Description

SUMMARY

The Birmingham Zoo is seeking applications for a Maintenance Technician. Under the direction of the Maintenance Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for executing projects to maintain, repair or construct facilities at the Birmingham Zoo. The ideal candidate will have at least one year of work experience in the building trade. The ability to work in both a team environment and independently is essential, self-motivated, effectively communicate with other departments, detail-oriented with a focus on safety and guest service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs preventative maintenance; responds to trouble calls and work orders, inspects buildings and equipment; implements repairs, maintenance and installation as needed or assigned.
2. Depending on skill set, is involved in routine maintenance involving electrical, HVAC, carpentry, auto repair, welding, plumbing, concrete work, and construction.
3. Performs routine maintenance on the rides to include the train(s) and carousel.
4. Maintains maintenance logs as directed.
5. Completes engine repairs.
6. Completes all work orders as directed.
7. Utilizes and/or operates vehicles such as trucks and construction vehicles.
8. Utilizes the following materials: blueprints, calculator, computer, general office equipment, hand-tools, and power equipment.
9. Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• No direct reports

SAFETY ANALYSIS

The Maintenance Technician position is impacted by hazardous exposures common to the maintenance industry. Some of the following exposures will occur daily:

• Exposure to unusual elements, such as dirt, dust, fumes, extreme temperatures, humidity, darkness, and/or noise.
• Hazards associated with train and carousel ride operation and maintenance.
• The proper use and understanding of cleaning agents
• Hazards associated with swimming pool maintenance and the use of chloride.
• Equipment operation requiring the use of personal protective equipment such as ear and eye protection.
• The hazards of working with electricity.
• Understanding the protocols surrounding confined space.
• Requirement to troubleshoot equipment in high and hard to reach locations.

Specific training and procedures will be provided, designed to maintain safety of people as the highest priority of the Zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection.

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for keeping safety policies and procedures for their areas updated. In addition, the Maintenance Technician will attend monthly safety training sessions addressing specific situations that could occur in their department.

The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory. The Maintenance Technician bears responsibility for making sure they are trained on the proper use of safety equipment.

The Maintenance Technician, as with any staff member of the Zoo, is required to be familiar with the Zoo’s overall safety policies as outlined in the staff handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the Safety Manager, first aid department, or Manager on Duty (MOD).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, staff should expect:

• Use of hands, fingers, tools or controls.
• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, bend, crawl, crouch and talk or hear.
• Routinely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Requires frequent walking for long distances
• Exposure to wet surfaces.
• Frequent exposure to the elements can be expected.
• In some areas, may be required to wear a face mask and or other personal protective equipment for long periods of time.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come from both formal and informal experiences including education, paid work, volunteer service, and life experience. Those who meet the majority of the requirements for a position are encouraged to apply.

Education and work experience

1. High School Diploma required; some College preferred.
2. 1-3 years of field experience within a building trade or related skill set.

Skills and Knowledge

1. Must have ability to utilize the following materials: blueprints, calculator, computer, general office equipment, hand-tools, and power equipment.

1. Ability to multi-task and coordinate with others to provide deliverables on an agreed upon deadline.
2. Ability to think critically and demonstrated time-management skills.
3. Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
4. Must have basic competency in computer skills.
5. Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

Desirable qualities

1. Strong interest in advancing the conservation missions of zoos and aquariums.
2. High self-motivation and a detail-oriented work ethic.
3. Professional, positive, and enthusiastic demeanor.

Other Requirements:

1. Must have current negative TB test and provide documentation, or be willing to have a TB test.
2. First Aid/CPR certified or willing to be trained and certified, preferred.
3. Must be willing to us Zoo vehicles and occasionally travel locally. Must have a current valid driver’s license with no prior traffic violations (within the last five years).

POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK

1. Full time
2. Weekdays and weekends required, occasional evening work and holidays.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Birmingham Zoo is dedicated to creating a global community where all people value wildlife and wild places. As a workplace, the Zoo is guided by its core values: Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Sustainability, and Diversity & Inclusion. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA community, neurodiverse individuals, and those with diverse lived experiences are encouraged to apply for this role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and functions of this position. 

Birmingham Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law. 

If selected, a background check and drug test will be conducted prior to beginning employment.

Birmingham Zoo Inc. is a not-for-profit entity.