Commissary Assistant

Natural and Cultural Resources; North Carolina; On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo is expanding its Commissary team and is seeking a temporary Commissary Assistant in Asheboro, NC. You will support diet preparation, portioning, labeling, and daily delivery to animal areas across multiple exhibits.

Responsibilities include receiving and storing perishable items, maintaining cleanliness per safety standards, operating kitchen equipment, and assisting with inventory and records. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and work a rotating schedule.

Qualifications

• Experience in food service, kitchen, zoological commissary, or similar environment.
• Experience preparing animal diets in a zoological or animal-care setting preferable.
• Experience with inventory control, stock rotation, or receiving and storing perishable goods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, portion, label, and deliver animal diets daily per protocols.
• Receive, inspect, store food items and rotate stock for freshness and safety.
• Maintain commissary cleanliness and sanitation per AZA/USDA/state standards.
• Operate commissary equipment and kitchen machinery safely.
• Drive and operate a large Zoo delivery van to distribute diets.
• Assist with inventory control and document diet preparation and deliveries.

Skills

Food service experience

Zoological commissary experience

Inventory control

Education

Food service related education or experience

Job description

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team!

Description of Work

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.

Key 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.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities / Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $15.00 per hour

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

Applicants who possess the following are preferred

• 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.

Position/Physical 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. This position is located at: 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Education and/or experience in food service that is directly related to the job and consistent with accepted practices of the trade. If there are no qualified candidates remaining in the applicant pool who meet the minimum Education and Experience or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for the position, the agency may consider for this position a trainee who does not meet the minimum requirements. Salary for a trainee may be set at a lower level than the classification salary range and recruitment range that is listed in the posting with the salary being adjusted up accordingly as the trainee has obtained the necessary additional education and experience to fully meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the classification specification.

Division Description

The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and visitors. The mission of the zoo is to conserve and protect representative examples of natural beauty, endangered and threatened plant and animal species, and ecological features of the continents it represents.

Supplemental and Contact Information

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation or political influence.

4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.