Job Description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Metro Richmond Zoo's mission is to promote animal conservation and inspire guests by providing up-close, educational encounters with the wild. The zoo is situated on 150 acres of land and is home to over 2,000 animals representing 190 species from around the world. The zoo is accredited by the Zoological Association of America and is well-known for its conservation programs for cheetahs, African penguins, and Diana monkeys

POSITION SUMMARY

Skilled trades workers are responsible for the renovation and construction of animal exhibits and maintenance of all zoo buildings and structures.

Looking for a change in the typical construction industry? Skilled trades workers at the zoo complete a diversity of tasks and have the unique opportunity to construct animal habitats.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carry out new project construction on animal exhibits (MRZ works in all trades: carpentry, plumbing, electrical, concrete, painting, fencing, decorative concrete, etc.)
• Renovate and maintain 30+ zoo buildings and structures
• Renovate and maintain 100+ animal habitats
• Dig trenches, compact earth, backfill holes
• Building maintenance required: changing light bulbs, door handles, ballasts, etc.
• Maintain all safety standards
• Maintain equipment fleet of golf carts, UTVs, ATVs, and heavy machinery
• Move, secure, install, build, load, or unload materials
• Operate heavy and light equipment depending on the job site/assignment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Skilled Trades Workers must have the ability to:

• Lift 100lbs
• Walk and stand and bend over for long periods of time
• Use and move a tall ladder comfortably
• Utilize heavy machinery and power tools safely
• Perform duties for 8 hours a day
• Have a full range of motion in the back and all extremities

QUALIFICATIONS

Skilled Trades Workers must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or general education degree
• Have a valid driver's license
• Be authorized to work in the United States
• Have 3 years of construction experience
• Be self-motivated in work ethic
• Be able to work outdoors in all weather from 0°F to over 100°F
• Be able to communicate clearly in written and verbal forms
• Be able to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively
• Be able to handle multiple tasks
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Have great attention to detail
• Have reliable transportation
• Have an appreciation for animals and their wellbeing
• Be proficient in  at least 5of the 11 trades listed below:
  • Framing
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Masonry
  • Welding
  • Concrete
  • HVAC
  • Specialty trades
  • Variety of fence types
  • Commercial painting
  • Mechanical skills (machine repair) 

HOURS

• Full-time employment
• 40 hours a week (Zoo does not offer overtime hours)
• Monday-Friday work week with occasional Saturdays
• 5 days a week

PERKS AND BENEFITS

• Free zoo and zipline tickets
• Food and merchandise discounts
• Work near animals
• Day-time hours (no nights)
• No Sundays required
• Flexible schedule
• Variable work tasks
• Consistent on-site work
• Fast-paced: no dull moments
• Work outdoors and indoors
• Career advancement opportunities
• Medical
• Retirement with company match
• PTO
• Some paid holidays

ALCOHOL AND DRUG TESTING

Team members may not arrive on duty under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Since this position is a safety-sensitive position, team members may be subject to random alcohol and drug testing. 

DISCLAIMER

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the team member. All team members are required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their supervisors. 

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