Application Deadline: This position will remain open until 25 January 2026, 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? 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, 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. Our technicians play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of our facilities. From preventative maintenance to emergency repair you'll be at the heart of maintaining systems that keep our zoo safe, efficient, and welcoming to both visitors and animals.

This is a unique opportunity to tackle general maintenance 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:

• Work proactively on general maintenance tasks to ensure the reliability of essential infrastructure.
• Support animal habitats, guest areas, and facility upgrades in hands-on repairs of plumbing systems, HVAC, electrical, mechanical, safety, and waste management systems.
• A proactive, hands-on approach to troubleshooting and repairs in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• 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:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Ability to work a schedule A) Sunday- Thursday or B) Tuesday- Saturday

• Ability to work a schedule that includes a Saturday or Sunday.

• A valid driver’s license and clear driving record to drive organizational vehicles.

• One (1) year combined experience/training including multi-unit maintenance, supporting facilities in a similar role.

• 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.
  • Working knowledge in plumbing systems, including emergency repairs, sewer line repair, and drain maintenance.
  • Working knowledge of plumbing, HVAC, electrical systems, and general repairs.

• Proficient in reading measurements, interpreting plans, and performing basic math calculations.

• Ability to perform the physical demands of a 8 hour shift, including working outdoors in Florida weather, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Pre-Employment Requirements: Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings prior to their start date. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory to ensure the safety of staff, animals, and visitors. These include:

  • Professional Reference Check
  • Employment Verification
  • Criminal Background Check
  • 5 panel drug screen
  • Non-DOT physical examination

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.

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