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The Supervisor, HVAC-R Shop leads the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and long-term stewardship of the Zoo’s HVAC-R and related environmental systems. This is a hands-on working supervisor role responsible for supporting reliable environmental conditions, operational continuity, preventive maintenance execution, system performance, and technical quality across a complex campus containing animal habitats, veterinary and laboratory spaces, food service facilities, guest environments, refrigeration systems, and critical infrastructure.

The Supervisor leads HVAC-R technicians in proactive stewardship of the Zoo’s HVAC-R and environmental systems through planned and responsive maintenance, operational oversight, documented maintenance practices, controls coordination, and continuous improvement of system reliability, maintainability, and equipment lifespan. This role works closely with the Manager of MEP Operations, Controls Technician, and other departments to maintain reliable, operationally effective environmental systems that advance animal wellbeing, guest experience, staff operations, and sustainability.

Maintain a valid Texas driver’s license and comply with the Zoo’s driving policy.

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

HVAC-R Operations and Technical Leadership

• Lead and participate in HVAC-R maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, inspections, startup, adjustments, and operational problem-solving across the Zoo campus while maintaining a strong hands-on field presence.
• Supervise HVAC-R technicians and establish clear expectations for safety, technical quality, communication, productivity, documentation, follow-through, and professional work practices for both in-house and contractor-supported work.
• Ensure consistent, reliable operation of HVAC-R and related environmental systems serving animal habitats, veterinary and laboratory facilities, refrigeration systems, food service operations, guest spaces, data infrastructure, quarantine areas, and other critical environments.

Asset Stewardship and Preventive Maintenance

• Develop and improve preventive maintenance programs, operational procedures, and troubleshooting practices that support proactive asset stewardship, operational reliability, equipment lifespan, and reduction of recurring failures or emergency repairs.
• Identify HVAC-R repair, replacement, and system improvement needs and support development of related operating and capital project recommendations.
• Support capital expenditure planning and budget projections for HVAC-R systems through asset condition awareness, maintenance history, operational performance, and lifecycle considerations.
• Support energy efficiency, sustainability, reliability, and operational resilience through proper system operation, maintenance practices, scheduling, and controls coordination.
• Maintain accurate work order documentation, maintenance records, asset information, and operational history within the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and related systems.

Project Design, Execution, and Commissioning

• Lead HVAC-R participation in project design, technical review, commissioning, startup, training, turnover, and operational readiness activities.
• Provide technical input on HVAC-R system and equipment selection, design and performance standards, control strategies, maintainability, serviceability, and other operational requirements for projects and related infrastructure improvements.
• Capture lessons learned from operations, system failures, commissioning, repairs, and maintenance history to improve future projects, standards, maintenance practices, and system performance.
• Oversee quality and maintainability expectations for in-house HVAC-R installations and contractor-supported work.

Communication and Resource Management

• Communicate outages, operational impacts, shutdowns, schedule constraints, risks, and maintenance activities clearly and proactively.
• Evaluate contractor and vendor technical quality, responsiveness, maintainability, and compliance with safety and operational expectations.
• Determine whether work should be completed in-house, assigned to trade contractors, or advanced as a capital project based on operational complexity, risk, technical requirements, and resource availability.
• 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.
• Contributes to other operational priorities as needed. 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in building or mechanical HVAC system maintenance is required, including at least three (3) years in a leadership or management role.
• Possession of an EPA Refrigerant Technician Type I and II certification on the date of application.
• Possession of an EPA Refrigerant Technician Universal certification on the date of application.
• Must have a valid Texas driver’s license and comply with the policy on driving.
• Principles and practices of HVAC maintenance and repair; 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.
• Interpret building codes and regulations as they relate to HVAC.
• Properly install refrigerant compressors.
• Diagnose problems and make recommendations.
• Make estimates of materials required.
• Repair and replace damaged parts and equipment.
• Read blueprints, floor plans and wiring diagrams.
• Read and interpret City, State and EPA regulations.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

About Houston Zoo 

Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.

Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.