Job Description

Are you an experienced irrigation professional who loves the outdoors and takes pride in a job well done? Do you enjoy working in a vibrant environment where your work directly impacts thousands of families and visitors every day? 

Reid Park Zoo is looking for an experienced, high-caliber Irrigation Specialist to join our Grounds team! In this role, you will maintain the irrigation systems that help create our beautiful, immersive botanical displays, water features, pools and animal habitats while serving as a key ambassador for our zoo. Three years of commercial irrigation experience is required . Experience in a park or attraction setting is strongly preferred. 

If you have a strong work ethic, a high level of professionalism, excellent guest service and interpersonal skills, along with a passion for creating beautiful spaces, we want to hear from you!

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 : $19.00 to $22.33 DOE

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 Irrigation Specialist is responsible for assisting the Grounds Department in maintaining zoo grounds, maintaining irrigation systems and keeping the zoo clean and attractive by performing general duties. This is a hands-on position in a fast-paced environment of a growing organization.

Reports To: Grounds Supervisor

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
• Installs, diagnoses, and repairs drip and sprinkler irrigation systems including emitters, sprinklers, valves, wires, controllers and related equipment
• Installs, maintains, and repairs various types of pipes and tubing; welds PVC and ABS pipe; solder copper pipe; cut, ream, and thread steel pipe; cut and repair concrete, asbestos, clay, ductile or steel pipe
• Program, troubleshoot and diagnose all types of controllers, including computerized central-based, digital, mechanical, battery, and solar
• Install, maintain, and repair low-voltage, sensor, and communication wires
• Ability to utilize computers and electrical control units for the use of automated irrigation systems and an electronic work order system
• Operate light to medium excavating equipment, including backhoes, trenchers, loaders, ploughs and various equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively with others in various capacities, including supervisors, coworkers, and public, both verbally and in writing
• Prepare activity reports and orders and maintain inventory of tools, parts, and equipment
• Safely uses and maintains hand tools & various gas-powered equipment such as mowers, blowers, power-washers, trimmers, loppers, weed-eaters, rakes, shovels, sod cutters and chainsaws. May be required to perform tree trimming and safely operate power equipment from ladders
• De-litters zoo grounds and around buildings, removes trash, leaf litter and brush
• Safely operates golf carts, dumping utility vehicles, riding mowers, skid steers, forklifts, tractors, and transports equipment by pulling trailers
• Conducts preventative maintenance and ensures safety
• Plants and maintains the landscape with an emphasis on edible browse for the animal collection
• Services specialised water pumps, large-scale piping, drains and valves tied to specific aquatic or multi-use features and pools

Minimum Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalent; a combination of experience and education may be considered
• Three years of commercial irrigation experience required
• A valid, current, unrestricted driver's license
• Pre-hire criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Comply with random drug testing if selected
• Proof of a negative TB test within the immediate 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, professional relationships at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors, volunteers and the public
• Politely assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast-paced, public/guest attraction-focused environment
• Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, and 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 evenings, weekends, and some holidays

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Relevant Degree or Trade Certificate
• Additional years of professional irrigation and groundskeeping experience preferred
• Experience working in a park or public attraction environment
• Experience working in an AZA accredited organization
• Bilingual (any language, including ASL)

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds often
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach 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

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.

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