Commissary Technician I (Part-Time)

Position Summary

The Commissary Technician I is a member of the Animal Care Team, which supports The Florida Aquarium’s living collection by ensuring that diets are prepared accurately and efficiently. This position works to implement best practices to exceed accrediting body and regulatory standards and upholds safe and ergonomically effective operational practices. The Commissary Technician I is expected to be a strong communicator with exemplary skills in teamwork, as flexibility and creativity in a dynamic environment are critical. This position is expected to work a minimum of 28 hours per week.

Essential Position Functions

• Supports daily commissary operations including diet preparation (frozen, fresh, and prepared) and breakout of produce, frozen (fish/meat) products and other dietary items as needed
• Works with Associate Curator to effectively track food usage, inventory, and make sure orders are placed in a timely manner
• Works in climate-controlled areas to include coolers (35°F to 40°F) and freezers (approx. 10°F)
• Motor coordination and manual dexterity are required to safely handle sharp knives during food preparation
• Ensures the commissary and storage areas are maintained in a safe and sanitary manner and follow USDA and AZA standards
• Works with other Commissary Technicians to provide commissary training for animal care staff, volunteers, and interns
• Complies with standard operating procedures
• Delivers extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests and internal customers
• Develops and maintains exemplary communication with team members
• All other duties as assigned by supervisor

Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills

• Previous experience in food handling, preparation, and warehouse activities in the food service industry or at a zoo or aquarium preferred
• Ability to operate and maintain tools and equipment necessary for the preparation of diets: grinders, knife sharpeners, blenders, scales, mixers, hand trucks, pallet jacks, knives
• Experience with inventory management and stock rotation preferred
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software
• Must be willing and able to obtain a valid State of Florida Driver’s License

Competencies

• Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities.
• Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork — Support, facilitate, and participate in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrate sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and support team goals.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency — Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies
• Communication (oral and written) — Effectively express ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listen to individuals and groups; prepare and focus presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; express ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.
• Work Standards – Applies high performance standards to all work-related activities.

Typical Physical Requirements

• Standing (up to 8 hours per day)
• Walking (up to 4 hours per day)
• Bending/Stooping/Squatting — Frequently
• Sitting – Occasionally (up to 2 hours per day)
• Crawling — Occasionally
• Climbing heights (12’) — Frequently
• Reaching above shoulders — Frequently
• Crouching/Kneeling — Frequently
• Balancing — Frequently
• Pushing/Pulling — Frequently
• Lifting (in excess of 50 lbs.) - Occasionally
• Carrying (in excess of 50 lbs.) - Occasionally
• Using hands for repetitive movements – Frequently
• Regular exposure to cleaning products and sanitizers
• Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
• Exposure to seafood and nuts
• Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Ability to travel locally as needed