Maintenance Lead, Maintenance Technician ​/ Mechanic, Building Maintenance

Job Summary

The Maintenance Lead will support the facility and grounds maintenance for the Lehigh Valley Zoo. The Facilities and Grounds team ensures the upkeep of all buildings, animal exhibits, and equipment. The Lead works alongside zoo staff to plan and complete maintenance tasks.

Type: Full Time
Work model: On‑Site
Pay rate: $19.00–$21.00 per hour

• Complete regular and preventative maintenance tasks as assigned.
• Perform basic carpentry, plumbing, and electrical installation and repair.
• Monitor the fleet of vehicles and coordinate repairs and maintenance, including oil changes and inspections.
• Paint and stain interiors and exteriors of buildings, decks, fences, and exhibits.
• Assist zoo volunteers with projects.
• Repair sidewalks, driveways, fences, exhibits, and other assigned items.
• Inspect buildings, equipment, and systems to identify issues.
• Repair faulty equipment and damaged structures.
• Operate common hand and power tools.
• Assist in maintaining and testing fire protection equipment.
• Manage maintenance shop tools and inventory and purchase supplies as needed.
• Maintain relationships with vendors and subcontractors.
• Support groundskeepers with landscaping, grass cutting, snow shoveling, and plowing.
• Collaborate with the Animal Care team to ensure safe work near habitats and in public areas.
• Assist Guest Services, Marketing, and Events with event setups, site restoration, and temporary infrastructure.
• Work in all weather conditions and be available for emergency response or after‑hours needs.
• Monitor on‑site parking and traffic flow during special events, such as Winter Lights Spectacular.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

• Mechanical vehicle repairs
• Carpentry techniques
• Common hand and power tools
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Physical strength and endurance – able to lift and manipulate equipment
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks
• Self‑starter who works independently and as part of a team
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships

• Minimum of three (3) years experience in a facilities maintenance area.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and occasional after‑hours or overnight assignments, in all weather conditions.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

The position requires mandatory physical activities such as walking, sitting, standing, using hands and fingers, handling objects, reaching, balancing, stooping, lifting up to 75 pounds (occasionally 50 pounds), climbing, crawling, and working in aerial, underground, or exposure to hazardous chemicals and fumes. Tasks require close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision as well as the ability to adjust focus. Work is performed outdoors, in shop, and office settings with background noise often louder than a typical office.

Salary: $19.00–$21.00 per hour.