Commissary Technician, Lemur Center

Duke Clinical Research Institute; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University’s Lemur Center in Durham, NC is seeking a Commissary Technician to support conservation, care, and study of primates. You will work with a husbandry team to prepare, organize, and deliver specialized diets for the lemurs, ensuring accuracy and safety.

The role combines food preparation, inventory management, and operational tasks in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. A Bachelor’s degree is required; experience in food prep or commissary operations is preferred, with the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent.
• Experience in food preparation or commissary operations preferred.
• Experience managing crickets, mealworms, and other feeder insects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and portion fresh fruits, vegetables, and other dietary items according to established nutrition plans.
• Assemble prescribed diets for the Duke Lemur Center's primate colony.
• Label, date, and manage prepared food items to ensure food safety standards.

Skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

Teamwork

Professionalism

Flexibility

Feedback reception

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As theCommissary Technician at the Duke Lemur Center, you will play an essential role in supporting one of the world's leading centers for the conservation, care, and study of endangered primates.

In this role, you'll work alongside a dedicated husbandry team to ensure the accurate preparation, organization, and delivery of specialized diets that support the health and well‑being of the Duke Lemur Center's remarkable animal population. Your attention to detail, passion for teamwork, and commitment to excellence will directly contribute to our mission of conservation, education, and scientific discovery.

Be Bold.

Join a collaborative team where your work has a meaningful impact every day. This position combines food preparation, inventory management, operational excellence, and teamwork in a unique environment dedicated to protecting endangered species.

What You'll Do

Prepare Specialized Diets

• Prepare and portion fresh fruits, vegetables, and other dietary items according to established nutrition plans.


• Assist in assembling prescribed diets for the Duke Lemur Center's primate colony.


• Accurately label, date, and manage prepared food items to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Support Commissary Operations

• Receive, organize, and store food deliveries and supplies.


• Monitor and maintain inventories of produce, insects, cleaning supplies, and commissary materials.


• Assist with tracking inventory levels and communicating supply needs.

Maintain Excellence in Food Preparation Areas

• Ensure cleanliness and sanitation of food preparation, storage, and workspaces.


• Follow established daily, weekly, and rotational cleaning procedures.


• Maintain walk‑in refrigerators, carts, bins, storage containers, and food preparation equipment.

Manage Insect Husbandry

• Maintain colonies of crickets, mealworms, and other feeder insects.


• Monitor inventory and ensure availability to support dietary requirements.

Collaborate Across Teams

• Work effectively with volunteers assisting in kitchen operations and diet preparation.


• Partner with husbandry and curatorial staff to support daily operational needs.


• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and team‑oriented environment.

Additional Responsibilities

• Collect browse and approved dietary materials on and off site as needed.


• Operate food preparation equipment including knives, choppers, can openers, induction burners, and other specialized tools.


• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the Duke Lemur Center's mission.

What You Bring

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree.

Preferred Experience

• Food preparation or commissary operations experience.


• Experience managing cricket and worms.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong time management and organizational skills.


• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet established deadlines.


• Strong verbal and written communication skills.


• Ability to receive and apply feedback constructively.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a diverse team environment.


• Professionalism, flexibility, and a positive attitude.


• Commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and cleanliness.


• Passion for supporting a mission‑driven organization.

Work Schedule

• Full‑time, 40 hours per week


• Monday through Friday


• 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.


• 30‑minute scheduled lunch at 12:30 p.m.

A Note About This Role

This position primarily supports commissary and food preparation operations and is not a direct animal care role. Occasional work in proximity to lemurs or support activities may be required based on operational needs.

Choose Duke.

At Duke University and the Duke Lemur Center, you'll find more than a job. You'll find a community dedicated to innovation, discovery, collaboration, and conservation. Here, your contributions help advance world-class research and support the care of one of the most unique primate populations in the world.

Whether you're preparing specialized diets, maintaining critical supplies, or supporting daily operations, your work helps make our mission possible.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.00 to USD $27.02. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑ related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).