Fleet Mechanic - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION:

The Fleet Mechanic performs skilled mechanical and electrical repair, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting on a wide range of vehicles, heavy equipment, and generators powered by gasoline, diesel, electric, or hybrid systems.

The position ensures all fleet and related assets, including air and hydraulic systems, are maintained to original equipment standards and supports operational excellence and safety requirements across a diverse vehicle fleet. This position reports to a Lead/Supervisor.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Performs necessary repairs on gas, diesel, electric, hybrid vehicles, heavy equipment, and generators to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Services and inspects vehicles, trams, carts, equipment, and support assets to maintain peak performance and compliance with standards. Diagnoses and troubleshoots electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic defects across a wide range of fleet assets.

• Supports operations and safety needs through emergency response, on-site repairs, equipment operation, and coordination with other departments.
• Maintains garage equipment, tools, and shop in safe, clean, and orderly condition.

Keeps accurate service and repair records to support compliance, reporting, and operational tracking.

• Assists in training and mentoring new employees or team members as needed.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

This position will be working on a 4/10 schedule. Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

JOB EXPERIENCE:

Three (3) or more years of journey-level experience in automotive, diesel, or electrical repair and maintenance required.

Experience with mixed fleet (light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles, electric carts, trams, generators, and heavy equipment) preferred.:

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma required. Completion of vocational or technical training in automotive, diesel, or electrical systems preferred. Valid California Drivers License Required Upon Hire Commercial Driver License – Class B with air brake endorsement preferred. ASE or OEM certifications in automotive/diesel/electric vehicle systems preferred.

Relevant OSHA and/or high-voltage/electrical safety certifications preferred.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

Diagnose and repair gasoline, diesel, electric, and hybrid vehicle systems, including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic. Proficient use of standard automotive shop tools, lifts/hoists, pneumatic tools, and computerized diagnostic/test equipment Safely operate vehicles, heavy equipment, and generators in shop and field settings

• Maintain accurate service and repair records using digital systems
• Communicate clearly, work effectively across departments, and provide service-oriented support

Apply proactive problem-solving and sound judgment in both routine and urgent situations Respond appropriately to hazards, emergencies, and operational safety needs Familiarity with telematics and fleet management software Basic welding and fabrication for light equipment and component repair Knowledge of high-voltage systems, battery management, and charging equipment

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 Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park 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 fees and dues to be paid to the union Hourly Rate: $37.50 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.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife. 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.