Building Engineer

Wildlife Conservation Society; New York (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bronx Zoo, part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, is seeking a Building Engineer to maintain and improve the reliability of heating and cooling systems across campus. The role oversees seven chillers, boilers, pumps, and building management systems to ensure safe, climate-controlled environments for animals and guests.

You will conduct daily rounds, plan preventive maintenance, and collaborate with other departments.

Qualifications

• HVAC, electrical, and plumbing knowledge required.
• Minimum 5 years hands-on plant ops experience.
• Must hold NYC Q-01 Refrigeration certificate.
• Must hold FDNY A-35 and G-60 certificates.
• High school diploma required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain building heating/cooling systems (chillers, boilers, pumps).
• Perform preventive maintenance on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Monitor Building Management Systems and analyze faults.
• Oversee contractors and coordinate access for repairs.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate with safety teams.

Skills

HVAC systems

Electrical systems

Plumbing systems

Reading schematics

Education

High school diploma

NYC Refrigeration Operating Engineer Certificate (Q-01)

FDNY A-35 Certification

FDNY G-60 Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Building Engineer

Reports To: Operations and Maintenance Management

Position Managed: N/A

Department: Machine Shop

Location: Bronx Zoo

Employment Type: Full-Time

Pay Range: $100,000 - $120,000

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):

WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a uniquefoundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect throughwork on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire throughour world-class zoos,aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships andpowerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team membersin New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.

Position Summary:

The Bronx Zoo consists of 265 acres with over one hundred Buildings, many of which have HVAC, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Systems that require inspection, maintenance and repair. The Building Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and safety of building heating and cooling systems across the Bronx Zoo campus. The Building Engineer will oversee the proper operation and maintenance of seven (7) Chiller units that produce chilled water, heating systems including boilers, all auxiliary equipment including pumping systems and compressors, and various Building Management Systems that monitor HVAC equipment. The Building Engineer will work as part of the Operations department that is responsible for the upkeep of all Buildings, maintenance, repairs and construction projects throughout the Zoo. This position contributes effectively in creating the best possible environment for the animal collection, staff and guest experience for all visitors.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain Building heating and cooling systems, including chillers, pumps, HVAC, and compressors to ensure safe and reliable facility operations.
• Conduct daily rounds of equipment and maintain equipment logs. Evaluate data to confirm proper operations. Maintain documentation as required by WCS, City, State and Federal policies.
• Conduct scheduled preventive maintenance and repair tasks for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems across all Buildings
• Monitor and Utilize Building Management Systems (BMS) to monitor, analyze, troubleshoot and control facility infrastructure.
• Respond promptly and effectively to HVAC and utility issues to maintain a safe, comfortable, and climate-controlled environment for the animal collection, staff, and visitors.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve mechanical and electrical issues independently or with limited supervision. Includes overhauling and rebuilding pumps of various sizes.
• Support construction, renovation, and repairs by overseeing work performed by vendors and coordinating contractor access to all spaces to ensure repairs and maintenance are properly addressed.
• Assist with emergency responses, including fire alarms and critical system failures, in coordination with the Cogeneration, Operations, Security and Animal departments.
• Promote and maintain clean, organized, and safe work environments in all Operations mechanical spaces.
• Maintains the Society’s standards for quality and professionalism and enhanced guest experience throughout the Park, its facilities, buildings and exhibits.

Qualification Requirements

Physical Demands:

Workplace Conditions and Environment:

The workplace conditions and environment of the role include working indoors, closely with others, and/or alone, exposure to excess noise, operating power tools and equipment, and use sharp tools and equipment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer:

WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies. Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.

Location:

Bronx Zoo

• Seeking an experienced, motivated Building Engineer to contribute to the WCS mission and department goals in maintaining reliable operations:
• Must be flexible and have the ability to prioritize jobs and work assignments in a dynamic environment
• Work effectively with other departments in carrying out the principal functions of the Operations Department
• Must have demonstrated knowledge and proven experience with HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, with ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in plant operations and facilities maintenance
• Must possess a Valid NYC Refrigeration System Operating Engineer Certificate of Qualification (Q-01)
• Must possess or obtain required FDNY certifications including: A-35 and G-60
• Commitment to safety, integrity, and customer service
• Must be computer literate, especially Microsoft Office
• Must be available to respond to emergency situations and weekends
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to work in varied environments, including all weather conditions as the position is considered essential.
• This is an in-the-field position and the Building Engineer will spend 80% of their day out of the office, on zoo grounds, inspecting equipment conditions, conducting repairs and maintenance.
• The physical demands include but are not limited to the use of a Keyboard, 10-key, Mouse, and Telephone Use, Handwriting, Sitting, Standing, Crouching, Kneeling, Bending, Walking, Stair Climbing, minimal Driving, and Lifting up to 50lbs.

Salary Range

$100,000-$120,000