Zoos Hiring

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Facilities Maintenance Technician (Handyman/Plumbing/Waste Systems/Helper)

Jacksonville Zoo And Gardens
Jacksonville, United States Posted: August 28, 2025


Application Deadline:  This position will remain open until August 25 2025, or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. We reserve the right to close the posting early if a well-qualified candidate pool has been established. Early submission is encouraged. 

  • Are you a skilled handyman in general maintenance and plumbing systems?
  • At the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, our mission is “Connecting communities to wildlife and wild places.”
  • We are seeking a full-time Facility Maintenance Technician specializing in plumbing, to join our Facilities team, where we take pride in keeping critical systems running safely and efficiently.
  • In this hands-on role, you will maintain safe, functional spaces for visitors and animals while ensuring compliance with industry and regulatory standards.
  • You will be responsible for a wide range of repair and upkeep tasks across our zoo grounds and behind-the-scenes operations.
  • This is a unique opportunity to tackle plumbing challenges in a dynamic, mission-driven environment, directly supporting animal care, enhancing guest safety, and helping preserve an iconic Jacksonville destination.
  • Apply today and be part of a team that keeps our zoo running at its best!
What You’ll Do:
  • Perform hands-on repairs and installations of plumbing systems, as well as support work on HVAC, electrical, mechanical, safety, and waste management systems. 
  • Address a wide range of plumbing needs, including emergency repairs, sewer line maintenance, drain repairs, and water system improvements.
  • Work proactively on general maintenance tasks with a focus on plumbing and drainage systems to ensure the reliability of essential infrastructure.
  • Support animal habitats, guest areas, and facility upgrades.
  • Be a vital part of maintaining the zoo's core infrastructure, ensuring the highest standards of service, quality, and safety.
  • Work both indoors and outdoors, 363 days a year, surrounded by wildlife and lush gardens.
  • What You Bring:
  • Ability to work a schedule that includes a Saturday or Sunday. 
​Current Vacancies:
  • ​Sunday- Thursday
  • Tuesday- Saturday
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • A valid driver’s license and clear driving record to drive organizational vehicles.
  • A proactive, hands-on approach to troubleshooting and repairs in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Proficient in reading measurements, interpreting plans, and performing basic math calculations.
  • Knowledge and expertise in plumbing systems, including emergency repairs, sewer line repair, and drain maintenance.
  • Working knowledge of plumbing, HVAC, electrical systems, and general repairs.
  • A combination of one (1) year of experience or education in general repairs, specializing in plumbing, including:
  • Six (6) months of experience in a similar role, vocational/trade school, or on-the-job training.
  • Six (6) months of experience in apartment, building, or multi-unit maintenance.
  • A Plus...
  • Two-year degree and/or work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
  • Experience in the operation of all heavy equipment operation (e.g. forklift, cherry picker, etc.)
  • Experience in zoo/aquarium exhibits or animal facilities.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Availability to accommodate a flexible schedule, including extended hours, holidays, and weekends.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to remain standing for extended periods.
  • Requires hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for tasks such as grasping, turning, and manipulating objects of varying size and weight.
  • Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, such as to walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, digging trenches to lay conduit or moving or lifting heavy objects.
  • Requires visual acuity for reading, writing, and observing surroundings, and auditory acuity for communication.
  • Ability to operate motorized carts, trucks, and power tools.
  • Ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Ability to work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures. 
  • Ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
WORK CONDITIONS
  • Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, snow, and wind.
  • Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), bloodborne pathogens, zoonotic diseases and injuries from animals.
  • Irregular work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays are sometimes required.
  • Exposure to hazards such wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.
  • Working in small, enclosed areas.
  • We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations
  • EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
Salary
  • 17.00 per hour

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