Commissary Technician
Company: Zoo New England
Location: Mattapan
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
SUMMARY As a Commissary Technician , you will support animal
care by performing a variety of essential tasks, including
preparing diets according to established formulas and feeding
schedules for our animal collection. Additional responsibilities
include inventory management, ordering, stocking, and delivering
produce, grains, hay, and other food items to various locations
throughout the zoo. While this role does not involve direct animal
contact, Commissary Technicians play a vital role in ensuring the
health and welfare of the animals. This position follows a 7:00
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. schedule, with two days off during the week.
Availability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime is
WHO WE ARE Zoo New England's mission is to inspire people to
protect and sustain the natural world for future generations by
creating fun and engaging experiences that integrate wildlife and
conservation programs, research, and education . We operate both
Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, founded in 1912, and Stone Zoo in
Stoneham, founded in 1905. Together, our zoos attract over 1
million guests annually and are currently in an exciting phase of
growth, with new exhibits, major events, and impactful projects on
the horizon. As part of the Commissary Team within our Animal
Health Department , you’ll play a critical role in supporting the
wellbeing of thousands of animals across hundreds of species—many
of which are endangered in the wild. Zoo New England is home to a
passionate and diverse team, and we are committed to making a real
difference in animal care and wildlife conservation. WHO YOU ARE
Efficiency in a fast-paced environment: This role involves a
variety of tasks and responsibilities throughout the day, so we’re
seeking someone who can work quickly, stay focused, and be
consistently productive. Strong attention to detail: Accurate diet
preparation is critical to animal health, making precision and care
essential in everything you do. Clear and consistent communication:
While much of the work is independent, open and proactive
communication with the team is key to our success. Excellent
organizational skills: We work in a compact space with a large
inventory. Keeping things well-organized and ensuring proper stock
rotation is essential. High standards of cleanliness and quality:
We take pride in maintaining a clean, efficient, and professional
commissary. We’re looking for someone who values the same level of
excellence in their work. YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Prepares
animal diets as directed by veterinarians and animal care staff,
using techniques such as thawing, chopping, washing, peeling,
boiling, shredding, and weighing. Ensures compliance with all
safety and sanitation regulations, including those set by OSHA,
USDA, AZA, and local health authorities. Receives and inspects
deliveries for quality, freshness, and accuracy; rejects items that
do not meet standards and maintains records of inventory and
issues, reporting concerns to the supervisor. Makes food deliveries
to animal areas and prepares diet items for pick-up; t ransports
Animal Care department's mail and packages; l oads and transports
heavy objects (including, but not limited to crates, bags of grain
and bales of hay); collects and makes deliveries of food stuffs and
packages within or between the zoos, or from vendors. Works safely
in proximity to all taxa , which includes being near mammals,
birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates, without
touching, feeding, engaging, or entering enclosures. REQUIREMENTS /
QUALIFICATIONS High School diploma or GED. Proficiency in Microsoft
Office products, particularly Word, Outlook, Excel and Teams. M ust
be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license with a
safe driving history . Must be physically able to work on their
feet for long periods and lift over 5 0lbs . Must have a valid
drivers' license in good standing and be able to drive a full-size
vehicle on public roads Must be able and willing to work weekends,
holidays, and overtime. P REFERENCE S Experience with food
preparation, either in an animal care or human food service setting
Familiarity with animal nutrition or prior experience working with
or around animals Experience with inventory systems, food stock
management, and rotation best practices Previous experience in a
zoo, aquarium, wildlife facility, or similar setting is a plus
BENEFITS ZNE offers a comprehensive benefits package for fulltime
staff including: Medical, dental, and vision HMO plans for you and
eligible dependents 9 paid holidays and 6 personal holidays
annually Accrual of 10 vacation days and 12 sick days in your first
year Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for wellness and mental
health support Free Zoo New England membership after 90 days ,
including admission and in-zoo discounts Discounts and perks at Zoo
New England and partner organizations across Massachusetts Free
on-site staff parking 401(k) retirement plan available after 6
months of employment SELECTION PROCESS ZNE values diverse
perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered
regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex,
marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation,
age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Keywords: Zoo New England, Weymouth , Commissary Technician, Science, Research & Development , Mattapan, Massachusetts