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Zoo Maintenance Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Provide excellent guest service to zoo guests and employees by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude, appearance, and assist in creating value for each ...

... by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive, and professional) working attitude and ... Zoo with alcohol or enter the Zoo without paid admission. 8. Lift and install standard propane ...

Cook

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Enjoy a weekly paycheck, flexible schedule, Zoo membership perks & more! What you'll be doing: * Quality and portion control * Food preparation * Creative food presentation * Maintaining kitchen

Cook

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Enjoy a weekly paycheck, flexible schedule, Zoo membership perks & more! What you'll be doing: * Quality and portion control * Food preparation * Creative food presentation * Maintaining kitchen

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Zoo Maintenance information

See Arizona salary details

$11

$29

$52

How much do zoo maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo maintenance in Arizona is $29.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.49 and $35.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a zoo maintenance?

A Zoo Maintenance job involves maintaining the cleanliness, functionality, and safety of zoo facilities. This includes repairing enclosures, maintaining pathways, ensuring proper drainage, and handling basic electrical or plumbing tasks. Workers may also assist with landscaping and maintaining visitor areas to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for guests and animals.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for someone working in zoo maintenance?

Zoo Maintenance staff are responsible for inspecting and repairing animal enclosures, maintaining pathways and visitor facilities, ensuring all equipment functions safely, and responding to urgent maintenance requests. A typical day might include tasks such as cleaning and repairing fences, managing plumbing or lighting issues, performing scheduled preventative maintenance, and collaborating with animal care staff to coordinate safe access to enclosures. The role requires adaptability, as priorities can shift quickly in response to weather or unforeseen repairs. Working both indoors and outdoors, Zoo Maintenance team members play a crucial role in supporting animal welfare and guest experience every day.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the zoo maintenance position, and why are they important?

To excel in Zoo Maintenance, candidates need strong mechanical aptitude, basic knowledge of plumbing, carpentry, and electrical systems, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with maintenance tools, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA training are typical requirements. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work independently as well as part of a team are standout soft skills. These attributes ensure a safe, functional, and well-maintained environment for both animals and visitors, supporting daily zoo operations.

What are popular job titles related to Zoo Maintenance jobs in Arizona?

For Zoo Maintenance jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Zoo Maintenance jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Zoo Maintenance jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Zoo Maintenance jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Zoo Maintenance job openings:

Infographic showing various Zoo Maintenance job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,190 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Life Support Operator & Water Quality Tech Level 1 (Zoo Aquatics)

REID PARK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$20.75 - $24.38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Water may cover 70% of the earth, but it's 100% of this job!
The Reid Park Zoological Society (Reid Park Zoo) is seeking a Life Support Operator & Water Quality Technician (Level 1) to join our "water team."
With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in nearly 100 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is a leader in the songbird and monarch SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) programs to name a few recognitions. Attracting 600,000 guests annually, the Zoo is the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbon, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in late 2026.
Pay Range: $20.75 - $24.38/hour
Benefits: This is a fully benefited position, including group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time, retirement plan, zoo membership, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.
No phone calls or visits please. This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.
Overview: The Life Support Operator & Water Quality Technician - Level 1 is responsible for the routine operation and basic maintenance of aquatic life support systems and the collection and testing of water samples at Reid Park Zoo. This is an entry-level position with robust on-the-job training and support to learn the role. This entry-level position supports the Life Support & Water Quality team in ensuring all aquatic environments meet or exceed standards for animal health, safety, and welfare as defined by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). The position works under close supervision, gaining experience in mechanical systems, water treatment processes, and preventative maintenance. This is not a hands-on animal care position
Reports To: Facilities Manager
General Duties
  • Demonstrate and model the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
  • Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
  • Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
  • Follow Zoo safety protocols and procedures
  • Monitor and operate life support equipment, including pumps, filters, ozone systems, UV sterilizers, chillers, and heat exchangers.
  • Assist with routine inspections and basic preventative maintenance on life support equipment.
  • Perform water quality testing (e.g., temperature, pH, chlorine, salinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, dissolved oxygen).
  • Record and report test results accurately to senior staff or supervisor.
  • Assist with adjustments to system operations or chemical dosing under supervision.
  • Maintain accurate records of daily rounds, water testing data, and completed maintenance tasks.
  • Assist with inventory of chemicals, parts, and supplies.
  • Follow all safety procedures when working with chemicals, machinery, and confined spaces.
  • Support emergency response procedures and participate in drills as directed.
  • Work cooperatively with Animal Care and Facilities Teams
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of life support areas, mechanical rooms, and workspaces.

Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
  • High school diploma or equivalent required. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • A valid, current, unrestricted driver's license
  • Successfully complete pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
  • Comply with quarterly random drug testing if selected
  • Proof of negative TB test within the past 12 months (renewed annually, company paid).
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
  • Detail-oriented, reliable, and safety-focused.
  • AALSO LSS Operator 1 Certification or ability to obtain within 2 years of employment
  • AALSO Water Quality 1 Certification or ability to obtain within 2 years of employment
  • Participates in emergency drills
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships, at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors and the public
  • Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast paced, public/guest attraction focused environment
  • Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, act or change direction as needed
  • Regular physical attendance at work
  • Reliable and able to work to a schedule
  • Must be able to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and participate in on-call rotation as needed.

Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds often
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, reach frequently
  • Stand and walk for long periods of time
  • Repetitious motions with hands
  • Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
  • Work in wet, hot, humid, noisy, and outdoor environments, including confined spaces and at heights
  • Ability to work around chemicals, biohazards and machinery noise (PPE provided)

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
  • Associate's degree or technical certification in aquaculture, water treatment, biology, chemistry, mechanical/electrical systems, or related field
  • Minimum 1 year of experience in mechanical, plumbing, or water system maintenance; experience with aquariums, pools, or aquatic systems
  • Basic understanding of pumps, filters, valves, and plumbing systems.
  • Experience working in a zoo, aquarium or aquatic facility
  • Familiarity with AZA standards for water quality management
  • Bilingual (Any language including ASL)

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Human Resources Dept.