Zookeeper - Commissary - ZOO

Sedgwick County; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Professional development

Job summary

Sedgwick County is seeking a team‑oriented individual to receive, organize, and deliver animal food and supplies, and to prepare and deliver varied diets to multiple animal areas. The role includes coordinating purchases, using approved safety protocols, and maintaining clean, safe facilities.

The position requires participating in an on‑call rotation and driving a Zoo vehicle as needed. Strong customer service and a background in biology or animal care are preferred, with relevant tool handling

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in Biology, Zoology, Animal Care, Commissary, or related field.
• Valid US driver’s license with current automobile insurance.
• Able to participate in an on‑call rotation.
• Degree in Zoology or Biology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receive, organize, and deliver animal food and supplies.
• Prepare and deliver animal diets to all areas according to data sheets.
• Coordinate and purchase off-ground supplies as needed.
• Inspect facilities for security, safety, and maintenance; report concerns.
• Provide customer service to Zoo customers; interact with staff and guests.

Skills

Customer service

Safety awareness

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Degree in Zoology or Biology

Tools

Pallet jacks

Scrub brooms

Kitchen knives

Food processors

Scales

Job description

Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation reviews, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. For more detailed information, please visit our benefits page at SCBenefits .

In a team setting receives, organizes, and delivers needed animal food and supplies. Prepares and delivers animal diets to all areas. Coordinates and purchases off-grounds supplies as needed. Inspects facilities for security, safety, repair and maintenance. Interacts with and provides customer service to all Zoo defined customers. This position participates in a mandatory on-call rotation.

Receipt and Delivery of Animal Food and Supplies

• Demonstrate and maintain knowledge of commissary ordering procedures and practices.
• Effectively and timely communicate to supervisors on any product status updates.
• Purchase supplies, and coordinate the pick-up and delivery of supplies from designated areas or stores.
• Assist in the unloading of products from delivering vendors.
• Organize all products stored in commissary coolers and freezers.
• Load and unload delivery vehicles daily.
• Drive Zoological Society owned vehicle, as needed.
• Follow all safety protocols and area SOP’s while working with and around delicate, wild and potentially dangerous animals. Complete required training and safely operate all zoo required equipment for completion of job duties.

Dietary Preparation and Delivery

• Demonstrate and maintain knowledge on preparing animal diets which may vary widely among taxa.
• Prepare special diets and bulk amounts in tubs for delivery to animal areas.
• Ensure all diets are prepared properly according to diet data sheets.
• Ensure timely and correct preparation of products to all animal areas.
• Demonstrate and maintain knowledge of sanitization and prevention from cross-contamination.
• Ensure grain product is unloaded, rotated, and stacked properly.
• Safely operate food service equipment including knives, food grinders, and dicers.

Area Maintenance

• Clean and maintain service areas, animal habitats and public areas so they are clean, organized and aesthetically pleasing.
• Use and maintain pallet jacks, scrub brooms, kitchen knives, food processors and steamers, scales, and a variety of other tools.
• For behind the scenes tours, ensure all areas are presentable for Zoo defined customers.
• Complete daily inspections of facilities for security and safety concerns.
• Conduct minor repairs to facilities or promptly submits concerns to supervisor.
• Communicate any pest control concerns to supervisors or veterinary team.
• Participate in an on-call rotation during emergency situations.

Minimum Qualifications: Three years of experience in Biology, Zoology, Animal Care, Commissary, or a related field. Up to three years of experience (all) may be substituted with education that provides applicable knowledge and skills. Per Sedgwick County policy, this is a driving level position that requires a valid US driver’s license without restrictions and current proof of automobile insurance.

Preferred Qualifications: Two years of animal care or commissary experience. Experience with power tools, experience using a skid steer or bobcat. Degree in Zoology, Biology, or a related field from an accredited college or university.