Maintenance Mechanic

Position Title: Maintenance Mechanic

Department: Facilities

Supervisor: Facilities 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 the 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.

Position Description:

The Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for scheduled preventative maintenance and repair of all zoo trucks, vans, utility vehicles along with large and medium size mobile equipment. Work schedule may include early or late start times and working weekends and holidays as required for meeting the zoo’s operating needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for performing skilled preventative maintenance and repair to zoo vehicles and large equipment.
• Responsible for maintaining comprehensive and accurate logs for all work performed on zoo vehicles and large equipment.  Ensure vehicles are properly maintained per equipment manufacturer recommendations.
• Responsible for maintaining inventory of assets and condition specifically for zoo vehicles and large equipment.
• Assist other facilities team members and/or Zoo contractors as needed.
• Adhere to established safety guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.    

Qualifications

Skills:

• Ability to perform at a journeyman’s level for the repair and maintenance of zoo vehicles.
• Ability to perform other essential maintenance tasks within the Facilities Department as needed.
• Ability to perform work on small and large engines, foreign and domestic.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical problems and offer suggestions/ next steps.
• Ability to determine end of life on vehicles and equipment to help with unnecessary expenses.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of occupational hazards involved and safe work practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills including ability to get along with diverse groups with tact and maturity.
• Ability to always represent the Nashville Zoo in a professional manner.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, co-workers, guests, and public.
• Ability to work with little or no supervision.

Education/ Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must have a minimum of 5 years of mechanical experience dealing with vehicles, heavy equipment, utility vehicles and small equipment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Physical Responsibilities:

• Ability to work outdoors year-round, including in inclement weather.
• Ability to stand and walk for an extended period.
• Must be able to work from scaffolding and lifts.
• Ability to climb, bend, stoop, crawl, kneel, twist, reach and extend themselves, etc., as required for assigned tasks. 
• Ability to move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Ability to safely work around variously kinds of machinery.

Work Schedule:

• Must be available to work any of seven days of the week.
• Must be available to work special needs or events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, as required. 

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.