HVAC Technician I

This position is responsible for performing and assisting in a wide variety of tasks involved in the reactive and proactive maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment related to the care and comfort of zoo guests, staff, and animals. Work objectives are to maintain the equipment related to HVAC while retaining physical integrity of zoo structures and facilities. 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 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 trouble shoots 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 protecting actions. Contributes to other operational priorities as needed. Education and Experience High school diploma or general education degree (GED). 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. About the Houston Zoo The 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.