Grounds Maintenance Technician (Part-Time Temporary)

Are you passionate about animals and conservation? ZooTampa is hiring a Part-Time Temporary Grounds Maintenance Technician.

• Are you the kind of person who is passionate about rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for animals?
• Do you care about creating exceptional, personal experiences with co-workers and guest?
• Do you want to work in a fun and immersive environment where your contribution impacts the mission of the organization?

If so, apply today, we are setting up interviews soon!

Position Summary

Under general direction of the Manager of Facilities and Maintenance, this is a general maintenance/ equipment operator level position responsible for providing support on maintenance and horticulture projects for ZooTampa.

Please Note: This is a temporary position with a projected end date of January 2, 2027.

Who We Are

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.

Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.

Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!

Your day to day

Essential Functions (including but not limited to)

• Diagnoses problems and makes repairs in areas such as, but not limited to: habitats, electrical, plumbing, painting, carpentry and landscape.
• Provides labor including lull/tractor work, loading/relocating materials, cleaning up around the shop, and operating a Zero turn lawn mower.
• Completes work orders and preventative maintenance tasks as assigned.
• Assists Vendors to and from gates. Chaperones them on repairs as needed.
• Inspects and monitors Golf carts, trailers, tools/equipment for maintenance and Horticulture, repair and/or replacement as needed.
• Supports other facility positions as needed for the successful operation/repair of Zoo-related issues. Chaperones Zoo employees when operating hazardous equipment.
• Ability to complete assignments in a reasonable time frame to the complete satisfaction of the Management team.
• Deal courteously and tactfully with employees, peers, superiors and the general public.

What are we looking for?

Qualifications and Experience

• Apprentice/journeyman level knowledge and experience preferred in any of the following: HVAC, electrical, carpentry, painting and plumbing.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum educational requirements.
• Skilled in used of tools pertinent to general shop duties. Must be able to drive Zoo Vehicles and all equipment on campus. (lull, lift, tractor, mower and Bobcat)
• Motivated self starter with strong organizational abilities.
• Must be able to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication skills.
• Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions. Other desirable experience to include welding, machining, concrete work, rebar work and structural steel, instrumentation, pumps, rides and mechanical background.
• 2 years of related experience and/or training. Advance skills in or more technical areas.
• Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
• Quality control: demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Must have the ability to follow specific instructions and also be comfortable self-directing.
• Capacity to anticipate: ability to think ahead and plan.
• Capacity to change: ability to identify and correct operational problems quickly.
• Must be able to think logically and solve problems with minimal guidance.
• Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public.
• Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively to the department.

Other Requirements

• Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
• Deal courteously and tactfully with employees, peers, superiors and the general public.
• Ability to use radio, telephone and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts including holidays, weekends and in support of events as needed.
• Must be able to plan for, work and staff specials events and exhibits as well as be available for unexpected shifts.
• Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing and walking.
• Must have ability to navigate and operate heavy equipment on paved as well as rough construction sites.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Please Note: This is a temporary position with a projected end date of January 2, 2027.

Part time

Our Perks at ZooTampa

• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted gym membership
• Free membership to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• And so much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace