Cheyenne Mountain Zoo · Colorado · posted today
POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Facilities Maintenance leads the Zoo's Maintenance Department, with primary responsibility for developing people, building a respectful and accountable team, and maintaining high standards for safety, service, and workmanship. The Director coaches employees, sets clear expectations, addresses performance and conduct concerns promptly, and oversees daily operations, work orders, and preventive maintenance. This working director uses broad technical knowledge to assess equipment and facility problems, identify the appropriate trades or contractors, and assist with troubleshooting or repairs when necessary. Responsibilities include the Zoo's physical infrastructure, waste-stream equipment and services, attractions, animal containment infrastructure, mechanical and electrical systems, fire/life safety systems, maintenance support for water life support systems, and elevators. The Director works collaboratively across departments and models professionalism, sound judgment and teamwork. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: ● Education/Experience: Associate's or bachelor's degree in engineering, facility management or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training and experience. Minimum ten years of demonstrated, progressively responsible supervisory or management experience required, including substantial responsibility for directly leading, coaching, evaluating, and holding accountable employees in skilled trades, facilities maintenance, or similarly complex operational teams. Must demonstrate experience resolving complex personnel matters, managing competing operational priorities, and making sound technical and leadership decisions. Practical experience with facilities maintenance, construction, mechanical systems or related operations is required. ● Proficiency in the planning, operation and supervision of the physical plant, including knowledge of government regulations and compliance requirements for all equipment to include the SkyRide and Carousel. ● Understanding of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems, Life Support systems, construction practices, etc. ● Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrate the ability to interact clearly and effectively with both internal and external customers. ● Ability to negotiate with vendors for products and services to include contracts and estimates. ● Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, contractors, vendors, Zoo staff, and the public. ● A high attention to detail while managing multiple competing priorities. ● Creative problem-solving skills. ● Possess the ability to stay organized and (re)prioritize daily tasks while accurately communicating timeline expectations. ● Ability to research, draw conclusions, and summarize data for discussion and review including presenting the strengths and weaknesses of alternative approaches and solutions. ● High energy for a fast-paced work environment. ● Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, internet and email. ● Take ownership and pride in responsibilities. ● Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screening. ● Must be able to provide proof that you can legally work in the United States and must be insurable through the Zoo’s liability insurance provider. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS: ● Ensures discretion with confidential information. ● Maintains courteous, helpful, and professional behavior on the job. Supports the success of the entire team by promoting a collaborative work environment. ● Consistently contributes to problem-solving and cooperates with identified resolutions. ● Brings issues and process improvement ideas to the attention of their Supervisor. ● Attends meetings and participates in committees as required. ● Completes trainings as required. ● Adheres to Organization Dress Code Policy. Always “Zoo Crisp!” ● Demonstrates appropriate level of time management in support of co-workers and the entire team. ● Represents the Zoo in a professional manner. SUPERVISORY EXPECTATIONS: ● Leads, hires, trains, and develops Maintenance Department employees; oversees scheduling, payroll/time approval, performance management, and employee relations. Establishes clear expectations, addresses performance and conduct concerns promptly, and models fair, consistent and professional leadership. Staffing and employment decisions are made in coordination with and subject to final approval by the Vice President of Facility Operations. ● Exercises job-related judgment and knowledge. ● Responsible for the overall supervision of Maintenance Department staff, including orientation, counseling, training, scheduling, disciplinary actions (with HR assistance). ● Provides regular coaching, constructive feedback and development opportunities; builds a respectful, collaborative team while holding employees accountable for conduct, performance and workmanship. ● Actively mentors and develops the Assistant Director of Maintenance as a leader; delegates meaningful operational responsibilities, decision-making authority and stretch assignments appropriate to the Assistant Director’s abilities and development goals, while providing regular coaching and accountability. ● Assigns tasks fairly and appropriately to job responsibilities. ● Maintains detailed supervisory notes documenting counseling and coaching interactions. ● Addresses disciplinary issues in a timely manner, applying Organization policy. ● Ensures performance evaluations are conducted thoroughly and in a timely manner. ● Demonstrates proven ability to lead diverse personalities and experience levels within a skilled trades team, including navigating difficult conversations, resolving conflict and reinforcing expectations without relying on personal friendships or popularity. Demonstrates sound judgment, composure under pressure, consistent follow-through, and the ability to make and communicate difficult personnel decisions respectfully and decisively. ● Communicates goals and expectations clearly and effectively with direct reports. ● Establishes and reinforces a culture of mutual respect, fairness, teamwork, accountability and consistent standards; addresses interpersonal conflict and inappropriate workplace behavior promptly in partnership with Human Resources as appropriate. DEPARTMENTAL EXPECTATIONS: ● Regulatory Management – Maintain accurate records, systematic inspections and year-round readiness for Zoo-wide physical-site and non-animal regulatory compliance, including fuel and gas storage, building and fire/life safety systems, Sky Ride, Carousel and other applicable equipment. Coordinate with relevant agencies, including DORA, OSHA, CDPHE and the Fire Department, as applicable. ● General Oversight and overall responsibility for the physical operations, maintenance, repairs, and regulatory compliance for the Skyride and Carousel. ● Directs the work-order program, establishes maintenance priorities, and ensures timely completion of maintenance requests and projects. Initially takes an active role in evaluating and assigning work to understand departmental operations, then delegates appropriate work-order coordination and other responsibilities to the Assistant Director while retaining accountability for results. ● Maintains high standards for animal containment gates, barriers, doors and related facility infrastructure; coordinates repairs promptly with Animal Care and other stakeholders. ● Uses practical technical knowledge to diagnose mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and structural issues; identifies the appropriate employees or contractors, directs safe repairs and assists hands-on when needed. ● Evaluates maintenance problems, develops a diagnosis, and provides guidance for correction. Ensures that all work is being performed to industry standards. ● Determines and prioritizes daily maintenance work. Adjusts staffing to accommodate maintenance coverage for all 24-hour emergency calls. ● Independently manages maintenance contracts, vendors, bid documents and purchasing within approved budgets, organizational policies and established authority. Maintains equipment records, drawings, licenses and certifications; elevates exceptions or matters outside approved parameters to the Vice President of Facility Operations. ● Assists in the management, planning and implementation follow up of in-house construction and renovation projects. ● Manages vehicle and equipment fleet, and attraction maintenance ● Responsible for communicating and coordinating exhibit/building closures for repairs and maintenance to minimize guest experience impact. ● Operates medium to heavy equipment such as a forklift, vehicles, hand and small power tools, building systems, etc. ● Complete the daily duties as required to initiate the opening of the Zoo such as the start-up of the Sky Ride, checking the Shrine Road, maintaining life support systems, etc. ● Responsible to update, coordinate, and execute snow removal plan. ● Independently manages the Maintenance Department budget, purchases, contractors, and operational priorities within approved financial and organizational parameters. Prepares reports, invoices, budget forecasts and supporting documentation; communicates material risks, variances and major decisions to the Vice President of Facility Operations. ● Ensures reliable Maintenance Department on-call coverage and personally responds to after-hours emergencies, including on-site response when needed and available, to coordinate safe and timely resolution. ● Safety: o Investigates and addresses Maintenance Department accidents, injuries, near misses, and unsafe conditions, collaborating with the Zoo’s Safety Manager and other appropriate personnel as needed. o Identifies Maintenance Department safety training needs, implements corrective actions, and proactively reduces risks associated with maintenance activities, equipment, and facilities. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: ● Cultivates and maintains a positive working environment. Effectively interacts and communicates with senior staff, employees, volunteers, and various groups including architects, engineers and design consultants. ● Develops a continuous improvement plan for the department as well as each staff member, focusing on enhancing team skill set and productivity. Ensures that technicians are given ample feedback and are rewarded for success and understand areas of needed improvement. ● Maintains a high level of customer service and satisfaction. ● Leads Zoo-wide physical-site and non-animal regulatory compliance through electronic checklists, inspection schedules, documentation and corrective-action tracking. Serves as the key facilities contact for applicable regulatory inspections and coordinates with contractors and Zoo departments. Animal-care-specific regulatory responsibilities remain with the appropriate departments. ● Responsible for tracking, reporting and progress updates of maintenance work orders and projects on a regular basis. Ensures that all work orders are completed with the high quality standards of the Zoo. ● Assess and successfully resolve issues that arise with minimal disruption to business operations. ● Owns department financial performance, establishes and monitors budgets, tracks expenditures, anticipates future needs and makes informed tradeoffs within approved budget parameters. ● Development and implementation of a proactive maintenance program. ● Effective organization and management of the Maintenance Department employees and activities to optimize productivity, teamwork and results. ● Ensure staff is effectively completing work orders, daily inspections, Life Support system start ups, etc. and that staff are coordinating assignments as necessary. ● Develop annual and five year proactive maintenance schedule and budget. ● Leads the Maintenance Department as an accountable operating unit, setting priorities and standards while empowering the Assistant Director and technicians to execute work. Maintains direct oversight of personnel development, budgets, long-range planning, risk and departmental performance. ● Control and supervise the care, use, repair and replacement of all tools, vehicles, maintenance supplies and in-house construction materials. ● Manages the work order process. Schedules work activities effectively to optimize efficiency and productivity. Communicates with all departments in the creation and implementation of work orders. Acts as the main point of contact between staff and all other Zoo departments. ● Promotes a proactive safety culture within the Maintenance Department by establishing clear expectations, reinforcing safe work practices, addressing hazards promptly, and holding employees accountable for compliance with established safety standards. ● Schedules and facilitates testing of fire sprinklers, alarms and extinguishers to ensure function and regulatory compliance. ● In inclement weather situations, ensures adequate staff are on site to handle shoveling, ice melt, clearing roads and walkways. ● Updates and maintains Sky Ride maintenance and inspection logs and files. ● Recommends schedules and tracks preventative maintenance of the Zoo’s physical plant. ● Returns phone calls, emails, process invoices, etc. in a timely and professional manner. ● Maintain flexibility to handle a variety of activities and adjust to changing priorities to ensure deadlines and commitments are met. ● Performs other related duties as assigned; works a regular Tuesday-through-Saturday schedule and participates in after-hours on-call and emergency response, including on-site support when required. ● Provide and maintain detailed utilities plans of the Zoo using whatever means necessary. ● Promotes professional working relationships with both internal and external customers. ● Must be able to work under exigent circumstances to finish task in emergencies and in the process maintain self-control, common sense and good judgment. ● Expected to maintain integrity and honesty in the performance of duties. ● Other duties as assigned. ● Must be able to be an active member of the Emergency Response Team. INDEPENDENT ACTION Must be a self-starter, take initiative, possess a high level of multi-tasking ability under high degree of pressure and be able to work with limited supervision. EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS Must be a cooperative and collaborative member of the team and able to handle interruptions and requests for information and assistance from employees with an attitude of good customer service. Must work effectively with external vendors. ACCURACY AND EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT The need for timeliness for other required activities creates pressure. The ability to prioritize tasks and use time effectively is essential. RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION This position handles highly sensitive information. Total confidentiality and discretion are mandatory regarding business information and other sensitive information. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. ● Physical Requirements - While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; lift heavy objects; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk, see, hear and smell. Requires full range of body motion, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination; requires the ability to use department equipment, to communicate effectively; The employee is occasionally required to reach and stretch with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may be required to endure extremes in temperature and may work in hazardous environments where personal protective equipment is required; requires standing, walking on a steep terrain (Zoo), sitting (possibly for long periods of time) and performing repetitive tasks (including working on the computer) for up to the entire work day; requires the ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds using appropriate body mechanics, possibly for extended periods of time. ● Visual, Hearing and Communication Requirements - Requires corrected vision and hearing within normal range, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to communicate effectively in verbal and written form with all levels of personnel within and outside of the organization. ● Environmental Conditions – Working in a closed office environment. Work space may be shared. Working conditions may be noisy with fluctuating indoor and/or outdoor temperatures. May be exposed to a risk of bodily injury through contact with moving instrumentation, substances and other conditions common to an office environment. Subject to exposure to animals which may have the potential for physical aggression. May be exposed to a risk of bodily injury through contact with moving instrumentation, toxic substances, bodily fluids, animal attack, communicable diseases, outdoor weather conditions and other conditions common in a Zoo environment. Subject to unpleasant odors. ● Pressure Factor - Requires working under stressful conditions. Moderate pressure to meet scheduled and recurring deadlines.
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