HVAC Technician I

Houston Zoo; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Zoo is seeking a skilled HVAC technician to maintain and repair ventilation, heating and air conditioning systems across zoo buildings and facilities. The role focuses on ensuring reliable climate control, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include inspection, routine maintenance, diagnostics, and system installation. Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma or GED, HVAC certification, and at least two years’ experience in building HVAC maintenance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent.
• HVAC certification required.
• Minimum 2 years experience in building or mechanical HVAC maintenance.
• Knowledge of HVAC maintenance including chill water, split systems and safety practices.
• HVAC controls and safety devices; MSDS sheets and refrigerant procedures.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and maintain air-conditioning units for efficient operation.
• Perform routine maintenance on heating and cooling units.
• Diagnose mechanical/electrical malfunctions; install/repair equipment; calibrate thermostats.
• Install new HVAC systems and replace worn parts and lines.
• Inspect refrigeration equipment and chill water systems; monitor pressures.
• Maintain electrical and electronic control systems; clean coils and inspect motors.

Skills

HVAC maintenance

Electrical troubleshooting

Read blueprints

EPA Type I

Education

High school diploma or GED

HVAC Certification

2+ years HVAC experience

Tools

HVAC controls

Refrigerant recovery equipment

Sheet metal/plumbing tools

Job description

This position is responsible for performing a wide variety of skilled tasks involved in the maintenance and repair of ventilation, heating and air conditioning units related to the care and maintenance of zoo buildings and facilities. Work objectives are to maintain the physical integrity of zoo structures and facilities.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspects air‑conditioning units to ensure efficient operation.
• Performs regularly scheduled maintenance on heating and cooling units.
• Diagnoses mechanical and electrical malfunctions; installs, replaces, or repairs damaged equipment; calibrates thermostatic controls.
• Installs new heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning systems; repairs and replaces damaged or worn heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning parts and equipment; repairs or replaces low‑ and high‑pressure liquid lines.
• Inspects and observes pressure of liquids and vapor with instrumentation to ensure efficient operation of units and make necessary adjustments; inspects and services refrigeration equipment including refrigerators, ice machines, gas packs and heat pumps.
• Maintains the chilled and hot water supply systems.
• Adjusts and maintains internal electrical and electronic control systems; cleans coils and blowers and checks motors and belt tensions.
• Working knowledge and troubleshoots chill water system.
• Assembles and installs metal ductwork.
• Assists in planning and designing of new installations of heating and air‑conditioning systems.
• Maintains maintenance records as required by City, State and EPA regulations.
• Interprets building codes and regulations as they relate to HVAC.
• Assists with installs with refrigerant compressors.
• Assists with diagnoses problems and completes recommendations.
• Assists with making estimates of materials required.
• Repairs and replaces damaged parts and equipment.
• Reads blueprints, floor plans and wiring diagrams.
• Reads and interprets City, State and EPA regulations.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Possession of an EPA Refrigerant Technician Type I.
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protection actions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED, or one to three months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification in HVAC systems.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in building or mechanical HVAC system maintenance.
• Principles and practices of HVAC maintenance and repair including chill water, split systems, hazard and safety practices common to the trade.
• HVAC controls and safety devices; appropriate MSDS sheets; tools of the trade; materials and refrigerant recovery equipment and procedures used in installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems.
• Computerized electrical circuits and systems as they relate to air‑conditioning, heating, ventilation and refrigerated cooling.
• Sheet metal, electrical, plumbing and carpentry experience.
• Will be required to be trained and certified with heavy machinery, backhoe, bobcat, forklift, telehandler, scissor lift, manlift.

Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.