HVAC Mechanic

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 85,418,088 - 104,645,251; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, dental coverage

403(b) Retirement Account with match

Paid time off

Discounted tickets and DZCA membership

Job summary

DZCA seeks a skilled HVAC Mechanic to support Denver Zoo’s facilities across a diverse campus. The role covers preventative maintenance, inspection, repair, and installation of HVACR systems, boilers, pumps, and refrigeration in a demanding public setting.

You will read blueprints, operate building automation controls, mentor teammates, and develop accurate material and labor estimates while maintaining safety and quality in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; tech training in HVACR preferred.
• At least 5 years of HVAC Mechanic experience, preferably in public facilities such as nonprofit, commercial, or industrial environments.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair commercial/industrial HVAC equipment, including fabricating parts as needed.
• Inspect facilities and equipment to identify HVAC needs and determine corrective actions.
• Program and monitor building automation controls for energy efficiency and comfort.
• Operate boilers, pumps, and related equipment; lead projects with internal/external teams.
• Mentor staff with hands-on HVAC training and safe work practices.
• Install and repair refrigeration, air conditioning, and related systems.
• Read blueprints and specifications to complete installations accurately.
• Prepare labor and material estimates for assigned projects.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Customer service

Blueprint reading

Building automation systems

MS Office

Safety procedures

Troubleshooting

Independent/team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

HVACR technical training

Tools

FacilityDude

Diagnostic instruments

Blueprints/Schematics

Job description

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

DZCA honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions – Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect – and by embracing our Core Values of Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

The HVAC Mechanic advances Denver Zoo’s mission and goals overseeing the preventative care and maintenance, inspection, repair, and installation of heating, ventilation, air‑conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) systems and related equipment across the zoo campus.

Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you’re excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Installs, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs complex commercial and industrial HVAC equipment, including fabricating parts and components as needed.
• Conducts comprehensive inspections of facilities and equipment to identify HVAC needs, diagnose electrical, electronic, and mechanical system failures, and determine appropriate corrective action.
• Programs, monitors, adjusts, and updates building automation system controls to optimize HVAC performance, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.
• Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs steam and hot‑water boilers, circulating pumps, vacuum pumps, boiler‑feed pumps, and associated auxiliary equipment.
• Leads complex HVAC projects and coordinates installations, preventive maintenance, and repairs with internal trades teams and external contractors.
• Mentors and supports team members by providing hands‑on technical training, guidance, and instruction on HVAC systems and safe work practices.
• Installs, maintains, replaces, troubleshoots, and repairs commercial and industrial refrigeration, air‑conditioning, and related mechanical systems.
• Installs, maintains, and repairs forced‑air heating systems, ventilation equipment, and ductwork.
• Reads, interprets, prepares, and works from blueprints, schematics, technical drawings, and specifications to complete installations and repairs accurately.
• Performs and supports maintenance and repair work across multiple skilled trades to address facility needs.
• Safely operates, inspects, and maintains tools, machinery, diagnostic instruments, and equipment used across various trades.
• Utilizes FacilityDude to manage work orders, document completed work, communicate status updates, and maintain accurate maintenance records and reports.
• Develops accurate estimates of the materials, labor, equipment, and time required to complete assigned projects and repairs.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; enrollment in or completion of technical school training in HVACR systems is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience as an HVAC Mechanic, preferably in public facility settings such as nonprofit, commercial, or industrial environments, with expertise in HVAC maintenance and repair is preferred. Equivalent combinations of experience and specialized skills will also be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of basic computer applications and digital control systems, with the ability to monitor building automation systems and respond promptly to system‑generated alarms.
• Strong knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of variable air volume (VAV) systems.
• Strong knowledge of filters, fans, pumps, air compressors, seals, bearings, plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, and other equipment used in specialized facilities where HVAC systems may operate beyond standard comfort‑heating and cooling requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of related plumbing, pipefitting, electrical, and hot‑work practices.
• Strong knowledge of, and ability to follow, established safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, confined‑space entry, fall protection, and hot‑work requirements.
• Strong knowledge of the principles and methods used to operate industrial equipment safely and efficiently.
• Strong knowledge of machines and tools, including their design, installation, operation, repair, and preventive maintenance.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from blueprints, schematics, technical drawings, equipment manuals, and specifications.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications and relevant work‑order or building automation software.
• Strong organizational, written and verbal communication, prioritization, and attention‑to‑detail skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre‑employment drug and alcohol screen.
• To support our operations, candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Compensation

Hourly range for this position is $29.81 to $36.52.

A Truly Wild Workplace With Competitive Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
• Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
• And so much more!

Application Process And Timelines

Application Deadline: August 3, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org