C&M Worker HVAC-R - Full Time - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is seeking a Construction and Maintenance Worker – HVAC / Refrigeration to maintain, repair, and optimize heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems across facilities. The role uses a CMMS, conducts inspections, and partners with leadership to enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability.

The ideal candidate has four years of journey-level HVAC/Refrigeration experience, a certified apprenticeship, and EPA 608 certification.

Qualifications

• Minimum of four (4) years journey-level HVAC/Refrigeration experience.
• Completion of a certified apprenticeship program.
• High School Diploma required.
• EPA 608 Universal Certification within 60 Days required.
• Valid California Driver's License upon Hire required.

Responsibilities

• Maintains and repairs HVAC and refrigeration systems, including air handlers, chillers, split systems, and refrigerators; uses CMMS or equivalent system and responds to maintenance work orders.
• Performs inspections, diagnostics, and system testing; follows SOPs and collaborates with leadership to improve safety and efficiency.
• Collaborates with other trades and oversees external vendors to complete shared projects and urgent work.
• Coordinates with internal teams to minimize disruption and provide excellent internal customer service.
• Mentors and supports team members by sharing HVAC expertise and navigating internal systems and culture.
• Provides occasional after-hours support for urgent needs.

Skills

Journey-level HVAC/Refrigeration knowl

Tools handling (OSHA)

Coaching others

Building codes knowledge

Blueprints and drawings interpretation

Education

High School Diploma

Valid California Driver's License

EPA 608 Universal Certification

Tools

CMMS system

Job description

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Construction and Maintenance Worker 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 (4) years of journey-level HVAC/Refrigeration experience required.
• Completion of a certified apprenticeship program required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma Required.
• Valid California Drivers 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.