds to hazardous or potentially unsafe situations by following Zoo emergency protocols and promptly notifying supervisory staff.
Participates in one on ones with manager.
May complete daily report, USDA check sheet, and all temperature logs.
Responsible for day to day commissary work in assigned area, in accordance with Zoo, AZA, and other applicable standards.
Assists with building wide daily cleaning and disinfecting as needed to ensure building is USDA compliant and up to AZA operating standards.
Reports facility or equipment malfunctions or failures to the commissary lead / manager in a timely fashion.
Works in auxiliary buildings (Hay barn, Nutrition Shed) and makes sure they are maintained in accordance with Zoo, AZA, and other applicable standards.
Operates and cares for department vehicles (truck, carts) in accordance with Zoo, AZA, and other applicable standards, and issues with vehicles are reported to commissary lead / manager in a timely fashion.
Understands date codes and reviews document frequently (on Teams; also in print in commissary), and checks stock routinely for outdated products and removes them.
Responsible for foodstuffs being maintained in good condition and in appropriate storage per USDA requirements and Department SOPs.
Reports food damage, spoilage and other problems immediately to commissary lead / manager.
Suggests corrections to short-term and long-term animal food delivery schedules to the commissary lead / manager as needed.
Picks up needed items outside the zoo as directed (i.e. browse from airport, browse workers, emergency items from other zoos etc.).
As needed or directed, maintains an inventory on the hay barn forage and ensures commissary lead / manage are notified appropriately so the inventory is NEVER depleted (order at least two weeks prior to need).
Supports, accommodates and/or participates in research initiatives that pertains to the Zoo’s animal nutrition program.
Adheres to Zoo dress code and presents in clean and unmarred uniforms when in public view.
Strong verbal and written communication skills. Communicates regularly with peers and directors concerning matters of commissary work, safety and work schedules.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers across the organization, including volunteers and the public.
Understands and follows verbal and written instructions.
Demonstrates dependability, teamwork, positive attitude, resourcefulness, good judgment and uses common sense.
Voices concerns constructively.
Utilizes effective organizational skills and two-way communication skills.
Collaborates with others and works within a team.
Ability to prioritize, make decisions and problem-solve.
Ability to give and receive feedback.
Willingness to continuously learn and participate in professional development opportunities.
High emotional intelligence.
Has the ability to effectively present information and answer questions.
Has the ability to remain curious or seek appropriate ways to solve problems.
Displays unquestionable integrity.
Attends scheduled zoo-wide meetings.
Completes required trainings as assigned.
Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, co-workers and public.
Can serve on internal zoo committees.
Communicates verbally and / or in writing (i.e. email) information that affects the operations or facilities to lead and/or managers in a timely manner.
Completes heavy equipment training (forklift, scissor lift, etc.) and renews trainings as appropriate.
Completes required safety training (fall protection, respirator fitting, etc.) and renews training as appropriate.