Construction & Maintenance Worker HVAC-R - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.


HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Construction and Maintenance Worker HVAC-R supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission and vision of saving species worldwide, by combining their trade technical expertise with high internal customer service, to take the best possible care of assigned facilities. The Construction and Maintenance Worker – HVAC / Refrigeration maintains, repairs and optimizes heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems across facilities, to ensure reliability and availability of temperature-sensitive environments for wildlife and guests. This position reports to C&M Lead, Supervisor or Manager.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Maintains and repairs HVAC and refrigeration systems, including air handlers, chillers, split systems, and refrigerators. Uses CMMS or equivalent system and monitors radio throughout the shift to respond to, record, and complete preventative and reactive maintenance work orders.
• Performs inspections, diagnostics, and system testing. Follows SOPs and partners with leadership on updates to improve safety, consistency, and efficiency.
• Collaborates with other trades and oversees external vendors to complete shared projects and urgent work, ensuring quality and site alignment.
• Coordinates with internal teams to minimize disruption and provide five-star internal customer service.
• Mentors and supports team members by sharing HVAC expertise and helping others navigate internal systems, culture, and professional approach.
• Provides occasional after-hours support for urgent needs.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

JOB EXPERIENCE
• Minimum of four years of journey-level HVAC/Refrigeration experience required.
• Completion of a certified apprenticeship program required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• High School Diploma Required.
• Valid California Driver’s License Upon Hire Required.
• EPA 608 Universal Certification within 60 Days Required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Journey-level knowledge of HVAC controls, refrigerant handling, and energy-efficient practices.
• Safely and properly handle tools in adherence with California OSHA regulations and workplace health & safety requirements.
• Commitment to coaching others and ability to thrive in a diverse environment.
• Understanding of building codes and quality standards related to HVAC and Refrigeration.
• Understand, interpret and work from blueprints and drawings.

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS
• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $41.31


Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.
All qualified applicants wil