HVAC Technician

HVAC Technician

Oregon Zoo //
Portland, Oregon //
Apply by: August 1, 2026

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Oregon Zoo is looking to hire a HVAC Technician. In this role you will have the opportunity to work in the zoo’s HVAC department, which is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. These systems are vital to ensure the comfort and safety of animals and guests. The position offers opportunities to work on a variety of projects, maintain critical systems, and make a positive impact on the overall mission of the zoo

Functions & Responsibilities

Essential Functions

As the HVAC Technician you will:
• Serve as a technical expert for HVAC/R and associated trades and consult with the Facilities Systems Manager, maintenance leads, and other staff as necessary to determine overall HVAC requirements.
• Coordinate and document contracted services for maintenance, repair, replacement, installation, and evaluation of building systems and components.
• Operate, maintain, and repair mechanical, refrigeration, and plumbing systems, including troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, system optimizations, seasonal adjustments, space utilization, occupancy, and other facility needs.
• Assist the public and employees in a professional, courteous, and positive manner.
• Respond to various urgent maintenance issues, building emergencies and weather related issues.
• Reports to work as essential personnel regardless of building closures.

Skills & Experience

Knowledge & Skills

Attributes for success:
• Knowledge of and ability to operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC/R such as Geothermal heat pumps, heat recovery, and other commercial high efficiency systems that utilize electronic control systems such as direct digital controls (DDC) while observing professional and technical services standards, practices, methods, and using the tools of the HVAC/R trade.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and repair mechanical refrigeration systems including large industrial chillers, evaporators, and condensers for aquatic pools, large bodies of water as well as space cooling while maintaining chemical balances for these systems.
• Ability to work independently, be self-directed and work as a member of a team.
• Knowledge and ability to understand and observe Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations of the HVAC/R trade.
• Knowledge of standard maintenance practices, procedures and techniques.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required licenses and certifications.
• Ability to perform (with or without a reasonable accommodation) the physical demands in the work environment and operate the tools and equipment.

Education & Experience

TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications:
• High school diploma or GED certificate and,
• HVAC apprenticeship and trade certification or equivalent and,
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in HVAC/R maintenance, repair, installation, and operations or,
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Job Requirements
Salary & Benefits
The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $43.53 per hour to step 5: $54.83 per hour. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $43.53 per hour to the equity range step 4: $51.76 per hour.

This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by LiUNA 483 union. It is classified as an HVAC Technician.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.