Commissary Technician II

The Commissary Technician 2 is a member of a team that works to implement the best practices to achieve and maintain the highest standard of aquatic animal management and care.  The technician directly operates, works within, and maintains the animal commissary and associated equipment (with guidance from the COAM, Sr. Commissary Technician and Clinical Nutritionist as needed).  The Commissary Technician 2 works to ensure that diets are prepared accurately, efficiently, and to achieve departmental goals as articulated by management. He/she takes on additional roles of leading specific projects and coordinating vital departmental operations based on the direction of supervisory staff and the needs of the Aquarium animals.  This individual adheres to strict food handling protocols and is conscientious of human safety in the busy commissary spaces.  

Responsibilities:

• Prepare Diets
• Accurately follow written and oral instructions concerning type and quality of food to be prepared and size of proportions.
• Inspect, sort, and clean food items as needed.
• Cut food items to appropriate sizes and accurately weigh diets into prescribed amounts.
• Prepare / process items to insure efficient future efficient operations
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of work and work area
• Maintain sanitation level appropriate for a food service area.
• Clean and disinfect all surfaces and equipment as needed (at least daily).
• Keep all food storage areas clean and organized.
• Develop policies and procedures to avoid cross contamination within operation.
• Maintain and Manage Inventory and diet sheet
• Inform supervisor of low inventory items as necessary.
• Serve as management’s liaison with vendors
• Participate in regular inventory as needed and rotates items to ensure FIFO rule is observed.
• Assists with Track and diet sheet diet change procedures

Sample Collection

• Organize, collect, and ship food samples for quality control nutritional testing or other research purposes with guidance from department Nutrition staff.
• Assist with database management of testing results
• Operates under strict regulatory protocols to ensure only high-quality product is provided for the animals while maintaining focus on sustainability and limitation of waste product.
• Assists in the development of Standard Operating Procedures for this department and the verification that staff are properly trained and adhering to these expectations.
• Help to select, train, and direct volunteer activities within the Commissary.
• Actively communicate among staff and supervisor to ensure best service to Zoological Operations and Animal Health departments.
• Consistently act as a positive role model to mentor and inspire commissary volunteers on the importance of appropriate diet prep and facility operation.
• Maintain records as needed (diet sheets, diet cards, inventory sheets, etc.).
• Help to develop and maintain operations manual.
• As needed, interact on behalf of the Georgia Aquarium with guests, media, and general public.
• Perform other duties as workload dictates, inclusive of minimal “Manager on Duty” MOD tasks should scheduling require of it.

Qualifications:

• BS/BA degree in biology, nutrition, animal science, food management, or related program is preferred.
• Direct experience with aquatic animals &/or aquatic animal nutrition is preferred.
• Food service or preparation (human or animal) preferred.
• Understanding of food service sanitation required.
• Motor coordination and manual dexterity required to safely handle sharp knives during food preparation.
• Ability to detect signs of deterioration in foods.
• Flexible schedule with the ability to work nights, weekends, on call, etc.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective problem analysis and resolution skills
• Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet departmental requirements.
• Ability to be self-motivated and able to function in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.
• Ability to commit to working in the commissary for at least 12 months before being considered for departmental transfers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move loads in excess of 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 
•  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.
• The job requires work in a cooler (35-40 degrees F) and freezer (-10 - -20 degrees F).
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The daily routine requires consistent physical exertion.

Commitment:

• I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. the following:

Mission: 

• Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide.

Vision:

• To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.

Values:

• Integrity,
• Innovation,
• Leadership,
• Teamwork,
• Respect,
• Excellence,
• Appreciation
• Inclusion