Maintenance Technician

The Buffalo Zoo is looking for a skilled Maintenance Technician that possesses one or more skillsets that demonstrate mechanical aptitude; proficiency in one or more of the skilled service, maintenance or building trades. Can perform routine repairs on Zoo structures, machinery, and plumbing fixtures on a variety of mechanical equipment. Must have knowledge of building codes, structure repair, building system troubleshooting and repair (i.e. electrical, plumbing, etc.), amusement ride maintenance, material fabrication, mechanical repair, carpentry, welding, masonry and painting skills.

Essential Functions

• Under the supervision of the Director of Facilities and Construction, the Maintenance Technician performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties related to the construction, repair, cleaning and maintenance of Zoo grounds, buildings and facilities.
• Primary accountability for specific functions and results.
• The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented or changed as necessary.
• Perform facilities maintenance duties, including but not limited to, maintaining and performing routine repairs on Zoo structures, equipment, machinery, plumbing and electrical fixtures on a variety of mechanical equipment and systems.
• Will be asked to perform a variety of trade functions, including but not limited to, carpentry, carpet/tile installation, small electrical projects, paint, masonry, plumbing, locksmith, auto repairs, and welding (depending on skills).
• Perform daily inspections of all rides and other equipment onsite as assigned.
• Perform day-to-day facilities maintenance, operations and repair projects, construction projects, and maintenance of Zoo buildings.
• This includes projects in public areas, “behind the scenes” areas, animal exhibits, Zoo offices, and equipment and tool storage areas.
• Perform repairs and construction by utilizing a variety of hand and power tools which may include but are not limited to shovel, rake, chainsaw, circular saw, drill, table saw, and others.
• Must always ensure the safety of the animals, employees, volunteers, and the public. Maintain knowledge of occupational hazards and follow all safety and security standards.
• Observe guests, vendors, and contractors - to ensure that safety regulations are adhered to.
• Assist with preparing and staffing Zoo facilities for special events and promotions as assigned.
• Must be able to drive and operate Zoo equipment and vehicles including but not limited to pickup trucks, dump trucks, tractors, skid steers and other large machinery and equipment.
• Complete assigned work orders and preventative maintenance on buildings, fences, machinery, systems, vehicles, etc. Upon assignment of work orders, determine and request materials; submit completed work orders.
• Complete all assigned paperwork, data files, recordkeeping accurately and in a timely fashion as assigned.
• Attend all assigned trainings, meetings, and workshops.
• Demonstrate and maintain skills to identify and correct defects in buildings, installations, fixtures, equipment, and tools necessary for processes.
• May provide direction to Zoo volunteers, community service workers or vendors/outside contractors as directed.
• In an emergency situation, may assist in any function necessary to ensure uninterrupted business operation, including, but not limited to, activities required to ensure access to the Zoo, such as traffic monitoring, removal of blockage, snow removal, etc.
• Assists where needed in inter-departmental projects and functions.
• Must deliver exceptional customer service by engaging with guests on a regular basis to create a friendly, memorable, and positive experience. Ability to respond to common inquiries, requests, or complaints from guests and/or staff in a kind and courteous manner.
• Adhere to all Buffalo Zoo and department policies, protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities (as appropriate to skill level and experience) as assigned by the Director of Facilities and Construction and other members of the leadership team.

Special Skills:

• Understand and carryout instructions.
• Strong interest in one or more of the skilled service, maintenance or building trades.
• Verbal and written ability to communicate with Zoo staff. Able to interact positively with a variety of individuals from varied socioeconomically backgrounds frequently.
• Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.
• A strong safety-minded attitude is essential.

Other:

• Must support Buffalo Zoo’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values.
• Must possess or be able to obtain within 30 days of employment a valid New York State driver’s license and have an average or better driving record based on the evaluation process of our insurance company. Retention of position is contingent upon maintaining required license. Must upgrade to classification appropriate to requirements (non-CDLC or CDL class).
• Must be willing to comply with department’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies and procedures.
• Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment general medical screen and drug test.
• Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment background check.
• Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment fitness for duty test.
• Must understand the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position as per the job description and certify such by signing the job description prior to first day of work.
• May be able to participate in Zoo internal committees with permission.
• Must be able to operate a computer, two-way radio, telephone system, and software on computer, printer, etc. after training.
• Must provide proof of negative TB test at hire (test taken within the last 12 months). TB test conducted annually.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the position.
• Must be able to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and requested overtime as necessary.
• Position is part of the Zoo’s emergency weather team and is expected to report when the Zoo is officially closed due to weather.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Employee may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions or temperatures. Work may be required both indoors and outdoors in various weather and temperature conditions, ranging from rain, wind, snow, cool to cold weather, and extreme heat and humidity.
• May be regularly exposed to dusty or noisy work conditions.
• Works at elevations sometimes in excess of ten (10) feet.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and turn in awkward positions and in crowded quarters to make inspections and repairs. Reaches handles and manipulates tools and controls.
• Required to talk or hear.
• Use computer hardware and software for periodic periods of time.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Employee is exposed to the environment around animal exhibits and animal holding areas. Will be working around animal excrement, smells, and other debris.
• Ability to follow animal safety protocols, will not interact with animals outside of direct keeper instruction, and treat the animals with care, respect, and dignity.
• Able and willing to perform sustained work of a physical nature, may require heavy lifting.
• The employee must lift up to the weight requirements included in the fitness for duty test occasionally/regularly.
• Passing fitness for duty test is required for the successful candidate to be given further consideration for the position.
• The Buffalo Zoo is an At Will employer and all Buffalo Zoo employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law.
• Equal Opportunity Employer

Experience Required

• Education (Minimum Desired):
• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Associate’s degree, specialized training, and/or certifications from a technical college in construction-related fields are preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude.

Experience (Minimum Desired):

• Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Perks

• This is an hourly position. Some of the benefits available include health plan, HRA/HSA/FSA, life insurance, long term disability insurance, dental, vision, 403B retirement plan, annual leave, holiday, and sick time benefits.
• Benefits available the month following the successful passing of a 60-day worked probationary period review (sick time available upon hire).

Salary

• Dependent upon skills and experience:
• $21.86 - $27.15 per hour.
• Full-time, CSEA Union, non-exempt.