Director of City Zoos Operations & Maintenance jobs in United States
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Wildlife Conservation Society · 2 hours ago

Director of City Zoos Operations & Maintenance

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, known for its innovative and impactful results. The Director of City Zoos Operations & Maintenance leads facility maintenance programs at Central Park Zoo and oversees operations at all three City Zoos, ensuring safety and quality of the facilities for animals, staff, and guests.

Non ProfitWildlife Conservation

Responsibilities

Manage and oversee the Operations & Maintenance Department daily activities to maintain and repair the zoo’s facilities and grounds, including all buildings, exhibits, pathways, roads, fences, water features, infrastructure, equipment, and vehicles
Manage and oversee the department’s custodial functions to maintain park cleanliness and safety including, but not limited to, waste management; cleaning pathways and seating areas; snow and leaf removal; cleaning/stocking restrooms; clearing storm drains, and general housekeeping in public areas, classrooms, and office spaces
Develop, manage, and oversee the zoo’s preventive maintenance program to ensure all facilities and systems are maintained in good working condition and provide a safe environment for animals, guests, staff, and volunteers
Develop and implement best practices to ensure the department completes tasks safely, efficiently, and with a consistent high level of quality. Ensure the department acts in accordance with WCS policies and procedures and that its activities are not detrimental to the health and wellbeing of animals, zoo guests, staff, and volunteers
Ensure that all facilities and department practices meet AZA Accreditation standards and government regulations (e.g., USDA, OSHA, ADA, City of New York)
Manage the City Zoos approved capital projects in collaboration with the City Zoos Capital Projects Manager. Participate in consultant/contractor selection, design and construction coordination, budget management, and project closeout in collaboration with WCS and other stakeholders (Budget and Finance, Purchasing, EGAD, other City Zoos departments, Parks, OMB, DOB, etc.)
Provide counsel and support to Managers of O&M at Prospect Park and Queens Zoos in collaboration with City Zoo Directors
Manage the department’s approved operating budget in accordance with established WCS policies and procedures. Provide regular updates to the VP/Director of City Zoos
Direct and oversee the work of contractors, technicians, and vendors engaged in work at the zoo. Coordinate and communicate between outside vendors and other Central Park Zoo departments to minimize impact on other zoo activities
Manage the zoo’s work order system and collaborate with other department managers to prioritize open work orders. Maintain records on work order progress and completion and produce reports and updates to assist in assessing facility and equipment condition, capital project needs, and improved preventive maintenance programs
Collaborate with the Risk Management Department, Human Resources, and other appropriate stakeholders to provide and document necessary training and certifications for staff to perform work functions safely and effectively in accordance with all applicable WCS policies and government regulations. Maintain current documentation of all completed training and certifications for each individual employee
Provide leadership in hiring, training, and managing O&M Department staff. Create a positive, professional work environment with the department that promotes collaboration, mentorship, and growth. Review staff performance to ensure established department protocols, standards, and work expectations are met
Must secure and maintain FDNY Certificates of Fitness as assigned
Represent WCS in a professional manner. Represent Central Park Zoo and City Zoos in internal meetings and external meetings with outside agencies and other cultural institutions as assigned. Establish collaborative working relationships with counterparts at the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Central Park Conservancy (CPC), and other City agencies and nonprofit partners

Qualification

Facilities managementTechnical knowledgeProject managementWork order softwareMicrosoft OfficeTeam buildingPrioritizeEffective communicationInterpersonal skillsMentorshipCollaboration

Required

Minimum five years of facilities management experience as a facilities maintenance manager or supervisor
Technical knowledge and direct experience with plumbing, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, utilities, BMS, general building and site construction
Demonstrated ability in project management including planning, implementation, completion, and assessment
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent activities
Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Must be a team builder and mentor for staff
Proficient with facility management/work order software and Microsoft Office suite of software
Ability to secure and maintain required FDNY Certificates of Fitness within the first 6 months of employment

Preferred

A bachelor's degree in facilities management, engineering, architecture, or similar field preferred
Additional working knowledge of exhibitory and/or life support systems preferred

Company

Wildlife Conservation Society

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The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide.

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage
Total Funding
unknown
Key Investors
Bezos Earth Fund
2025-10-23Grant
2024-04-29Grant

Leadership Team

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Sarah Mulwa
Africa Regional Human Resources Director
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Company data provided by crunchbase