Commissary Technician I (Part-Time)

Position Summary

The Commissary Technician I Part-Time will be expected to prepare animal diets accurately and efficiently for The Florida Aquarium’s living collection. This position is expected to play a supportive role in the Commissary. Teamwork, good communication, and flexibility in a dynamic work environment are essential. They will develop skillsets both independently, and as part of a team, in providing the highest level of food handling practices and attention to detail. This position is expected to work a minimum of 28 hours per week.        

Essential Position Functions

• Proficient at daily commissary operations including diet preparation (frozen, fresh, and prepared) and breakout of produce, frozen (fish/meat) products and other dietary items as needed
• Follows USDA and AZA standards for food handling and maintaining live food cultures
• Utilizes fine motor skills for coordination and manual dexterity on a daily basis to safely handle sharp knives during food preparation.
• Upholds safe and ergonomically effective operational practices
• Complies with standard operating procedures
• Assists in tracking commissary food, vitamins/supplements, and supplies
• Achieves safe and sanitary conditions in the commissary and storage areas, meeting and exceeding the requirements of the UDSA and AZA standards.
• Delivers extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests and internal customers
• Develops and maintains exemplary communication with team members
• Assures behavior meets the TFA values of Respect, Trust, and Excellence
• Supports TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis

Secondary Position Functions

• Completes required training courses and assigned job-related reading 
• Maintains tools and equipment necessary for diet preparation and food storage
• Ensures accurate record keeping through consistent utilization of electronic record keeping system
• Provides commissary training for Animal Care staff, volunteers, and interns within scope of position
• Participates in meetings with Supervisor, Commissary Technicians, and other aquarium departments 
• All other duties as required

Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in food handling, preparation, and warehouse activities in a zoo or aquarium preferred
• Ability to operate and maintain tools and equipment necessary for the preparation of diets including but not limited to grinders, knife sharpeners, blenders, scales, mixers, hand trucks, pallet jacks, knives, and hot plate
• Able to work in coolers (35°F to 40°F) and freezers (<0°F) for extended periods of time
• Knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)  
• Must be willing and able to obtain a valid State of Florida Driver’s License
• Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays 

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.
• Concern for Detail — Pays attention to every portion of any task, down to the smallest item.
• 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 70 lbs.) - Occasionally
• Carrying (in excess of 70 lbs.) - Occasionally
• Using hands for repetitive movements and fine manipulation – Frequently 
• Regular exposure to cleaning products and sanitizers
• Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
• Exposure to cold temperatures for extended periods of time
• Exposure to seafood and nuts
• Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained
• Operating machinery
• Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Ability to operate in the field
• Ability to travel as needed – locally and/or nationally