Zookeeper - Commissary

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Tulsa Zoo as a Commissary Zookeeper, where you'll play a pivotal role in daily animal care through food preparation, inventory management, and collaboration with our passionate team. Ensure the well-being of diverse animal species while fostering an inclusive environment, participating in visitor education programs, and maintaining safety standards. With a commitment to conservation and community, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to be part of a vital organization.

Benefits

Free family-level Tulsa Zoo membership

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401k

Unlimited virtual visits with a mental health therapist

Food, beverage, and retail discounts

Generous paid time off

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Valid driver's license and must be 18 years or older.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for daily food preparation and inventory management.
• Conduct inventory checks and ensure food safety.
• Assist in ordering and receiving food supplies.

Skills

Animal Care

Inventory Management

Food Safety Standards

Interpersonal Skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor degree in biology, zoology, animal science

Environmental resources, wildlife management or a related field

Job description

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings.How to post a job

Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center .

Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc.

Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc.

Your Manager:Zoological Supervisor - Commissary

Your Pay Structure(FLSA Status): Full-time, hourly/nonexempt

Safety Sensitive:This is a safety-sensitive position. Regardless of whether you are a medical marijuana licensee, you must receive a negative result on a 10-panel, pre-placement drug screening to include THC, prior to beginning work.

The Zoo

Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. (TZMI) is a nonprofit organization driven by our mission of Connecting, Caring, Advocating for Wildlife, People, and Wild Places. From trumpeting elephants to squawking parrots, each member of our team is integral to the success of the Zoo as Green Country’s largest paid daily attraction. At Tulsa Zoo, the IDEA is a zoo for all. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Apply today for your opportunity to join our dynamic group of passionate individuals who bring the zoo to life each day, 365 days per year, caring for animals, interacting with guests, educating the public, and managing the Zoo’s grounds, operations, and facilities.

A Few of Your Many Benefits

• Free family-level Tulsa Zoo membership
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits beginning your first day of employment
• 401k
• Unlimited virtual visits with a mental health therapist at no cost to you
• Food, beverage, and retail discounts on zoo grounds
• Generous paid time off

Your Job

The Commissary Zookeeper is responsible for the daily preparation, distribution, and inventory management of food and supplies for each animal at Tulsa Zoo. This role also receives and processes deliveries for each department within the Zoo.

If you disclose different abilities, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable you to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Other duties may be assigned to you.

• Prepare daily food rations for hundreds of animal species of varying taxa according to specific dietary requirements, ensuring food safety and sanitation standards are upheld.
• Measure, mix, and portion food items accurately and communicate with appropriate departments when items are ready to be picked up.
• Assist in ordering and receiving food supplies.
• Rotate stock to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Conduct regular inventory checks and report shortages or discrepancies.
• Clean and sanitize food preparation areas, equipment, and storage spaces.
• Follow all safety protocols and guidelines to prevent contamination.
• Properly dispose of waste and expired food items.
• Work closely with vet staff and other departments to ensure dietary needs are met.
• Recognize signs of pest infestation and combat pests/nuisance wildlife as directed.
• Train, assist, and oversee work of volunteers/interns and ensure their safety while performing duties.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and assigned training sessions.
• Participate in visitor education programs, formal and informal animal presentations and outreach programs, scheduled keeper talks, and provide accurate information to the public.
• Maintain necessary testing/vaccinations as required (TB, rabies, etc.).
• Maintain necessary certifications as required.
• Respond to emergency calls after normal operating hours.
• Maintain facilities to ensure animal, staff, and visitor safety, and in good appearance for public viewing at all times. Identify and communicate situations for repair and maintenance for the safety of animals, visitors, and staff as well as overall upkeep of the facilities.
• Maintain area compliance with all local, state, federal, and international regulations (USDA, AZA, etc.).
• Daily observation of animal collection for injury, illness, aggression, stress, breeding activity, diet intake and fecal consistency.
• Maintain accurate records including but not limited to food inventory.
• Monitor equipment (freezers, HVAC and backup generators) as needed.
• Apply appropriate techniques and opportunities for enrichment of the animal collections.
• Effectively communicate and demonstrate interpersonal skills with all levels of employees in a clear and professional manner.
• Demonstrate and adhere to TZMI’s workplace values.
• Fill in for zookeepers in other departments as requested.

What We Expect

Required Qualifications, Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor degree in biology, zoology, animal science, environmental resources, wildlife management or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be 18 years or older, possess a valid driver’s license, and be insurable on TZMI’s insurance carrier
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of guests, employees, and the general public.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

What You can Expect

Our Values

• We are enthusiasticallycommittedto be part of the Tulsa Zoo community.
• We will allwork togetheras one Zoo Team to support the Zoo’s mission.
• We willvalue and appreciateeveryone and createa safe, understanding, and welcomingenvironment for all.
• We will all beaccountablefor achieving excellence.
• We willearn the trustof one another, acting honestly and treating each other withrespect.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Moving about -frequently
• Sitting -occasionally
• Standing -constantly
• Reaching with hands and arms –constantly
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling -occasionally
• Exchange of in-person, phone, radio, or digital communication -frequently
• Carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds –frequently
• Pushing and/or pulling up to 50 pounds –frequently
• Climbing and/or balancing- rarely
• Gripping, pinching, writing, and other hand movements– constantly
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions -occasionally
• Exposure to high noise levels-rarely
• Work near moving mechanical parts –occasionally
• Wet or humid environment -occasionally

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please follow this link .

Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc.
Tulsa, OK 74115
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]