Commissary Associate

Job Description Mission:

The mission of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is to create compelling experiences that connect people and community with wildlife; and inspire personal responsibility for conservation of the natural world. Education. Conservation. Adventure. Community.

Position:

The commissary team member reports directly to the Commissary Lead to manage inventory of food and supplies, and works with other staff to maintain the food preparation and storage areas to USDA standards, as well as completing basic cleaning and other chores. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience with inventory management and food safety experience. This position does not involve animal care but is an integral part of the wellbeing of our entire collection.

Overall Expectations:

To meet the goals of our mission, successful team members work to achieve the following expectations. Education Candidates must be comfortable speaking in public. Some interaction with the public which may include on and off grounds educational and media presentations. Candidates must be able to convey information, both written and verbal, clearly and concisely. May assist with behind-the-scenes tours as scheduled. Conservation Personally strive for and inspire coworkers to provide the best possible welfare for every animal. Maintain areas above and beyond USDA and ZAA Standards at all times. Appropriately interpret conservation messages for the guests when in guest areas. Work with industry professionals, researchers and others on research benefitting our animal collection and animals in the wild Inspire coworkers and guests to become more involved in conservation. Adventure Must do their part to ensure that each guest has a great experience at the Zoo, learns something new, and has fun doing it! Community Make eye contact with guests, and smile at every person. Wear an identification badge. Offer assistance to guests when needed. Assume ownership of potential safety hazards (wipe-up spill, pick up trash). Teamwork Maintain a positive attitude, pleasant tone of voice (remember it is not what you say, but how you say it). Help coworkers maintain guest service expectations. Be effective handling problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary Commissary staff may be called upon to perform facility and exhibit maintenance, including but not limited to, trash and debris removal, floor cleaning, painting, building repair, horticultural duties, etc. Utilize the power of teamwork to give excellent service and guest experience. Know when to involve management. Inspire your coworkers to succeed! Key Responsibilities of the

Commissary Associate:

The commissary associate performs regular inventory management and receiving, cleaning and sanitizing food prep areas, and other tasks, including: Sorting daily produce donations and rotating produce to maintain a fresh stock of high-quality fruits and vegetables Basic food preparation such as cooking vegetables and meat for use in animal diets Cleaning and disinfecting all food preparation areas Maintaining commissary, storage areas, coolers, freezers, etc. to USDA, ZAA and facility standards for food storage and preparation Daily "housekeeping" chores, including washing and folding laundry, washing dishes used for cooking animal diet items, cleaning bathrooms, sweeping, mopping, etc. Regular trips to purchase supplies locally Maintaining a professional manner when dealing with vendors Keeping accurate, detailed records of supplies, reorder points, and pending orders Maintaining communication with Curatorial Staff, Animal Care Supervisors, Administration and Maintenance to ensure supplies are ordered (and as necessary, picked up) in a timely fashion Working cooperatively with keepers to help maintain cleanliness in all common areas Adhering to all safety protocols set forth by OSHA, Management and Veterinary staff Joining and regularly participating in at least one zoo committee Other duties as needed, including cooperation with departments outside of animal care (maintenance, retail, amusements, etc.) The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

Experience:

Preference will be given to applicants that have 1+ year(s) paid working experience in food preparation and inventory management. Must be comfortable with public speaking and professional writing.

Education:

High school diploma

Licensure/Certification:

Negative TB test may be required Must maintain a valid

Driver's License Software Requirements:

Proven competency in the application of Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel computer programs is required.

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements:

Must have the ability to use mobile devices, computer, fax, scanner, phone and copy machine. Basic carpentry, plumbing and horticultural skills are considered an asset. Ability to work with basic hand tools required. Ability and willingness to operate power tools, lawn equipment, etc. Must be able and willing to do routine facility maintenance work.

Physical Requirements:

Physically demanding work several hours a day. Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and per OSHA regulations: Heavy work involving lifting no more than 75 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or varying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required. Visual acuity is required to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal behavior. Ability to receive and convey detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone/radio), at normal speaking levels with or without correction is necessary to safely carry out this position.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

Long hours are sometimes required including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Ability to do physical labor, often in tropical heat or other inclement weather is required. Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required. Ensure that commissary areas are maintained in a clean, organized, and safe fashion. Candidates must be able to work effectively with minimal supervision and approach all encounters with employees and guests in a friendly, service-oriented manner. Willingness to work irregular hours and be available based on special needs/circumstances on a 24-hour basis. Exposure to disinfectants and other chemicals, zoonotic diseases, and other animal-related injuries may occur in the normal course of duty. Candidates must assist with pest control for their section.

Personal Attributes:

Strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate well with a wide variety of people. High attention to detail. Commitment to continually making the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo a better place for its animals, its staff, and its guests.

Hours:

This is a 40 hour per week position. Working hours for this position are currently 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM, and are not flexible. Hours may vary seasonally. All staff are required to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays, as well as occasional after-hours events or animal care.

Benefits:

Following a 60-day probationary period, health insurance is available, and vacation/PTO accumulates at a regular rate. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Please send responses to:

Teresa Wilkerson humanresources@algulfcoastzoo.org

Pay:

From $15.29 per hour

Work Location:

In person