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Topeka Zoo
Facilities Director
Position Mission: This position supports the organization by overseeing the comprehensive management of zoo facilities, grounds, and support services. You will be instrumental in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and overall functionality of the zoo's physical spaces, both for the animals and the public. As a strategic leader, you are responsible for managing the Maintenance, Environmental Services (EVS), and Horticulture with a focus on delivering high-quality guest experiences and maintaining a safe, secure, and engaging environment. Your contributions enhance the zoo''s operational success and improve the bottom line through effective management of resources and seamless coordination of services across all departments.
Essential Functions: The Facilities Director is responsible for overseeing Maintenance, Environmental Services (EVS), and Horticulture departments, managing department managers, and ensuring their teams operate efficiently. This role develops preventative maintenance programs, manages departmental budgets, and ensures the safe and effective operation of zoo facilities. The Facilities Director fosters cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring all teams work together to provide a clean, safe, and well-maintained environment for both animals and guests. Additionally, the role involves coordinating projects, maintaining high standards, being hands on and working with other department heads to support the zoo's mission.
Core Responsibilities:
Facilities Oversight & Maintenance Management
Plan, organize, and direct all aspects of maintenance, repair, and operations for zoo facilities, including animal enclosures, public spaces, and infrastructure.
Develop, implement, and enforce preventative maintenance programs, policies, and procedures to ensure that all facilities are safe, functional, and compliant with industry standards.
Oversee day-to-day maintenance activities, ensuring work orders are assigned, tracked, and completed on time.
Participate working along side managers and members of the team tackling maintenance repairs and facility needs providing support.
Budget Management
Works with the Finance Dept during the annual budgeting process for the Maintenance, EVS, and Horticulture departments, ensuring alignment with zoo goals and financial objectives.
Manage and track departmental expenditures, ensuring cost-effective operations while maintaining high standards of service and facility care.
Identify cost-saving opportunities, monitor budgets throughout the year, and make recommendations for adjustments when necessary.
Departmental Supervision & Leadership
Supervise, mentor, and support department managers for Maintenance, EVS, and Horticulture, ensuring they are equipped to lead their teams effectively.
Foster a positive work environment that encourages collaboration, high performance, and professional growth.
Ensure each department meets operational goals and objectives by guiding teams to prioritize tasks and manage their workload efficiently.
Meet regularly with department managers and team members to ensure alignment on goals, address concerns, and provide updates on ongoing projects.
Environmental Services (EVS) Oversight
Manage and collaborate with the EVS Manager to ensure cleanliness and sanitation standards are upheld across all zoo facilities.
Oversee the implementation of cleaning protocols and procedures, adjusting as needed to meet health and safety standards.
Work closely with the EVS Manager to address operational concerns and ensure the team is well-equipped to maintain a hygienic environment for both animals and visitors.
Coordinate with other departments to ensure cleanliness aligns with the overall operational goals of the zoo.
Horticulture Department Oversight
Work closely with the Horticulture Manager to ensure the zoo's landscaping and plant life are well-maintained, contributing to the zoo's aesthetic and educational mission.
Support the Horticulture Manager with the planning and execution of seasonal planting, landscape design, and general horticultural care, ensuring alignment with sustainability practices.
Ensure the Horticulture department maintains a high standard of care for plants, gardens, and green spaces, while meeting environmental and safety guidelines.
Maintenance Department Oversight
Work closely with the Maintenance Manager to ensure the zoo's facilities and infrastructure are well maintained, contributing to the safety and functionality of the zoo.
Support the Maintenance Manager with the planning and execution of preventative maintenance schedules, repairs, and facility improvements, ensuring alignment with operational needs.
Ensure the Maintenance department maintains high standards of service, addressing facility repairs, upgrades, and safety issues while meeting industry standards and regulations.
Project Coordination
Assist COO with the planning, coordination, and execution of small to large-scale construction, renovation, or improvement projects across zoo facilities.
Work with other department directors and external vendors to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.
Coordinate with various teams to integrate facility needs with broader zoo initiatives, ensuring seamless execution of projects.
Ensure that all projects adhere to safety, environmental, and operational standards.
Leadership and Collaboration
Serve as a key leader in coordinating efforts across Maintenance, EVS, and Horticulture departments, working closely with other department heads to align with zoo goals and priorities.
Regularly communicate with senior leadership, providing updates on facility conditions, operational needs, and ongoing projects.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with external contractors, vendors, and service providers to ensure high-quality and timely services.
Safety & Compliance
Ensure all facilities and maintenance activities comply with safety standards, codes, and regulations (e.g., OSHA, local building codes).
Proactively identify and address safety concerns, developing strategies to mitigate risks to staff, visitors, and animals.
Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of all facilities to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Ensure the proper training and certification of staff in safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
Additional functions:
Provide leadership and guidance to all departments under facilities management, ensuring optimal performance and alignment with the zoo's mission.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in facilities management, applying new knowledge to improve operations.
Handle any other duties assigned by senior leadership to support the overall mission and goals of the zoo.
Supervisor-
Hire, train, guide, encourage, develop, and coach staff.
Create and hold staff accountable for performance objectives that align with the overall mission and values.
Daily performance management
Train and cross-train staff to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Department and specific tasks for their roles.
Ensure uniformity of processes, tasks, and expectations
Provide counsel and support to staff.
Ensure issues are addressed consistently and fairly.
Leadership and mentor for staff
Position tasks
Oversee and manage the annual evaluation and compensation review process for staff (direct reports)
Implement work procedures and processes to increase efficiency and productivity.
Monitor, review and approve expense invoices.
Manage employee policies and issues.
Ensure staff coverage to meet the needs.
Regular visits with staff to evaluate day-to-day operations.
Regularly advise leadership.
Regularly represent the organization at community events and networking functions
General Responsibilities:
Maintain a professional, courteous, and tactful demeanor when interacting with guests, co-workers, and external partners.
Lead and support team members in alignment with the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Mission, ensuring decisions are in line with organizational values.
Foster strong relationships through ongoing communication with internal teams, external partners, vendors, the Board of Directors (BOD), and key stakeholders.
Deliver superior service by resolving issues promptly and addressing concerns with urgency and efficiency.
Proactively identify solutions to problems, both in day-to-day operations and urgent situations.
Stay informed on current industry trends and developments that can benefit the zoo, actively seeking opportunities for professional growth.
Represent FOTZ professionally in all settings, including onsite activities, community events, and communications.
Participate in meetings as required and contribute to team discussions and planning.
Respond to customer, staff, and vendor inquiries in a timely and helpful manner.
Answer telephone calls and provide prompt, professional responses.
Adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Follow FOTZ's policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of the zoo.
Performance Measurements & Primary Accountability:
Timely and accurate completion of work tasks, ensuring all deliverables are met with attention to detail.
Strong, collaborative relationships with guests, staff, and stakeholders are maintained, contributing to a positive work culture.
Demonstrate teamwork by accomplishing tasks in collaboration with others.
Ability to adapt to change, accepting and supporting management decisions positively.
Achievement of individual and team objectives as set by leadership.
Consistent and reliable attendance, arriving and departing work on time as scheduled.
Qualifications: (Knowledge, Skill, and Ability)
Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Business, or related field (preferred).
Five years of experience in facilities management, including maintenance, environmental services.
Knowledge of basic horticulture, landscaping, hardscape, tree maintenance and pest management preferred.
Proven experience managing teams and budgets.
Strong understanding of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing) and maintenance operations.
Knowledge of cleaning standards, safety regulations, and industry codes.
Excellent attention to detail and ability to identify maintenance and safety issues.
Strong budgeting skills and the ability to manage departmental expenses effectively.
Ability to lead, mentor, and manage diverse teams.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize tasks.
Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with various departments and
Certifications in facilities management or safety (preferred).
OSHA or other safety-related certifications (preferred).
Physical Demands:
Mobility & Physical Requirements: The ability to frequently walk across the assigned area, and perform physical tasks such as reaching, bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 50 pounds), pulling, twisting, pushing, squatting, and dragging. This requires good hand-eye coordination and physical stamina to sit, stand, or move intermittently throughout the workday.
Indoor/Outdoor Work: This role requires flexibility to work both indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, inclement weather, and possibly wet, icy, or muddy conditions. Exposure to hay, dust, and other outdoor elements is common.
Vision & Concentration: Must have the ability to read computer screens, emails, and documentation, while maintaining focus on detailed information for extended periods. Requires good vision abilities, including close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
Safety & Compliance: A critical aspect of this role is ensuring safety in the work environment by exercising caution to prevent accidents. Must adhere to safety standards and comply with all relevant regulations and policies, including those set by TZCC, AZA, and USDA.
Multitasking & Time Management: The role demands strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment. Must manage time efficiently, stay productive, and prioritize tasks while engaging with the public and working collaboratively as part of a team or independently.
Attendance & Punctuality: Regular attendance and punctuality are essential for this position.
Documentation & Computer Skills: Proficiency in documenting pertinent information and utilizing computer software (e.g., Word, Excel) is required, along with strong communication skills.
Vehicle Operation: Ability to operate golf carts and on-the-road vehicles as part of job responsibilities.
Work Environment:
Customer & Staff Interaction: Ability to effectively engage with staff and visitors, including handling challenging situations or difficult customers.
Flexible Scheduling: Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to meet the demands of the role.
Animal Safety Awareness: Knowledge of safety protocols and precautions when handling or working around dangerous animals.
Vehicle Operation: Ability to safely operate a golf cart and other zoo vehicles as required.
Adaptability & Stress Management: Capable of adapting to changing circumstances, managing pressure, and maintaining composure in stressful situations involving animals and guests.
Emergency Response: Able to stay calm and respond swiftly and effectively in emergency situations.
Perks
Health, dental, and vision insurance, 401K
Salary
$65,000 - $70,000 annually
How to Apply
Send cover letter and resume to smiles@topekazoo.org
Topeka Zoo
Topeka, KS 66604
Phone: 7852178060
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