Painter

The Painter is responsible for performing semi-skilled to skilled painting related projects and tasks for various structures and facilities at the zoo. Staff in this classification perform tasks using a wide variety of materials and components, functioning with limited independence and latitude concerning methods, materials, and priority of assigned work orders. Work areas include, but are not limited to outdoor structures, animal enclosures, and interior facilities. Work objectives are to maintain the physical integrity of zoo structures and facilities. 

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares, primes, sands, seals, repairs and paints furniture, surfaces, fixtures, interior and exterior of buildings.
• Uses various types of painting materials such as varnish, lacquer, shellac, enamel, latex, epoxy, waterproofing and heat resistant finishes.
• Tapes, muds, repairs, and applies texturing to level five gypsum surfaces, wallpaper, and acoustic layers on a variety of surfaces.
• Adjusts colors when necessary; utilizes enhanced finishing skills when appropriate.
• Applies materials to new construction, existing, multi-story buildings, alterations, and remodeling.
• Graffiti response and removal using a variety of available materials and soda blasting.
• Operates, cleans, and maintains all painting equipment, including brushes, rolls, sprayers and electrostatic sprayers, pumps, etc. Safely stores and labels all materials.
• Aids advice on materials, designs, and color
• Ensures compliance with and adherence to applicable building and engineering standards, zoo policies and safety standards regarding installation, service, and repair activities.
• Performs cleaning and maintenance of equipment, tools, materials, and vehicles utilized per assigned work order; ensures adherence to principles and practices of safe equipment use and operation.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
• Ability to partner across teams and with all levels of staff.
• Must have a valid Texas driver’s license and comply with the policy on driving.
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protection actions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); supplemented by vocational training in understanding of paint process, coatings, and spray methods.
• Two years’ experience with commercial painting; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

About Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
 

Join Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.