Assistant Zoo Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $41,288.00 - $52,312.00 Annually
Location : 150 Cleveland Park Drive - Greenville, SC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01446
Department: GREENVILLE ZOO
Division: ZOO ADMINISTRATION
Opening Date: 01/12/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Brief Description
Job SummaryUnder regular direction and in compliance with standard operating procedures and policies, performs multi-trade work in the construction, renovation, installation, maintenance, and repair of the Zoo's facilities and exhibits to ensure the safety of animals, staff, and the public. Constructs, repairs, and renovates new and/or existing buildings and exhibits. Performs basic repairs and preventive maintenance on Zoo property or facility equipment and systems, including plumbing and electrical systems. Maintains grounds including cleaning walkways, mowing lawn, applying pesticide, pruning, and planting. Collaborates with affected staff to design and construct and/or fabricate structures and mechanisms. Supports Zoo operations by performing a wide range of maintenance and basic administrative tasks. Participates in special events and rentals by assisting in coordinating and implementing logistics from set-up through break-down.
Job Duties
Essential Functions Essential Functions % of Time

• Perform Facility Maintenance and Repairs: Obtain and complete work order requests. Receive plans, make material list, and acquire materials. Build necessary walls, doorways, windows in conformance to building codes and standards. Install drywall and perform painting. Replace or repair broken equipment, tools, fences, or water lines. Identify water leaks, isolate, expose pipes and make repairs. Make plumbing repairs/replacements to faucets, spigots, and hydrants; clear storm, sanitary-sewer, and localized drains along walkways, in exhibits and restrooms, and multiple buildings. Install temporary lighting as needed. Repair damage to buildings or exhibits constructed of wood or concrete. Patch walkways and roadways. Perform general upkeep on Zoo buildings' electrical systems. Install and repair electrical systems wiring, circuit breakers, equipment and other components so that they remain at full functioning capacity. Collaborate on exhibit design and construction including fabricating structures and mechanisms. Install wire mesh for caging and ensure security. Collaborate on construction projects for buildings and exhibits (e.g., set poles, hang mesh, install or repair sheet rock, paint, remove/replace pavers, etc.). Perform basic irrigation, plumbing, and concrete-work as needed. Change out filters for water sources and HVAC systems. Maintain fluorescent and floodlights, as well as install new lighting, fans, misters etc. Ensure restrooms are clean, fully stocked, and functioning properly. Maintain a safe work environment.

50%

• Perform Grounds Maintenance: Maintain perimeter fence-line in accordance with established standards. Clean picnic areas, collect and empty trash, and maintain clean walkways. Plant trees and shrubs, mow, trim, over-seed, fertilize, mix soil and spread, water, aerate, and apply pesticide application for disease, weed, and insect control on turf, annuals, perennials, and shrubs. Install and remove plant material (annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs) during appropriate times of the year. Prepare soil and install sod on designated grass areas. Install mulch for trees, plants, and large designated areas. Remove dead or dangerous tree limbs. Remove snow and spread ice melt.

20%

• Support Zoo Operations: Receive and unload large deliveries for gift shop, concession, animal commissary, education or construction materials and transport to appropriate location. Transport diverse materials to various animal areas. Maintain inventory for janitorial and maintenance related supplies. Coordinate car and bus parking. Train Animal Care staff in the proper use of tools and equipment for basic maintenance of animal exhibits. Collaborate on oil changes on mowers and other equipment requiring regular maintenance. Collaborate on maintaining gas for all vehicles, gas cans for equipment, and diesel for skid steer. Place orders for paper and plastic products.

20%

• Perform Event Setup and Breakdown: Participate in events and general Zoo activities. Assist in coordinating and implementing logistics from set-up through break-down, including managing equipment and erecting structures as assigned. Provide electrical feed to meet event needs.

10%Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Job Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Over two (2) years of experience in facility maintenance (e.g. basic plumbing, electrical, and carpentry).

• CPR, First Aid, and AED Certifications within one year of employment.

• SC Non-Commercial Pesticide License (category 3) within six (6) months of employment.

Driver's License Requirements

• Valid South Carolina Class D Driver's License.

Performance RequirementsKnowledge of:

• Safe equipment operating practices and procedures.

• Basic landscape and turn maintenance practices.

• Basic electrical, plumbing, HVAC and carpentry repair.

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and train applicable staff in the proper use of tools and equipment for basic maintenance of animal exhibits.

• Manage multiple projects and perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy.

• Work in inclement weather conditions including cold rain, wind, heat, snow, sleet, etc.

• Read, analyze, and interpret technical journals and procedures, blueprints, and schematics.

• Deal with a system of real numbers; and practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement.

• Write reports, summaries, and compose emails in a clear and professional manner.

• Operate backpack blower, bobcat skid steer, skid loader, excavator, backhoe, front end loader, track hoe, tractor, utility vehicles, trucks, vans, lift-truck, air compressor, lawn mower, hedge trimmers, weed eater, chainsaw, drills (electric, pneumatic, and battery powered), saws, various power tools, hand tools (e.g., hammers, screwdrivers, wire-cutters, pliers, fence pliers, tin snips, hack saw, bow saw, etc.), and various landscape tools (e.g., rakes, shovels, hoes, axes, pitch forks, hand-pruners, loppers etc.), as well as cleaning supplies (e.g., mops, mop bucket, brooms, toilet brushes, and disinfectants).

• Operate a portable radio, phone, and/or other communication devices.

• Operate general office equipment to include scanner, printer, copier, telephone, and computer with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Utilize specialized software and systems to include work management system.

Other Information
Working ConditionsPrimary Work Location: Zoo maintenance shop and outdoors (Zoo grounds).Protective Equipment Required: Designated PPEs for restroom cleaning and maintenance work in primate areas. Safety glasses, gloves (rubber and others), ear protection, hard hat, chaps, climbing harness, respirators, welding helmets and apparel, safety vest, safety chaps, and steel-toed boots.Environmental/Health and Safety Factors:
Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk. Daily exposure to extreme temperatures and wetness and/or humidity. Weekly exposure to respiratory hazards, noise and vibration, and physical hazards. Constant exposure to mechanical hazards. Frequent exposure to chemical hazards. Occasional exposure to electrical hazards and fire hazards. Rare exposure to communicable diseases.Physical Demands:
Constantly requires standing, fine dexterity, walking, carrying, and hearing. Frequently requires lifting, reaching, kneeling, pushing/pulling, climbing, vision, balancing, bending, crouching and stooping, and talking. Occasionally requires handling/grasping, crawling, foot controls and twisting. Heavy strength demands include exerting 50-100 pounds occasionally, exerting 20-50 pounds frequently, or exerting up to 10-20 pounds constantly. Lifting animals, concrete mix, grain sacks, hay bales, lumber, and tents.Mental Demands:
Constantly requires frequent change of tasks. Frequently requires performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working closely with others as part of a team, and performing tedious or exacting work. Occasionally requires time pressures, emergency situations, and noisy/distracting environment.Americans with Disabilities Act ComplianceThe City of Greenville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Prospective and current employees should contact Human Resources to request an ADA accommodation.DisclaimerThe above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
The City of Greenville offers a comprehensive and affordable benefits package designed to provide a variety of choices to best fit the needs of our employees and their families. View more details about these benefits here:
HEALTH INSURANCE
The City offers the following health insurance options to eligible employees:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Basic Term Life
• Employee Supplemental Life
• Spouse Term Life
• Child Term Life
• Short Term Disability (STD)
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Voluntary Benefits (Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital Care, etc.)

All health insurance coverage is effective the first of the month following the employee's hire date except for LTD which is effective the 91st day following date of hire.
LEAVE & HOLIDAY BENEFITS

• General Leave is earned/accrued biweekly by all regular, full-time and permanent part-time employees as a percentage of normal work hours.
• The City of Greenville observes 11 paid holidays.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The City is a member of the South Carolina State (SCRS) and Police Officers (PORS) defined benefit Retirement Systems.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION

• Employee Recognition & Awards Program (ER&A)
• Employee Service Awards
• Longevity Bonus

OTHER BENEFITS & OPPORTUNITIES

• Worker's Compensation
• Deferred Compensation
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)