Commissary Animal Nutrition Coordinator

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support Enforcement, Combined Court Operations, Sheriffs Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors in the Department on Aging, those with Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs. Our employees also remain committed to serve the cultural, human, recreational and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936. For application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov.

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Commissary Animal Nutrition Coordinator

Milwaukee County Zoo

Hourly Pay Rate: $25.44 - $29.39

Closing Date: 4/11/2025 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

Job Summary: This position coordinates the operations of the Zoo Animal Commissary under the direction of the Associate Veterinarian. The Commissary Animal Nutrition Coordinator will ensure high standards of animal nutrition, quality control, and health and safety by coordinating and implementing the zoo's animal nutrition program. This role will also conduct inventory and budgetary management, ensure cleanliness of facilities, and oversee all Commissary operations. Additionally, the Commissary Animal Nutrition Coordinator works to maintain a positive culture of collaboration, accountability, and respectful behavior.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Order food and supplies from vendors. Ensure high quality food items are always available without unnecessary overstocking. Work with Procurement to develop Master Price Agreements. Coordinate and accept delivery of food and supplies. Assess food quality at delivery. Rotate food and store to maintain quality. Coordinate delivery of food to animal areas.
• Develop, maintain, and update contingency strategies to prevent food shortages for extended periods of time. Ensure diet consistency by assisting associate veterinarian in substitutions when items become unavailable due to supply or budget. Oversee feed testing. Collaborate with forestry and animal care staff for browse program. Prepare and oversee the animal food budget and control costs. Communicate with Veterinarians, Curators, and Area Supervisors to address diet-related issues.
• Clean, organize, maintain, and improve animal commissary, associated buildings, and surroundings. Maintain environmental controls. Assist in pest control and identify maintenance needs of this area. Meet all applicable Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards. Report and maintain daily records for communication and quality control. Complete and maintain copies of work orders and other records regarding the operation and use of facilities.
• Train relief keepers and night keepers in Commissary Procedures including standard operating procedures, safety, computerized food ordering, and food inventory computer programs.
• Establish positive rapport within mission-parallel professional organizations, participating in associated conferences and training opportunities to expand professional knowledge. Participate in program leadership as applicable. Collaborate in zoo and wild animal related nutritional studies approved by the zoo research committee to expand the knowledge base in zoo and wild animal nutrition.
• Proactively engage with volunteers and visitors to enhance their experience. Conduct formal and informal public presentations regarding the Zoo Commissary, animal diets and nutrition. Assist in developing and presenting tours. Assist in the training of educators, tour guides and volunteers. Maintain positive, collaborative relationships wth maintenance, grounds, creative, and all other zoo departments.
• Serve on the animal emergency response team, committees, and parallel teams. Support security and safety programs.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Valid United States Driver's License, able to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accreted college or university (Preferably in Biology, Nutrition, Animal Science, a related field, or equivalent experience in professional animal care/nutrition).
• Intermediate knowledge of all related computer software applications, such as email, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Willing to obtain basic knowledge of Zoological Information Management Systems (ZIMS) within six (6) months of hire.
• Willing to obtain intermediate knowledge of county cloud-based applications for inventory, ordering, and expense management within six (6) months of hire.
• Able to lift/carry up to 75lbs and push/pull up to 25 lbs.
• At least one (1) year of Animal Care or Commissary experience at an accredited zoo facility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Inventory or warehouse management experience.
• Budgeting experience.
• Inventory and contract software experience.

NOTE: This original application is open to permanent residents of the United States. Appointee must establish residency in the state of Wisconsin within six months of start date and maintain such residency during incumbency. In accordance with Section 11, Rule 3 of the Civil Service Rules a non-competitive examination will be held for this position. The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of Human Resources.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.

• Zoological Department, 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America