San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Construction and Maintenance Worker - Plumber supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission and vision of saving species worldwide, by combining their trade technical expertise with five star internal customer service, to take the best possible care of assigned facilities.
The Construction and Maintenance Worker – Plumber installs, maintains, and repairs water, gas, and waste systems. This includes restroom fixtures, pump stations, drinking fountains, backflows, and pressure regulators. All C&N members collaborate across trades, support work outside their primary specialty when needed, and actively coach others to build team capability. This position reports to C&M Lead, Supervisor or Manager.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Installs and repairs pipes, fixtures, irrigation lines, and drainage systems in compliance with code and quality standards. Uses CMMS or equivalent system and monitors radio throughout the shift to respond to, record, and complete preventative and reactive maintenance work orders.
- Performs inspections, troubleshooting, and testing (e.g. leak detection, pressure tests, drain clearance). Follows SOPs and partners with leadership on updates to improve safety, consistency, and efficiency.
- Collaborates with other trades and oversees external vendors to complete shared projects and urgent work, ensuring quality and site alignment.
- Coordinates with internal teams to minimize disruption and provide five-star customer service.
- Mentors and supports team members by sharing trade expertise and helping others navigate internal systems, culture, and professional approach.
- Able to quickly respond and provide support to occasional after-hour emergencies.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
JOB EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of four (4) years of journey-level plumbing experience required OR
- Completion of a recognized plumbing apprenticeship program required
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Valid California Driver’s License Upon Hire required
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Ability to troubleshoot complex plumbing systems, including domestic water, sewer, and reclaimed water lines
- Journey-level equivalent skill in the installation, maintenance, and repair of piping systems, valves, fixtures, and backflow prevention devices.
- Safely and properly handle tools and equipment in compliance with California OSHA and workplace health and safety standards
- Commitment to coaching others and ability to thrive in a diverse team environment
- Understand, interpret and work from blueprints and drawings
- Understanding of building codes, pressure systems and water conservation principles
- Ability to work collaboratively across all building trades
SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
- Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Family Passes
- Complimentary Tickets
- Local and In-House Discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
IMPORTANT DETAILS
- Location: Escondido, CA
- Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Union Position – If selected there will be union fees and dues to be paid to the Union.
- Hourly Rate: $43.66
Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @
sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail
sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.
At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to
sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.
As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.