ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Metro Richmond Zoo’s mission is to promote animal conservation and inspire guests by providing up-close, educational encounters with the wild. The zoo is situated on 150 acres of land and is home to over 2,000 animals representing 190 species from around the world. The Zoological Association of America accredits the zoo and is well-known for its conservation programs for cheetahs, African penguins, and Diana monkeys
POSITION SUMMARY
Skilled Construction Laborers are responsible for the renovation and construction of animal exhibits and the maintenance of all zoo buildings and structures.
Looking for a change in the typical construction industry? Skilled trades workers at the zoo complete a diversity of tasks and have the unique opportunity to construct animal habitats.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Carry out new project construction on animal exhibits (MRZ works in all trades: carpentry, plumbing, electrical, concrete, painting, fencing, decorative concrete, etc.)
Renovate and maintain 30+ zoo buildings and structures
Renovate and maintain 100+ animal habitats
Dig trenches, compact earth, and backfill holes
Building maintenance required: changing light bulbs, door handles, ballasts, etc.
Maintain all safety standards
Maintain the equipment fleet of golf carts, UTVs, ATVs, and heavy machinery
Move, secure, install, build, load, or unload materials
Operate heavy and light equipment depending on the job site/assignment
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Skilled Construction Laborers must have the ability to:
Lift 60lbs
Walk, stand, and bend over for long periods of time
Use and move a tall ladder comfortably
Utilize heavy machinery and power tools safely
Perform duties for 8 hours a day
Have a full range of motion in the back and all extremities
QUALIFICATIONS
Skilled Trades Workers must:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a high school diploma or a general education degree
Have a valid driver’s license
Be authorized to work in the United States
Have 3 years of construction experience
Be self-motivated in work ethic
Be able to work outdoors in all weather from 0°F to over 100°F
Be able to communicate clearly in written and verbal forms
Be able to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively
Be able to handle multiple tasks
Be able to work independently and as part of a team
Have great attention to detail
Have reliable transportation
Have an appreciation for animals and their wellbeing
Be proficient in at least 5 of the 9 trades listed below:
Framing
Plumbing
Electrical
Masonry
Welding
Specialty trades
Variety of fence types
Commercial painting
Mechanical skills
HOURS
Full-time employment
40 hours a week (Zoo does not offer overtime hours)
Monday-Friday work week with occasional Saturdays
5 days a week
PERKS AND BENEFITS
Free zoo and zipline tickets
Food and merchandise discounts
Work near animals
Day-time hours (no nights)
No Sundays required
Flexible schedule
Variable work tasks
Consistent on-site work
Fast-paced: no dull moments
Work outdoors and indoors
Career advancement opportunities
Medical
Retirement with company match
PTO
Some paid holidays
ALCOHOL AND DRUG TESTING
Team members may not arrive on duty under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Since this position is a safety-sensitive position, team members may be subject to random alcohol and drug testing.
DISCLAIMER
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the team member. All team members are required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their supervisors.
APPLY
Fill out this application: https://metrorichmondzoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/MRZEmploymentapplicationfillable2025.pdf
Email it along with your resume to this posting's email address
