Plant Maintenance Engineer Jobs

The Zoo encompasses a 485 acre campus and is home to more than 5,300 animals with about 1.29 million guests visiting annually. The Zoo is a coordinator of international conservation and breeding programs and is the State’s largest environmental educator with over 400,000 participants annually. The Zoo’s conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems and its education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout our region, and around the world

Working Title: Plant Maintenance Engineer
Job Class: Plant Maintenance Engineer
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Division/Unit: Operations / Engineering & Heat Plant
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 6:00 am - 2:30 pm
• Classified Status: Classified
• Work Area: Zoo Campus
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Days of Work: Tuesday - Saturday or Sunday - Thursday
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-AFSCME
• Closing Date: 08/22/2023
• Telework Eligible: No
• Date Posted: 08/08/2023
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $28.31 - $32.77 / hourly; $59,111 - $68,423 / annually
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 202 - Craft, Maintenance, Labor/AFSCME
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

The MN Zoo is seeking to fill 2 Plant Maintenance Engineer positions. These positions maintain all equipment related to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, maintains the splash pad, and performs limited work on the Fire Alarm system for the Minnesota Zoo. The incumbent provides back-up support to the heat plant and must be able to maintain a working knowledge of the energy management system, communicate system emergencies and ensure mechanical systems maintain a proper environment for the living animals and plant collections and the comfort of staff and guests in support of the Minnesota Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife. The incumbent drives facilities’ fleet vehicles to move around the Zoo campus. Employees work a schedule which may include a weekend day and holidays, coming in early or working late when required.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Perform daily service orders and unscheduled maintenance repairs in the Engineering Department so that mechanical equipment operate safely and efficiently with limited down time.
• Perform scheduled maintenance tasks on all heating and cooling systems so major repairs can be avoided and the systems operate safely and efficiently with limited down time.
• Perform all types of maintenance tasks to ensure fire alarm, water, waste, mechanical systems and sub-systems are operational at all times.
• Operate and maintain the high-temperature, high-pressure heating system and related equipment, fire alarm, and Energy Management Systems, SCADA, so that the systems are operating safely and efficiently and the central heating plant is maintained as a clean, safe work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid State of Minnesota 1st Class B Engineer’s License
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to acquire a Commercial Pool Operators License for maintaining interactive water feature within the probationary period and to maintain the license
• Knowledge of mechanical equipment and systems used for heating, cooling and sanitary waste for large, complex campuses similar to the size and variety of the Minnesota Zoo
• Ability to locate, read, comprehend and interpret written information from technical documents, manuals and/or procedures required to perform trouble shooting of equipment issues
• Knowledge of safety procedures and personal protective equipment needed for performing preventive maintenance and troubleshooting for HVAC and plumbing equipment and systems
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity
• Ability to use basic business computer software programs to enter and save data and respond to requests
• Skilled in using and operating a variety of hand and power tools and meters necessary to perform job tasks and responsibilities for HVAC maintenance and trouble shooting
• Record keeping skills sufficient to complete site safety checks and maintenance reports in written or electronic form

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work from elevated locations, including personal lifts and booms or scaffolding
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders, squat, crouch, and stand and sit for extended periods of time
• Ability to work a schedule which may include a weekend day and holidays, coming in early or working late when required
• Ability to push/pull up to 66 pounds
• Ability to carry up to 80 pounds for short distances
• Ability to work in confined spaces

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

• Criminal Background Check including fingerprinting
• Driver's License Check
• Employment Verification Check

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Michele Lamm at [email protected] or 952-431-9482.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Michele Lamm at [email protected].

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule
• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Wellness programs and resources
• Public pension plan
• Prescription drug coverage
• Employer paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Dependent care spending account
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Vision coverage
• Paid parental leave
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Training and professional development

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and indicate what assistance is needed.