Warehouser

Woodland Park Zoo; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free zoo membership (after 90 days)

4 complimentary tickets per year

Free staff parking

403(b) Retirement Plan

Job summary

Woodland Park Zoo is seeking a full-time Commissary Warehouse Worker in Seattle, WA to prepare bulk animal diets, deliver to animal units, and maintain the warehouse.

Role requires standing, lifting, and operating a forklift; schedule is Friday to Monday, 5:30 am–4:00 pm, with potential for evenings and weekends. Must pass safety and USDA/AZA standards and possess a WA forklift certification or obtain within 2 months.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work with hay, dust, crickets, worms, fish, blood, and dead prey animals.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings, weekend and/or holidays.
• High School diploma, GED or equivalent
• Six months or more related experience and/or training in a food warehouse environment.
• Experience with diet preparation processes.
• Washington State Forklift Safety Certification or the ability to obtain certification within 2 months of hire.
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

Responsibilities

• Prepares bulk animal diets, following prescribed standing orders for the assigned areas of the zoo.
• Delivers and picks up diets to/from animal units.
• Cleans and organizes the warehouse.
• Communicates with commissary management regarding stock shortages and quality concerns.
• Collects invoices, credit card receipts and packing slips to document purchases; checks invoices against packing slips; and assists with inventory counts.
• Performs routine record‑keeping and related clerical duties such as data entry and maintenance of files and records.
• Maintains and monitors grain, hay, and food quality in accordance with USDA regulations and AZA accreditation standards.
• Fills and delivers uniform orders; maintains uniform inventory.
• Receives, stocks, and delivers equipment, materials, and supplies for the zoo.
• Assists in training new staff or other staff in Warehouser tasks, as directed.
• Safely operates a forklift.
• Orders items under the direction of the Procurement Manager.

Job description

SALARY & FLSA:

$29.84 per hour; FLSA non-exempt

$29.84 - $34.09. The starting rate for this role is $29.84. Every employee under the Joint Crafts Council wage scale, on first appointment, will receive the first step of the salary range for the position. Employees will advance to the second step at the start of the pay period after their one-year anniversary in the job classification and each milestone thereafter (3 years, 6 years, 11 years, and 17 years of service) with Step 6 being the maximum pay rate.

OPENING DATE:

08/27/2026

CLOSING DATE:

09/09/2026

JOB TYPE:

Full-time, Regular

UNION:

Represented

OPENINGS:

1

LOCATION:

Onsite

DEPARTMENT:

Commissary

This role is expected to work a Friday to Monday schedule with shifts from 5:30 am to 4:00 pm.

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.”

Who You Are

• Enjoy an Active Role: You thrive in roles where you are required to be on your feet both inside and outside either lifting boxes or operating heavy machinery.
• Are Tech Savvy: You are proficient in Microsoft office and are able to navigate inventory databases.
• Are Organized: You have a high level of organization and attention to detail when fulfilling or receiving orders.
• Maintain Inventory Control: You receive shipments, maintain inventory, conduct cycle counts, ensure product pulls are accurate.
• Are Focused on Customer Service: You prioritize multiple requests, maintain clear communication across departmental teams, and make deliveries.
• Are Not Squeamish: You are comfortable working with live crickets, worms, fish, dead prey animals, blood, as well as working in an environment with dust and hay.

Your Primary Responsibilities

• Prepares bulk animal diets, following prescribed standing orders for the assigned areas of the zoo.
• Delivers and picks up diets to/from animal units.
• Cleans and organizes the warehouse.
• Communicates with commissary management regarding stock shortages and quality concerns.
• Collects invoices, credit card receipts and packing slips to document purchases; checks invoices against packing slips; and assists with inventory counts.
• Performs routine record‑keeping and related clerical duties such as data entry and maintenance of files and records.
• Maintains and monitors grain, hay, and food quality in accordance with USDA regulations and AZA accreditation standards.
• Fills and delivers uniform orders; maintains uniform inventory.
• Receives, stocks, and delivers equipment, materials, and supplies for the zoo.
• Assists in training new staff or other staff in Warehouser tasks, as directed.
• Safely operates a forklift.
• Orders items under the direction of the Procurement Manager.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work with hay, dust, crickets, worms, fish, blood, and dead prey animals.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings, weekend and/or holidays.
• High School diploma, GED or equivalent
• Six months or more related experience and/or training in a food warehouse environment.
• Experience with diet preparation processes.
• Washington State Forklift Safety Certification or the ability to obtain certification within 2 months of hire.
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents
• 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays
• Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave your first year
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days
• 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks
• Free staff parking
• 403(b) Retirement Plan

SELECTION PROCESS

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at [e-mail].

Screening

We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant to successfully complete a: driving record review, pre‑employment physical, and pre‑employment tuberculosis test.