Commissary Manager

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park.

• At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature.
• Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do.
• We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact.
• We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change.
• We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world.
• At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You’ll Do

• In the role of Commissary Manager the primary goal is to manage and ensure the efficient and continual operation of the Zoo Commissary, including the acquisition, inventory, proper storage, preparation, and delivery of high quality diets and feed items for the Zoo animals without interruption

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain a hygienic Commissary facility appropriate for food preparation and in compliance with regulations and accreditation guidelines from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and USDA Recruit, interview, supervise, and manage Commissary employees and volunteers and establish work schedules to ensure the completion of daily duties including diet preparations, adequate inventory, and facility cleanliness and maintenance Train personnel in the efficient and safe performance of their daily duties, including standard food safety practices.
• Perform Commissary Staff responsibilities in their absence to ensure all Commissary work is completed each day Acquire all feed inventories and miscellaneous supplies necessary for operating the Commissary effectively, including weekly travel to local grocery and feed stores as needed.
• Store, label, date, and rotate all feeds appropriately to maintain quality and comply with governing regulations Maintain accurate records of all purchasing, monitor expenditures, and complete purchasing requisitions and reconciliations in a timely manner Participate in the bidding process on specified food items as required by Purchasing Keep accurate information on all feed suppliers, including their sustainable acquisition practices and philosophy (AZA requirement) Assist the veterinarians in keeping accurate records on individual diets of all animals in the zoo collection. Report diet changes as requested by Animal Staff to the Veterinarians and implement recommended diet changes Receive Animal Section orders and deliver appropriate quantities of high-quality feeds to animal sections as needed Oversee and ensure effective and continual pest control

Additional/Overall Skills:

• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
• Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.
• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful
• culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
• The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis.
• They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Must Haves:

• Three (3) years of experience working animal husbandry in a Zoo or comparable facility
• One (1) year of experience working in food preparation
• Ability to direct and manage personnel
• Good communication skills
• Maintain current Tetanus, hepatitis A/B, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines and biannual TB test
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Louisiana driver’s license
• Must be able to work overtime, weekends and holidays
• Willingness to serve on the zoo’s Hurricane Rideout Team as necessary

Nice-to-Haves:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Food safety training and certification
• Two (2) years experience in purchasing and inventory management
• Fork-lift operation training and experience

Physical Requirements:

• Risk periodic exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animal and zoonotic diseases
• Working long hours between breaks or meals
• Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required in all environmental conditions
• Prolonged standing, walking, and climbing stairs or ladders.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent bending, crouching, twisting, and reaching.
• Manual dexterity to operate machinery or handle tools.
• Frequent use of vision and hearing to assess surroundings and job tasks.

Environmental Conditions:

• May include indoor and outdoor work environments.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Potential exposure to environmental hazards such as dust, chemicals, or loud noise.