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Zoo Commissary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maryland Zoo

Commissary Supervisor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$21.40/hr

Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status General Summary ... Additionally, the Commissary Supervisorwill support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect ...

Maryland Zoo

Commissary Supervisor

Baltimore, MD

$21.40/hr

Additionally, the Commissary Supervisorwill support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to itsenvironmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation ...

Maryland Zoo

Commissary Keeper

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$19.20/hr

Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status General Summary : The Commissary Keeper will prepare, deliver, store,and stock food, hay, supplies, purchased orders, and ...

Maryland Zoo

Commissary Keeper

Baltimore, MD

$19.20/hr

Additionally, the Commissary Keeperwill support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation ...

State of North Carolina

NC · On-site

$15/hr

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 ...

Naples Zoo Inc

Animal Care Professional - Swing

Naples, FL · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is seeking applications for the position of Animal Care ... Commissary, Ectotherm, Mixed Mammals and Primate departments. This position may rotate through the ...

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All JobsZoo Commissary Jobs

Zoo Commissary information

See salary details

$32K

$56.4K

$91.5K

How much do zoo commissary jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoo commissary in the United States is $56,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are zoo commissary workers?

Zoo commissary workers are responsible for managing the preparation, storage, and distribution of food for the animals in a zoo. Their duties include ordering and receiving food supplies, ensuring proper storage to maintain freshness, and preparing specific diets based on the nutritional needs of different species. They often collaborate with zookeepers and veterinarians to ensure animals receive appropriate and safe meals. Attention to detail and knowledge of animal nutrition are crucial for this role.

What is the difference between Zoo Commissary vs Zoo Keeper?

AspectZoo CommissaryZoo Keeper
CredentialsFood safety certifications, culinary or food service experienceAnimal care certifications, zoology or biology background
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food prep areas, commissary facilitiesAnimal enclosures, habitats, zoo grounds
Employer & Industry UsageZoo support staff focused on food prep and supplyAnimal care staff responsible for daily animal husbandry

Zoo Commissaries primarily handle food preparation and supply for zoo animals, requiring culinary or food safety credentials. Zoo Keepers focus on animal care and habitat maintenance, with zoology backgrounds. While both roles are essential in a zoo setting, they differ significantly in responsibilities, environment, and required skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Zoo Commissary, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zoo Commissary, you need knowledge of animal nutrition, inventory management, and food safety, often supported by experience in food services or animal care. Familiarity with inventory tracking software, safe food handling certifications, and specialized equipment for preparing and storing animal diets is typical. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for managing dietary schedules and coordinating with animal care staff. These skills are crucial to ensure animals receive appropriate nutrition, maintain health standards, and support efficient zoo operations.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Zoo Commissary in managing animal diets and inventory?

Zoo Commissary staff often encounter challenges such as managing the complex dietary needs of a wide variety of species, ensuring the freshness and safety of specialized foods, and balancing inventory with seasonal availability of ingredients. Attention to detail is crucial when preparing diets according to strict nutritional guidelines provided by veterinarians. Additionally, Commissary staff must coordinate closely with animal care teams to adjust menus for medical or behavioral reasons and maintain accurate records for audits and compliance.
Commissary Supervisor

Commissary Supervisor

Maryland Zoo

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$21.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status
General Summary: TheCommissary Supervisor will order, prepare, and deliver food, hay, and supplies for all departments of the Zoo, as well as removemanure from all animal areas. This position will have oversight of commissary operations includingmaintaining a good inventory and identifying the daily needs of the Zoo. Additionally, the Commissary Supervisorwill support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to itsenvironmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility,and Inclusion) goals.
Essential Functions:
Primary Functions:
  • Organize the delivery and deliverorders to each department in the zoo daily;
  • Organize the operation of operatemanure removal equipment and removal of manure from all animal manurecollection areas;
  • Organize and prepare ordersfor the following day;
  • Maintain cleanliness andorganization of all work and stock areas throughout the commissary complex;
  • Accept, inspect, unload, dateand appropriate inventory and stock all deliveries;
  • Maintain a working knowledgeof USDA and AZA standards and ensure that all commissary buildings and workareas are in compliance;
  • Observeall rules of safety that pertain to the position, including use of personalprotective equipment safe vehicular use, safe use of large equipment knives andbone saws, and good lifting procedures;
  • Organize and maintaining the thawing program;
  • Oversee the care of the live invertebrate colonies
  • Responsible for the standingorder and any changes or updates;
  • Aid the commissary manager ininitiating approved diet changes for the collection;
  • Responsible for performingregular inventory in accordance with established organizational standards;
  • Responsible for travel tooutside vendors to pick up orders and grocery items;
  • Responsible for maintaininggood inventory practices, including proper in-out stocking, expiration datingand monitoring, and overall quality control of products;
  • Responsible for recording andidentifying each department's daily commissary order;
  • Responsible for orderingproducts to stock the Commissary to include produce, feeds, hay, and operatingsupplies;
  • Aidthe Commissary Manager to analyze changes or new issues in materials andsupplies to find ways to reduce costs and improve quality;
  • Responsible for maintaining uniform inventory and aid the Commissary Manager to improve the program in conjunction with other departments based on Zoo needs and budgeting;
  • Responsible for training new commissary keepers
  • Perform regular qualityassurance checks including testing of hay quality and monitoring of producefreshness;
  • Perform general maintenance of Commissary buildings, equipment, and vehicles;
  • Aid the commissary manager inoverseeing staff and operations and being the main point person for feed andpurchasing needs when the commissary manager is not available
  • Promotethe mission of The Maryland Zoo;
  • Participatein conservation, research, and sustainability projects as requested by theconservation department and deemed appropriate by the Commissary Manager basedon staffing and commissary operations;
  • Perform other duties asassigned; and,
  • Adhere to allpolicies and procedures of the Zoo.

Communication (Internal and External):
  • Utilize the phone, email, andradio to perform basic internal communications with other members of the Zoostaff;
  • Communicate stockdeficiencies, issues/problems with deliveries, and other concerns to CommissaryManager; and,
  • Communicate with other zoostaff regarding timeliness and completion of daily deliveries.
  • Communicate with externalvendors to coordinate shipments

Management of Resources (Financial, Human Resources, Facilities):
  • Accept, inspect, andappropriately stock all incoming deliveries; and,
  • Complete logs and forms asrequired by department.
  • Aid the commissary manager tosubmit invoices, receipts, and bills to be paid in a timely manner.
  • Report any staff issues tomanager

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in ananimal or business-related field.

Experience/Training:
  • Minimum of one-yearexperience in zoo commissary operations;
  • Valid driver's license; and,
  • Ability to operate largeequipment or the ability to be trained on such equipment.

Traits Desirable:
  • Strong organizational andcommunications skills; and,
  • Ability to handle multiple tasksand adapt to changing circumstances.

Equipment:
  • Must be able to operate avariety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, radio,vehicles, skid steer, back hoe,golf cart, hand tools, bone saw, scales; and the proper use of a variety ofknives

Working Conditions:
  • Must be able to lift and/orcarry weights of up to 75 pounds and/or a negligible amount of force frequentlyor constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those forsedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop,kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, climb and balance;
  • Mustbe able to travel large areas of the Zoo as needed;
  • Must be able to work in anoutdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity,cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
  • Ability to work a flexibleschedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
  • Ability to be an essentialstaff member and report to work in all weather conditions;
  • Exposureto zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack;
  • Exposureto potential environmental hazards such as poison oak/ivy, uneven terrain,insect bites/stings, and Hepatitis B depending on the position; and,
  • Initialtuberculosis (TB) test and physical required.

Benefits:
  • We offer an excellentbenefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave,and 2 paid holidays.
  • Eligible for medical, dental,vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
  • 401(k) with employer match.

Disclaimer:
The statementsabove are intended to describe the general nature and level of work beingperformed by employees assigned to this classification. They are notintended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, dutiesand/or skills required of all personnel so classified. Therefore,management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other ordifferent tasks be performed when circumstances change.
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