Are you passionate about?

…Providing exceptional care for animals?

…Saving wild animals and wild places?

…Inspiring guests to connect with nature and take action to impact the future of our world?

…Being part of a dynamic, growing zoo that is welcoming to all? Explore a career with Reid Park Zoo! We are seeking a Trades Assistant to join our Facilities Team! 

With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in over 50 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo cares for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world, 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 Monarch and Songbird Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs. With more than 600,000 visits annually, the Zoo is in 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 gibbons, as well as a breeding facility for critically endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

Reid Park Zoo’s mission is to connect people with animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo continues to support local and global conservation and the highest standards in animal care while providing educational opportunities and family fun. 

No phone calls or visits please.  This position is open until filled.  We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.  We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.

Pay Range: $18.00 to $20.70 per 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. 

Overview: The Trades Assistant plays an important role in maintaining safe, functional, and welcoming facilities for animals, staff, and guests.

Reports To:   Facilities Manager

General Duties

• Demonstrates and models the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
• Provides excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
• Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist skilled trades staff (carpenters, electricians, plumbers, HVAC, and maintenance technicians) with routine tasks and projects
• Perform basic maintenance and repair work under supervision
• Assist with preventative maintenance, inspections, and general upkeep of zoo buildings, exhibits, and grounds
• Transport tools, equipment, and materials to and from job sites
• Check out select tools and equipment to trades staff at the beginning of each day, and check it back in at the end of the workday
• Manage and maintain inventory of tools, equipment, materials and other supplies
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Follow all safety procedures, policies, and zoo protocols
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Willingness to learn and follow instructions
• Ability to use basic hand and power tools safely (training provided)
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Strong work ethic and reliability
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers
• Commitment to safety and professionalism

Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: High school diploma or equivalent; a combination of education and experience may be considered
• EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT: No prior trades or maintenance experience is required
• A valid, current, unrestricted driver's license
• Complete pre-hire criminal 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, OR complete a pre-hire TB test (company paid) to be renewed annually
• Completes all training as required
• 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
• Politely 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 a flexible work schedule including some evenings and weekends 

Physical Requirements 

• Must be able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 pounds often
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb ladders frequently
• Stand and walk for long periods of time
• Repetitive motions with hands
• Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
• Must be able to work outside in either cold or hot weather conditions the majority of the time

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with inventory 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.