Commissary Assistant

Agency

Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division

Job Classification Title

S-Institutional Support Services (NS)

Position Number

Grade

TS

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team!

Description of Work

The North Carolina Zoo is expanding and seeking a temporary Commissary Assistant to join the Animal Section’s Commissary team. The Commissary is responsible for the storage, preparation, and distribution of diets that support the nutritional needs of more than 1,400 animals across the Zoo. In addition to maintaining inventories and preparing diets, the team ensures accurate and timely daily delivery of diets to animal areas. Frequent communication and coordination with Animal and Veterinary staff are essential to support optimal animal health and welfare.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

•Ability to prepare, portion, label, and deliver animal diets daily in accordance with Clinical Nutritionist protocols and established Zoo standards.
•Ability to receive, inspect, and properly store food items (produce, meats, fish, hay, insects, and specialty feeds) and rotate stock to maintain freshness and food safety.
•Ability to maintain commissary cleanliness and sanitation by cleaning and disinfecting preparation surfaces, equipment, tools, and containers daily in compliance with AZA, USDA, and state standards.
•Ability to safely operate commissary equipment, kitchen machinery, and sharp utensils while following proper food‑handling, biosecurity, and zoonotic disease prevention practices.
•Ability to drive and operate a large Zoo delivery van safely to ensure timely daily distribution of diets to animal areas.
•Ability to assist with inventory control, including receiving deliveries, restocking supplies, and monitoring shortages or substitutions.
•Ability to accurately document diet preparation, delivery, and inventory records, while maintaining working knowledge of Zoo policies, procedures, and safety protocols.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range:   $15.00 per hour

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• Experience working in a food service, kitchen, zoological commissary, or similar environment, including preparing, portioning, or handling food in accordance with established safety or sanitation standards.

• Experience preparing animal diets in a zoological or animal‑care setting, including weighing, cutting, portioning, and safely handling a variety of perishable food items in accordance with established protocols.

• Experience with inventory control, stock rotation, or receiving and storing perishable goods, ensuring proper handling and documentation of food items.

Position/Physical Requirements

• Must be available to work a rotating schedule including holidays and weekends, involving indoor and outdoor work in all weather conditions.

• Must have good physical agility, strength, hearing, and vision, as well as the ability to perform physically demanding tasks in extreme weather.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, walk and stand for extended peri