Animal Commissary Specialist (Full Time)

Kansas-City-Zoo-; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 1,875,000 - 2,671,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is hiring an Animal Commissary Specialist to prepare diets for a variety of zoo and aquarium animals and to maintain an organized commissary kitchen. The role includes inventory control, order placement, and ensuring safety and cleanliness in the work area.

The position also involves assisting guests, coordinating with suppliers, and training new staff and volunteers. A High School Diploma or GED is required, with possible substitution by related experience.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; one year of related experience may substitute.
• Experience handling, preparing, inspecting and storing fresh produce, meat, fish, grains, and other components.
• Knowledge of inventory practices to identify shortages and reorder supplies as needed.
• Understanding sanitation and pesticide methods around foods.
• Ability to perform basic mathematics for diet preparation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; proficient computer use (MS Office).
• Must have or be able to obtain a negative TB test; valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Prepare animal diets according to dietary instructions; cut, weigh, measure, and combine foods.
• Order food products and supplies; inspect shipments for discrepancies and quality.
• Load/unload commissary shipments; rotate stock; maintain inventory records.
• Purchase products from offsite locations as needed.
• Maintain a clean, disinfected commissary kitchen and report safety hazards.
• Coordinate with suppliers for shipments and deliveries; assist guests with inquiries.
• Assist in training new commissary staff and volunteers.

Skills

Food preparation

Inventory control

Sanitation knowledge

Communication skills

Mathematical calculations

General computer skills

Physical stamina

Valid driver’s license

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position:Animal Commissary Specialist (Full Time)

Location: Kansas City, MO

Remote Status: On-Site

Job Id:1150

# of Openings:1

ANIMAL COMMISSARY SPECIALIST (FULL TIME)

DEPARTMENT

Animal Care

CLASSIFICATION

Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO

Animal Care Manager

DIRECT REPORTS

N/A

STARTING PAY $16.50/Hour

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Under direction, the Animal Commissary Specialist performs routine work assignments involving the preparation of Zoo & Aquarium animal diets and maintenance of commissary kitchen. This position also performs other work related task as required.

POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Duties

Percentage

Diet Preparation and Inventory Control:

• Prepares fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and other substances for consumption by Zoo & Aquarium animals by cutting, weighing/measuring, and combining foods according to dietary instructions.
• Orders food products and supplies and inspects shipments for discrepancies and quality.
• Loads and unloads commissary shipments, rotates stock, and maintains inventory control records.
• Purchases products from locations outside of the Zoo & Aquarium, as needed.

55%

Commissary Safety and Cleanliness:

• Maintains work area by cleaning and disinfecting commissary kitchen.
• Reports maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate manager.

20%

Customer Service:

• Coordinates with outside food suppliers for shipments and deliveries.
• Greets and welcomes all guests.
• Assists with all guests’ needs, including questions and inquiries.

15%

Assists in training new commissary staff and volunteers.

10%

*This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.

*All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) Certificate accepted
• One year of prior experience GED in a similar position may be considered in lieu of High School Diploma or GED

• EXPERIENCE:
• Skill in using kitchen utensils, including knives, food processors, blenders, etc.
• Knowledge of proper handling, preparation, inspection, and storage of fresh produce, meat, fish, grains, and other nutritional components
• Knowledge of inventory practices and requirements sufficient to be able to identify shortages and reorder supplies as necessary
• Knowledge of type and application of sanitation and pesticide methods around foods
• Ability to perform basic mathematics and calculations in preparing a variety of diets
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
• Must pass a background and drug screening.