Who We Are:

Philadelphia Zoo works to fulfill our mission as an animal care organization, as a resource to schools and families, and as an ark and advocate for endangered animals around the world.

What makes the Zoo a unique place to work? Whether you are involved with caring for animals, educating our visitors or working in a behind-the-scenes position in administration, maintenance or garden services, all of our positions share our institutional mission, purpose, and core values.

Who We Are Looking For:

Under the supervision of the Nutrition Operations Manager, this role supports the daily operations of a zoo commissary, ensuring animal food preparation, storage, and inventory meet USDA, AZA, and internal standards. Along with the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certified manager, the Lead Commissary Worker role involves training staff on safety protocols and SOPs, while also actively contributing to protocol development and problem-solving with other departments. The incumbent monitors food quality and inventory levels, coordinates forage deliveries, and maintains applicable work areas to USDA and AZA standards. Lead commissary workers: possess strong interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrate physical stamina; consistently adhere to safety standards; and effectively perform in a wide range of environmental conditions. This role must be able to perform the essential functions and any assignments within the area of responsibility.

What You Will Do:

• Provides support and guidance to the Commissary Team for the completion of all commissary tasks Follows and trains commissary workers on standard operating procedures, HACCP SOPs, and policies per assigned area.
• Trains and teaches SOPs, safety procedures and provides constructive and timely feedback regarding same.
• Adheres to directives in the Zoo employee handbook, the area SOPs and / or HACCP programs, and any other supplied directives. Provides feedback to commissary workers on their adherence to these documents.
• In partnership with management, assists in protocol and SOP development; actively challenges and evaluates existing protocols and SOP in an effort to achieve high industry standards. Proposes edits when needed.
• Ability to be trained in multiple areas while maintaining high USDA food safety standards.
• Regularly liaises with the animal management, facilities and other Zoo teams. Works collaboratively with others to solve problems with mutually beneficial outcomes in a timely manner.
• Responds to hazardous or potentially unsafe situations by following Zoo emergency protocols and promptly notifying supervisory staff.
• Provides accolades regarding staff achievements to managers
• Participates in one on ones with manager and may lead/present in All Animal Care and / or Staff360 meetings or other related functions as directed.
• Provides regular feedback on day-to-day activities to managers, including completing the daily report, USDA check sheet, and all temperature logs.
• Fill in for commissary workers as needed to ensure all daily commissary work is completed
• Responsible for day to day commissary work in assigned area, in accordance with Zoo, AZA, and other applicable standards
• Assist with building wide daily cleaning and disinfecting as needed to ensure building is USDA compliant and up to AZA operating standards
• Report facility or equipment malfunctions or failures to the managers in a timely fashion
• Ensures that auxiliary buildings (Hay barn, Nutrition Shed) are maintained in accordance with Zoo, AZA, and other applicable standards
• Ensures that department vehicles (truck, carts) are maintained in accordance with Zoo, AZA, and other applicable standards, and issues with vehicles are reported to the managers in a timely fashion.
• Understand date codes and review document frequently (on teams, in print in commissary), and check stock routinely for outdated product and remove
• Responsible for animal food inventory tracking, and reporting order needs to the managers
• Ensures that food inventory levels meet the minimum requirements set by the Nutrition Department managers and communicates notable inventory trends (e.g. items no longer being requisitioned by keepers or items being used more quickly than anticipated)
• Responsible for foodstuffs being maintained in good condition and appropriate storage per USDA requirements and Department SOPs, and training commissary workers in proper storage protocols.
• Reports food damage, spoilage and other problems immediately to managers
• Suggests corrections to short-term and long-term animal food delivery schedules to the managers as needed.
• Makes recommendations to managers regarding operations (food deliveries, food storage, HACCP procedures, etc.) to improve problematic situations.
• Pick-up needed items outside the zoo as directed (i.e. browse from airport, browse workers, emergency items from other zoos etc.).
• Maintain an inventory on the hay barn forage and ensure managers is notified appropriately so the inventory is NEVER depleted (order at least two weeks prior to need)

What This Role Requires:

• Supports, accommodates and/or participates in research initiatives that pertain to the Zoo’s animal nutrition program.
• Adheres to Zoo dress code and presents in clean and unmarred uniforms when in public view.
• Strong instructional skills in various formats (hands-on, verbal and written) also includes providing constructive feedback and coaching.
• Communicates regularly with peers and directors concerning matters of commissary work, safety and work schedules
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers across the organization, including volunteers and the public
• Understands and follows verbal and written instructions.
• Demonstrates dependability, teamwork, positive attitude, resourcefulness, good judgement and uses common sense.
• Voices concerns constructively.
• Participates in leadership training and assists with leading a cohesive and collaborative team.
• Utilizes effective organizational skills and two-way communication skills.
• Collaborates with others and works within a team.
• Ability to prioritize, make decisions and problem solve.
• Ability to give and receive feedback.
• Willingness to continuously learn and participate in professional development opportunities.
• High emotional intelligence.
• Displays excellent project management skills.
• Has the ability to effectively present information and answer questions.
• Has the ability to remain curious or seek appropriate ways to solve problems
• Displays unquestionable integrity.

Other Functions:

• Attends scheduled zoo-wide meetings.
• Completes required trainings as assigned.
• Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, animal, co-workers and public.
• Can serve on internal zoo committees.
• Communicates verbally and / or in writing (i.e. email) information that affects the operations or facilities to managers in a timely manner. When appropriate, coordinates changes made by managers.
• Ensures that supplies and equipment needed to perform routine and necessary work in the area are stocked and properly maintained.
• Completes heavy equipment training (forklift, scissor lift, etc.) and renews trainings as appropriate.
• Completes required safety training (fall protection, respirator fitting, etc.) and renews training as appropriate

Qualifications:

• Must have a minimum of 5 years of Commissary Operations experience at the Philadelphia Zoo or another relevant facility and be trained in all aspects of Commissary Operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in animal science or other related field preferred. Additional appropriate experience may be considered as a substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
• Knowledge of AZA nutrition standards and USDA regulations relating to food safety
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Working Conditions, Physical, Medical & Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of a medical screening, drug test and Mantoux tuberculin test prior to beginning work.
• Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
• Able to safely move and transport up to 50 pounds.
• Able to work from heights or in confined spaces
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work around plants and animals.
• Must obtain proof of required vaccinations prior to employment start date and demonstrate awareness of possible exposure to other infectious and parasitic diseases which may be present in the animal collection
• Remain in stationary position for long periods of time.
• Ability to ascend, descend and work from stairs and ladders, move under low objects.
• Ability to use and handle knives and other commercial kitchen equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person as well as through Relay, phones and computers.
• Ability to drive Zoo vehicles
• Able to deal with possible exposure to dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and hazardous chemicals and/or drugs. Use of protective clothing or equipment may be required for some tasks, including but not limited to goggles, masks, gloves, braces, hats, gowns, boots, etc. Work in specific areas may require the ability to use other protective gear (e.g. respirators)

Traits We Are Looking For:

• High EQ
• Effective listener
• Respectful, fair and tactful
• Curious and continuous learned
• Collective under pressure

What We Can Offer You:

• Competitive Pay – We recognize talent and we pay to keep it
• Medical, Dental, Vision -While you have our back on the grounds, we cover yours’ with health insurance
• Annual Leave – We all need a break from time to time
• 401K – There will come a time, when you are ready to retire
• Family membership pass with complimentary tickets – (Warning: You will become a celebrity amongst your friends once they hear you work for America’s 1st Zoo)

Who We Are:

Philadelphia Zoo works to fulfill our mission as an animal care organization, as a resource to schools and families, and as an ark and advocate for endangered animals around the world.

What makes the Zoo a unique place to work? Whether you are involved with caring for animals, educating our visitors or working in a behind-the-scenes position in administration, maintenance or garden services, all of our positions share our institutional mission, purpose, and core values.

Who We Are Looking For:

Under the supervision of the Nutrition Operations Manager, this role supports the daily operations of a zoo commissary, ensuring animal food preparation, storage, and inventory meet USDA, AZA, and internal standards. Along with the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certified manager, the Lead Commissary Worker role involves training staff on safety protocols and SOPs, while also actively contributing to protocol development and problem-solving with other departments. The incumbent monitors food quality and inventory levels, coordinates forage deliveries, and maintains applicable work areas to USDA and AZA standards. Lead commissary workers: possess strong interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrate physical stamina; consistently adhere to safety standards; and effectively perform in a wide range of environmental conditions. This role must be able to perform the essential functions and any assignments within the area of responsibility.

What You Will Do:

• Provides support and guidance to the Commissary Team for the completion of all commissary tasks Follows and trains commissary workers on standard operating procedures, HACCP SOPs, and policies per assigned area.
• Trains and teaches SOPs, safety procedures and provides constructive and timely feedback regarding same.
• Adheres to directives in the Zoo employee handbook, the area SOPs and / or HACCP programs, and any other supplied directives. Provides feedback to commissary workers on their adherence to these documents.
• In partnership with management, assists in protocol and SOP development; actively challenges and evaluates existing protocols and SOP in an effort to achieve high industry standards. Proposes edits when needed.
• Ability to be trained in multiple areas while maintaining high USDA food safety standards.
• Regularly liaises with the animal management, facilities and other Zoo teams. Works collaboratively with others to solve problems with mutually beneficial outcomes in a timely manner.
• Responds to hazardous or potentially unsafe situations by following Zoo emergency protocols and promptly notifying supervisory staff.
• Provides accolades regarding staff achievements to managers
• Participates in one on ones with manager and may lead/present in All Animal Care and / or Staff360 meetings or other related functions as directed.
• Provides regular feedback on day-to-day activities to managers, including completing the daily report, USDA check sheet, and all temperature logs.
• Fill in for commissary workers as needed to ensure all daily commissary work is completed
• Responsible for day to day commissary work in assigned area, in accordance with Zoo, AZA, and other applicable standards
• Assist with building wide daily cleaning and disinfecting as needed to ensure building is USDA compliant and up to AZA operating standards
• Report facility or equipment malfunctions or failures to the managers in a timely fashion
• Ensures that auxiliary buildings (Hay barn, Nutrition Shed) are maintained in accordance with Zoo, AZA, and other applicable standards
• Ensures that department vehicles (truck, carts) are maintained in accordance with Zoo, AZA, and other applicable standards, and issues with vehicles are reported to the managers in a timely fashion.
• Understand date codes and review document frequently (on teams, in print in commissary), and check stock routinely for outdated product and remove
• Responsible for animal food inventory tracking, and reporting order needs to the managers
• Ensures that food inventory levels meet the minimum requirements set by the Nutrition Department managers and communicates notable inventory trends (e.g. items no longer being requisitioned by keepers or items being used more quickly than anticipated)
• Responsible for foodstuffs being maintained in good condition and appropriate storage per USDA requirements and Department SOPs, and training commissary workers in proper storage protocols.
• Reports food damage, spoilage and other problems immediately to managers
• Suggests corrections to short-term and long-term animal food delivery schedules to the managers as needed.
• Makes recommendations to managers regarding operations (food deliveries, food storage, HACCP procedures, etc.) to improve problematic situations.
• Pick-up needed items outside the zoo as directed (i.e. browse from airport, browse workers, emergency items from other zoos etc.).
• Maintain an inventory on the hay barn forage and ensure managers is notified appropriately so the inventory is NEVER depleted (order at least two weeks prior to need)

What This Role Requires:

• Supports, accommodates and/or participates in research initiatives that pertain to the Zoo’s animal nutrition program.
• Adheres to Zoo dress code and presents in clean and unmarred uniforms when in public view.
• Strong instructional skills in various formats (hands-on, verbal and written) also includes providing constructive feedback and coaching.
• Communicates regularly with peers and directors concerning matters of commissary work, safety and work schedules
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers across the organization, including volunteers and the public
• Understands and follows verbal and written instructions.
• Demonstrates dependability, teamwork, positive attitude, resourcefulness, good judgement and uses common sense.
• Voices concerns constructively.
• Participates in leadership training and assists with leading a cohesive and collaborative team.
• Utilizes effective organizational skills and two-way communication skills.
• Collaborates with others and works within a team.
• Ability to prioritize, make decisions and problem solve.
• Ability to give and receive feedback.
• Willingness to continuously learn and participate in professional development opportunities.
• High emotional intelligence.
• Displays excellent project management skills.
• Has the ability to effectively present information and answer questions.
• Has the ability to remain curious or seek appropriate ways to solve problems
• Displays unquestionable integrity.

Other Functions:

• Attends scheduled zoo-wide meetings.
• Completes required trainings as assigned.
• Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, animal, co-workers and public.
• Can serve on internal zoo committees.
• Communicates verbally and / or in writing (i.e. email) information that affects the operations or facilities to managers in a timely manner. When appropriate, coordinates changes made by managers.
• Ensures that supplies and equipment needed to perform routine and necessary work in the area are stocked and properly maintained.
• Completes heavy equipment training (forklift, scissor lift, etc.) and renews trainings as appropriate.
• Completes required safety training (fall protection, respirator fitting, etc.) and renews training as appropriate

Qualifications:

• Must have a minimum of 5 years of Commissary Operations experience at the Philadelphia Zoo or another relevant facility and be trained in all aspects of Commissary Operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in animal science or other related field preferred. Additional appropriate experience may be considered as a substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
• Knowledge of AZA nutrition standards and USDA regulations relating to food safety
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Working Conditions, Physical, Medical & Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of a medical screening, drug test and Mantoux tuberculin test prior to beginning work.
• Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
• Able to safely move and transport up to 50 pounds.
• Able to work from heights or in confined spaces
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work around plants and animals.
• Must obtain proof of required vaccinations prior to employment start date and demonstrate awareness of possible exposure to other infectious and parasitic diseases which may be present in the animal collection
• Remain in stationary position for long periods of time.
• Ability to ascend, descend and work from stairs and ladders, move under low objects.
• Ability to use and handle knives and other commercial kitchen equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person as well as through Relay, phones and computers.
• Ability to drive Zoo vehicles
• Able to deal with possible exposure to dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and hazardous chemicals and/or drugs. Use of protective clothing or equipment may be required for some tasks, including but not limited to goggles, masks, gloves, braces, hats, gowns, boots, etc. Work in specific areas may require the ability to use other protective gear (e.g. respirators)

Traits We Are Looking For:

• High EQ
• Effective listener
• Respectful, fair and tactful
• Curious and continuous learned
• Collective under pressure

What We Can Offer You:

• Competitive Pay – We recognize talent and we pay to keep it
• Medical, Dental, Vision -While you have our back on the grounds, we cover yours’ with health insurance
• Annual Leave – We all need a break from time to time
• 401K – There will come a time, when you are ready to retire
• Family membership pass with complimentary tickets – (Warning: You will become a celebrity amongst your friends once they hear you work for America’s 1st Zoo)

Who We Are:

Philadelphia Zoo works to fulfill our mission as an animal care organization, as a resource to schools and families, and as an ark and advocate for endangered animals around the world.

What makes the Zoo a unique place to work? Whether you are involved with caring for animals, educating our visitors or working in a behind-the-scenes position in administration, maintenance or garden services, all of our positions share our institutional mission, purpose, and core values.

Who We Are Looking For:

Under the supervision of the Nutrition Operations Manager, this role supports the daily operations of a zoo commissary, ensuring animal food preparation, storage, and inventory meet USDA, AZA, and internal standards. Along with the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certified manager, the Lead Commissary Worker role involves training staff on safety protocols and SOPs, while also actively contributing to protocol development and problem-solving with other departments. The incumbent monitors food quality and inventory levels, coordinates forage deliveries, and maintains applicable work areas to USDA and AZA standards. Lead commissary workers: possess strong interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrate physical stamina; consistently adhere to safety standards; and effectively perform in a wide range of environmental conditions. This role must be able to perform the essential functions and any assignments within the area of responsibility.

What You Will Do:

• Provides support and guidance to the Commissary Team for the completion of all commissary tasks Follows and trains commissary workers on standard operating procedures, HACCP SOPs, and policies per assigned area.
• Trains and teaches SOPs, safety procedures and provides constructive and timely feedback regarding same.
• Adheres to directives in the Zoo employee handbook, the area SOPs and / or HACCP programs, and any other supplied directives. Provides feedback to commissary workers on their adherence to these documents.
• In partnership with management, assists in protocol and SOP development; actively challenges and evaluates existing protocols and SOP in an effort to achieve high industry standards. Proposes edits when needed.
• Ability to be trained in multiple areas while maintaining high USDA food safety standards.
• Regularly liaises with the animal management, facilities and other Zoo teams. Works collaboratively with others to solve problems with mutually beneficial outcomes in a timely manner.
• Responds to hazardous or potentially unsafe situations by following Zoo emergency protocols and promptly notifying supervisory staff.
• Provides accolades regarding staff achievements to managers
• Participates in one on ones with manager and may lead/present in All Animal Care and / or Staff360 meetings or other related functions as directed.
• Provides regular feedback on day-to-day activities to managers, including completing the daily report, USDA check sheet, and all temperature logs.
• Fill in for commissary workers as needed to ensure all daily commissary work is completed
• Responsible for day to day commissary work in assigned area, in accordance with Zoo, AZA, and other applicable standards
• Assist with building wide daily cleaning and disinfecting as needed to ensure building is USDA compliant and up to AZA operating standards
• Report facility or equipment malfunctions or failures to the managers in a timely fashion
• Ensures that auxiliary buildings (Hay barn, Nutrition Shed) are maintained in accordance with Zoo, AZA, and other applicable standards
• Ensures that department vehicles (truck, carts) are maintained in accordance with Zoo, AZA, and other applicable standards, and issues with vehicles are reported to the managers in a timely fashion.
• Understand date codes and review document frequently (on teams, in print in commissary), and check stock routinely for outdated product and remove
• Responsible for animal food inventory tracking, and reporting order needs to the managers
• Ensures that food inventory levels meet the minimum requirements set by the Nutrition Department managers and communicates notable inventory trends (e.g. items no longer being requisitioned by keepers or items being used more quickly than anticipated)
• Responsible for foodstuffs being maintained in good condition and appropriate storage per USDA requirements and Department SOPs, and training commissary workers in proper storage protocols.
• Reports food damage, spoilage and other problems immediately to managers
• Suggests corrections to short-term and long-term animal food delivery schedules to the managers as needed.
• Makes recommendations to managers regarding operations (food deliveries, food storage, HACCP procedures, etc.) to improve problematic situations.
• Pick-up needed items outside the zoo as directed (i.e. browse from airport, browse workers, emergency items from other zoos etc.).
• Maintain an inventory on the hay barn forage and ensure managers is notified appropriately so the inventory is NEVER depleted (order at least two weeks prior to need)

What This Role Requires:

• Supports, accommodates and/or participates in research initiatives that pertain to the Zoo’s animal nutrition program.
• Adheres to Zoo dress code and presents in clean and unmarred uniforms when in public view.
• Strong instructional skills in various formats (hands-on, verbal and written) also includes providing constructive feedback and coaching.
• Communicates regularly with peers and directors concerning matters of commissary work, safety and work schedules
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers across the organization, including volunteers and the public
• Understands and follows verbal and written instructions.
• Demonstrates dependability, teamwork, positive attitude, resourcefulness, good judgement and uses common sense.
• Voices concerns constructively.
• Participates in leadership training and assists with leading a cohesive and collaborative team.
• Utilizes effective organizational skills and two-way communication skills.
• Collaborates with others and works within a team.
• Ability to prioritize, make decisions and problem solve.
• Ability to give and receive feedback.
• Willingness to continuously learn and participate in professional development opportunities.
• High emotional intelligence.
• Displays excellent project management skills.
• Has the ability to effectively present information and answer questions.
• Has the ability to remain curious or seek appropriate ways to solve problems
• Displays unquestionable integrity.

Other Functions:

• Attends scheduled zoo-wide meetings.
• Completes required trainings as assigned.
• Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, animal, co-workers and public.
• Can serve on internal zoo committees.
• Communicates verbally and / or in writing (i.e. email) information that affects the operations or facilities to managers in a timely manner. When appropriate, coordinates changes made by managers.
• Ensures that supplies and equipment needed to perform routine and necessary work in the area are stocked and properly maintained.
• Completes heavy equipment training (forklift, scissor lift, etc.) and renews trainings as appropriate.
• Completes required safety training (fall protection, respirator fitting, etc.) and renews training as appropriate

Qualifications:

• Must have a minimum of 5 years of Commissary Operations experience at the Philadelphia Zoo or another relevant facility and be trained in all aspects of Commissary Operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in animal science or other related field preferred. Additional appropriate experience may be considered as a substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
• Knowledge of AZA nutrition standards and USDA regulations relating to food safety
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Working Conditions, Physical, Medical & Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of a medical screening, drug test and Mantoux tuberculin test prior to beginning work.
• Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
• Able to safely move and transport up to 50 pounds.
• Able to work from heights or in confined spaces
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work around plants and animals.
• Must obtain proof of required vaccinations prior to employment start date and demonstrate awareness of possible exposure to other infectious and parasitic diseases which may be present in the animal collection
• Remain in stationary position for long periods of time.
• Ability to ascend, descend and work from stairs and ladders, move under low objects.
• Ability to use and handle knives and other commercial kitchen equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person as well as through Relay, phones and computers.
• Ability to drive Zoo vehicles
• Able to deal with possible exposure to dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and hazardous chemicals and/or drugs. Use of protective clothing or equipment may be required for some tasks, including but not limited to goggles, masks, gloves, braces, hats, gowns, boots, etc. Work in specific areas may require the ability to use other protective gear (e.g. respirators)

Traits We Are Looking For:

• High EQ
• Effective listener
• Respectful, fair and tactful
• Curious and continuous learned
• Collective under pressure

What We Can Offer You:

• Competitive Pay – We recognize talent and we pay to keep it
• Medical, Dental, Vision -While you have our back on the grounds, we cover yours’ with health insurance
• Annual Leave – We all need a break from time to time
• 401K – There will come a time, when you are ready to retire
• Family membership pass with complimentary tickets – (Warning: You will become a celebrity amongst your friends once they hear you work for America’s 1st Zoo)