Zoos Hiring

Job board dedicated to the zoo industry

Maintenance Worker II - Oregon Zoo

Oregon Zoo
Portland, United States Posted: October 01, 2025


If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your application material(s) by 10/09/2025. Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

  • Join our vibrant team at the Oregon Zoo as a Maintenance Worker and become an integral part of our mission to provide an unforgettable experience for our guests while ensuring the comfort and well-being of our beloved animals.
  • As a valued member of the Facilities team, you'll not only enjoy the satisfaction of maintaining and enhancing our facilities and exhibits but also the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same.
  • With access tostate-of-the-art tools and equipment, you'll have the chance to showcase your skills while contributing to the success of our zoo.
  • If you're passionate about animal care, guest service, and skilled in maintenance and repair tasks, we invite you to join our dedicated team and contribute to the success of our zoo.
  • Apply now to embark on a rewarding career with us!
As the Maintenance Worker you will:
  • Collaborate with supervisors, veterinarian staff, and animal keepers to craft innovative solutions, addressing challenges and tailoring each project to meet specific requirements.
  • Engage with zoo visitors, providing guidance and information while onsite completing various projects.
  • Construct, upkeep, and restore variety of structures including buildings, fences, exhibits, and more, ensuring the integrity and functionality of the facilities.
  • Manage plumbing installations and repairs, from valves to waterlines, conduct meticulous testing and maintenance to uphold operational efficiency.
  • Execute concrete work, from form-building to finishing, for various zoo structures including walls, floors, and animal habitats.
  • Utilize welding and metal fabrication techniques to craft custom solutions like fences, gates, and animal shelters, meeting the zoo's unique needs.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with an array of hand and power tools, as well as operating heavy machinery, ensuring precise execution of tasks.
  • Oversee specialized maintenance tasks such as cage construction, tool fabrication, and ensuring public walkways and animal exhibits remain safe and functional.
  • Additionally, adept at diagnosing and repairing locomotives, performing body work, and conducting preventative maintenance on various zoo systems and equipment.
  • Collaborate with other team members contributing to a positive team atmosphere.
Attributes for success:
  • Proficiency and knowledge in the practices of mechanical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, electrical, welding, concrete and other trades.
  • Thrive on working as part of a team and independently planning projects from inception to completion, fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving.
  • Skill and attention to detail in locating and analyzing problems and performing corrective action, working from penciled sketches, blueprints and written instructions.
  • Precision in anticipating material and part requirements.
  • Aptitude to read and interpret rules, regulations and codes, supervise unskilled or semi-skilled workers when assigned as a helper.
  • Ability to perform labor-intensive tasks, often under inclement weather conditions, and be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Comfort working around exotic and sometimes dangerous animals.
  • Skill to react quickly to unforeseen challenges and changes in priorities.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
  • At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work.
  • This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities.
  • Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region.
  • Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
  • Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan
TO QUALIFY
  • We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required.
  • Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
  • Minimum Qualifications
  • Three years progressively responsible trade experience such as required for mechanic, carpentry, welding, and plumbing responsibilities with skills including design, fabrication, and assisting in project management AND
  • Trade certified or equivalent; OR
  • Any combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for successful completion of the essential job duties. 
  • Required
  • Valid Driver’s license 
Driving Record Check:
  • The candidate selected for the position will need to pass a Driving Record check prior to being hired. Speeding tickets do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Working Conditions:
  • Duties may require prolonged strenuous efforts in hazardous locations in enclosed spaces and at heights and under inclement weather and other adverse conditions. 
  • If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply
  • If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
Like to have qualifications
  • You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify.
  • However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates.
  • Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.
  • 3 or more years of carpentry, plumbing or fabrication experience
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
  • The application packet:
  • The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application.
  • Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
  • A completed online application
  • Complete answers to supplemental questions
  • The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows.
  • The selection process is subject to change.
  • Initial review of minimum qualifications
  • In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
  • Consideration of top candidates/interviews Testing/assessments (if applicable)
  • Reference check
  • Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable) 
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON
  • The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $31.97 per hour to step 5: $38.85 per hour.
  • However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act  requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $31.97 per hour to the equity range of step 2: $33.56 per hour.
  • This position is eligible overtime and is represented by LIUNA 483 union. It is classified as Maintenance Worker II 
  • Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.
  • Questions?
  • Recruiter: Christina Rentas
  • Email: Christina.rentas@oregonmetro.gov

Be the First to Know About Similar Jobs

Your next opportunity could be an email away. Let us make your job search easier. Join our email list now.