Commissary Keeper

Duties: Under the close supervision of the Curator of Animals, the Commissary Keeper is responsible for the following:

• Preparing, storing, and stocking food, supplies, purchase orders, and for the animal department of the zoo.
• Assisting in the procurement of animal diets from approved vendors, cleaning and maintaining animal diet freezers and refrigerators according to AZA/USDA standards while also cleaning, maintaining, storing, and assisting in the areas of responsibility.
• Performing regular quality assurance checks, monitoring product freshness, and checking expiration dates of stock items.
• Providing for the husbandry needs of all animals in care by participating in diet preparation, maintaining and updating files and databases crucial for animal diet creation
• Maintaining consistent inventories of consumables as requested by the Curator of Animals
• Identifying and communicating with maintenance repairs needed for the safety of animals, visitors, and staff as well as overall upkeep of the facilities.
• Following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed.  Supporting all aspects of the Park District safety program.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions: The work requires periodic physical exertion in handling supplies, equipment, and materials typically found within a zoological environment. Prolonged standing, bending, stooping, and the ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds will be required on an as-needed basis. Must have the ability to manipulate keyboard, phone, and fax machine. The indoor work setting is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Outdoor work will expose the incumbent to a wide range of weather patterns and environmental surroundings.

Must be insurable to drive a zoo vehicle.

Education: An associate’s degree is preferred.  Although a degree is preferred, experience in a similar position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for all or part of the education preference.

Experience: One year of experience in the care and maintenance of wild and/or domestic animals preferred.

Knowledge and Ability:

• Must demonstrate proficient communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work with staff who occupy positions at various levels throughout the organization.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Intermediate word processing skills. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office is required.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.

Perks:

• Part-time employees enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.  

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.  

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.