Hvac Engineering Intern Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $44.84 - $56.47 Hourly
Location : Oregon Zoo, OR
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-0458-Zoo
Department: Oregon Zoo - OZ
Opening Date: 05/18/2026
Position Summary
This job posting is open continuously until filled. The next batch of candidates will be reviewed on 7/20/26 and will follow a 2 week cadence.
Hello, we'reMetro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.
The Oregon Zoo is looking to hire a HVAC Technician. In this role you will have the opportunity to work in the zoo's HVAC department, which is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. These systems are vital to ensure the comfort and safety of animals and guests. The position offers opportunities to work on a variety of projects, maintain critical systems, and make a positive impact on the overall mission of the zoo.
As the HVAC Technician you will:

• Serve as a technical expert for HVAC/R and associated trades and consult with the Facilities Systems Manager, maintenance leads, and other staff as necessary to determine overall HVAC requirements.
• Coordinate and document contracted services for maintenance, repair, replacement, installation, and evaluation of building systems and components.
• Operate, maintain, and repair mechanical, refrigeration, and plumbing systems, including troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, system optimizations, seasonal adjustments, space utilization, occupancy, and other facility needs.
• Assist the public and employees in a professional, courteous, and positive manner.
• Respond to various urgent maintenance issues, building emergencies and weather related issues.
• Reports to work as essential personnel regardless of building closures.

Attributes for success:

• Knowledge of and ability to operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC/R such as Geothermal heat pumps, heat recovery, and other commercial high efficiency systems that utilize electronic control systems such as direct digital controls (DDC) while observing professional and technical services standards, practices, methods, and using the tools of the HVAC/R trade.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and repair mechanical refrigeration systems including large industrial chillers, evaporators, and condensers for aquatic pools, large bodies of water as well as space cooling while maintaining chemical balances for these systems.
• Ability to work independently, be self-directed and work as a member of a team.
• Knowledge and ability to understand and observe Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations of the HVAC/R trade.
• Knowledge of standard maintenance practices, procedures and techniques. Ability to obtain and maintain all required licenses and certifications.
• Ability to perform (with or without a reasonable accommodation) the physical demands in the work environment and operate the tools and equipment.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED certificate and,
• HVAC apprenticeship and trade certification or equivalent and,
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in HVAC/R maintenance, repair, installation, and operations or,
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Required:

• Driver's license
• Valid Oregon PJ, LME, LBE, LEA, or BME license.

Ability to obtain or possess:

• ORACCA brazing certification or similar brazing certification.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• EPA Section 608 Universal Refrigerants Handlers certification.

Work schedule: Tuesday - Saturday from 6:00am-2:30pm on-site.
Driving Record Check: The candidate selected for the position will need to pass a Driving Record check prior to being hired. Speeding tickets do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:
If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed resume that includes the following details for each employer
  • Name of employer
  • Working title
  • Dates of employment; including if the work was full-time or part-time
  • Your title
  • Summary of your responsibilities
• Answers to supplemental questions

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments
• Reference check
• Driving records check for finalist candidate

COMPENSATION AND REPRESENTATION
The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $43.53 per hour to step 5: $54.83 per hour. However, unless a candidate's qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirementsand Metro's internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $43.53 per hour to the equity range step 4: $51.76 per hour.
This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by LiUNA 483 union. It is classified as an HVAC Technician.
Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.
Questions?
Recruiter: Christina Rentas
Email: christina.rentas@oregonmetro.gov
Additional Information
Equal employment opportunity
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.
Accommodation
Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
Veterans' preference
Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Hybrid Telework
Positions designated as "hybrid telework," meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
Pay equity at Metro
No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do.Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
Online applications
Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
How to Apply
For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's page.
Government Jobs
For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs page.
Metro
Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area's garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.
As part of the Metro family, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.
As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.
Family members, including eligible spouses, domestic partners, and children, are covered under most of our benefits programs. Benefits vary depending on position and full-time, part-time, and variable hour status.
This is a budgeted, regular status position with a full-time schedule. The position is eligible for these benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision health insurance
• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation, holiday, and other leave
• Paid parental leave
• Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement
• No-cost TriMet Hop Pass
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training opportunities
• Flexible schedules depending on position and department
• Hybrid/Telework living in Oregon /Washington depending on position and department

Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.
Some positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.
01
Do you have any trade certifications?

• Yes
• No
• In Progress

02
If you have a trade certification, please list it below. (type N/A if you do not have any)
03
Do you have a valid Oregon PJ, LME, LBE, LEA, or BME license?

• Yes
• No

04
How many years of experience do you have in HVAC/R maintenance, repair, installation, and operations?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 4 years
• 4 years but less than 5 years
• 5 years but less than 6 years
• 6 years but less than 7 years
• 7 years but less than 8 years
• More than 8 years

05
Which type of facilities have you primarily supported with HVAC/R systems?

• Residential only
• Light commercial (small offices, retail)
• Large commercial or institutional facilities (campuses, hospitals, government buildings)
• Specialized facilities with environmental controls (zoos, aquariums, laboratories, museums)

06
Which HVAC/R systems do you have hands on experience operating or maintaining? (Select all that apply)

• Geothermal heat pump systems
• Heat recovery systems
• Variable frequency drives (VFDs)
• Large commercial boilers
• Large commercial chillers
• Refrigeration systems for pools or aquatic habitats
• I do not have experience with the systems listed

07
Zoo environments often require precise temperature and humidity control for animal health. Which best describes your level of experience with environmental control systems?

• No experience
• Limited experience observing or assisting with adjustments
• Regular experience making seasonal or occupancy based adjustments
• Advanced experience optimizing systems to meet strict environmental requirements

08
Have you worked with systems that support live animals or aquatic life where failure could pose safety or welfare concerns?

• No
• Yes, with supervision or as part of a team
• Yes, independently r