Maintenance Carpenter

Position Title: Maintenance Carpenter

Department: Facilities

Supervisor: Maintenance Manager

Nashville Zoo Mission:

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Why Work with Us:

At Nashville Zoo, we believe in taking care of our team just as well as we care for our animals. Full-time employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching – helping you build a secure future while you make a meaningful impact today.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave – because rest and recovery are vital.
• Exclusive zoo perks – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture – be part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.
• AZA-accredited facility – Nashville Zoo is committed to top-tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts.

Job Description:

The Carpenter is responsible for the repair, maintenance, modification and new installation projects for the zoo’s exhibits, public areas and building systems.  Must be able to perform finish/rough carpentry, cabinet making, fencing, concrete, drywall, flooring, ceiling and other facility maintenance tasks as required.  The Carpenter must work hours appropriate to meet the needs of Zoo staff and visitors and consistent with peak season days and hours.  This may require weekend, holiday and early or late shift start times.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain professional conduct at all times and consistently model the organization’s values in all interactions with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Responsible for performing varied carpentry assigned tasks and that they executed to meet zoo’s standard operating procedures.
• Work performed must meet all agency mandated required standards.  This includes AZA, OSHA, ADAAG, EPA, City/National building codes and product manufacturer installation criteria.
• Responsible for providing MSDS for all chemicals used.
• Responsible for maintaining in good condition shop, tools and wood working equipment.
• Keeps Director and Maintenance Manager informed of any operational and/or facility related problems.
• Performs work in a safe manner for self, other staff and visitors.  Ensures all safety standards are adhered to.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills:

• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.

• Ability to work with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform work assignments at a Journeyman level.
• Must have working knowledge of Carpentry tools and equipment.  This includes ability to perform work using a table and radial arm saw, routers, drill presses etc.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to plan out, schedule, coordinate and execute all assigned tasks to ensure a high quality finished product. 
• Must possess mathematical skills for job layout and ability to determine correct quantity of materials needed to complete project.
• Ability to safely work with ladders, scaffolding, personal lifts and from boom trucks.

Education/ Experience:

Minimum high School diploma or GED equivalent required.  Must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working as a Carpenter. Extensive framing experience a plus. Must have a valid driver’s license. 

Physical Requirements:

Staff must frequently stand and walk for most of an 8–10‑hour shift and regularly bend, kneel, reach, climb, and perform repetitive motions while cleaning, maintaining grounds, or performing facilities repairs. These roles require frequently lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs and occasionally heavier items with assistance, as well as safely navigating ladders, stairs, uneven surfaces, and wet or slippery areas. Adequate vision, hearing, hand dexterity, and clear communication are necessary to operate tools, equipment, vehicles, and radios safely. Work occurs both indoors and outdoors year‑round in all weather conditions, with routine exposure to dust, dirt, chemicals, cleaning agents, noise, and equipment vibration. Positions may involve using power tools, machinery, or motorized vehicles and require adherence to established safety procedures. PPE such as gloves, protective footwear, eye and hearing protection, or respirators may be required depending on the task. Schedules may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime based on operational needs. The role must learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete task independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. 

Pre-employment requirements:

Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All employment is at-will.

• All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
• Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.