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Mechanic

Fort Worth Zoo
Fort Worth, United States Posted: July 18, 2025


This position will perform inspections, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of a variety of Zoo vehicles, amusement rides and related equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Perform daily inspection of vehicles and amusement rides following established preventative maintenance procedures approved by manufacturer and Zoo including, but not limited to bearings, lubrication, excessive vibration, V-belts, drive units, drive chains, couplings, internal combustion, and diesel engines for signs of wear or need of adjustment
  • Make repairs to gearboxes, hydraulic and pneumatic components, engines or other motivation equipment, brakes, and safety devices 
  • Adjust all equipment to obtain proper operating characteristics as specified by the equipment manufacture
  • Perform basic routine maintenance tasks including but not limited to oil changes, tire rotations, fluid levels checks, transmission flushes, battery installations, headlight/taillight installations and inspections
  • Repair or replace worn parts and systems such as spark plugs, wheel bearings, brake pads, fuel systems, sensors, filters, hoses and belts
  • Conduct routine diagnostic analyses to check and test vehicle/ride parts, systems and equipment using standard diagnostic and testing instruments
  • Operate vehicles and equipment to observe, check and assess malfunctions and repairs, conduct test runs to ensure proper function and/or determine if/when, vehicles and equipment need service or repair
  • Work with contractors to assure quality work on rides and equipment installation
  • Respond to emergency calls, expediting repairs to ensure guest and employee safety
  • As directed, make repairs to other mechanical equipment such as trash compactors, etc.
  • Advise management when immediate shut down of equipment is needed to minimize damage or when temporary operation will not have harmful effect
  • Ensure that preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs, and facilities maintenance are addressed on a timely and proactive basis 
  • Assist where needed in inter-departmental projects and functions
  • Perform other related duties and responsibilities (as appropriate to skill level and experience) as assigned 
  • Have regular and punctual attendance 
  • Work modified schedule as needed and determined by management
Qualifications:
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • Comprehensive and working knowledge of automotive systems
  • Ability to read, understand, and apply information from manufacturer’s manuals for service, repair and or component replacement
  • Ability to accurately read blueprints (mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic)
  • Proficient with all tools necessary to safely perform work
  • Ability to diagnose, troubleshoot and repair equipment
  • Ability to interpret and analyze drawings and diagrams to determine materials and replacement needs
  • Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability
Education and/or Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Minimum of 2 years’ automotive diagnostic and repair experience
  • Trade school certification/diploma in automotive related area preferred
  • Previous experience with amusement park rides desirable
Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations: 
  • Certification in certain mechanical disciplines may be required to have or to obtain
Physical Demands: 
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
  • The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 75 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
Work Environment:
  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  • Team oriented environment
  • Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends)
  • Ability to work special events and functions as required
  • Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold and inclement weather
Disclaimer
  • The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
  • This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.
  • Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
  • Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities.
  • To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
  • Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
  • Benefits 
  • This is a full-time position and offers the following benefits: 
  • Medical and Prescription Drug (Employee Coverage 90% Employer Paid, Dependent Coverage 55% Employer Paid)
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
  • Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Supplemental Life
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 401k
  • Paid Time Off (Accrual Equivalent to 5 Weeks Per Year)
  • PTO Rollover
  • PTO Sell Back
  • Free Zoo Membership
  • Free Guest Passes
  • Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
Further Comments
  • Commensurate with experience and great benefits

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