Assistant Director of Operations

Wildlife Conservation Society

$80K — $95K *
Bronx, NY 10467In-Person
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction, Engineering or related field.
  • Minimum five years of facilities maintenance management experience in a zoo or similar facility.
  • Experience managing staff in a unionized environment preferred.
  • Extensive exposure to building trade disciplines and familiarity with compliance regulations.
  • Knowledge of building operations like chillers, boilers, and HVAC systems is essential.
  • Excellent communication and team leadership skills needed.
  • Proven multitasking and prioritization abilities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the Operations Department's functions for maintenance and repairs throughout the zoo.
  • Manage a team of staff, ensuring consistent operational efficiency and compliance with policies.
  • Oversee preventive maintenance for HVAC, life support systems, and plumbing-related equipment.
  • Maintain high safety standards for staff, contractors, and zoo guests.
  • Ensure compliance with DOB & FDNY regulations for building systems.
  • Coordinate activities with other zoo departments and facilities under WCS.
  • Enforce collective bargaining agreements and manage staff performance.

Benefits

  • Full-time, stable position with a structured schedule (Monday to Friday).
  • Opportunity to lead and influence operations at a well-known zoo.
  • Comprehensive involvement in budgeting and resource management.
  • Access to training and development opportunities for staff and personal growth.
  • Commitment to a positive work environment supporting staff and guest experiences.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Position: Assistant Director of Operations
Department: Facilities and Operations; Bronx Zoo
Category Type: Full time
Status: Exempt
Reports to: Executive Director of Facilities and Operations
Positions Managed: Operations Managers, Building Engineer, Life Support Systems Supervisor, SupervisingMaintainers and Maintainers in the Carpenter, Machine, Plumbing, and Electrical shops
Schedule & Hours: Monday through Friday
Travel: 0%

Position Summary:
Effectively, efficiently, and safely manage the staff and tasks of trade shops within the Bronx Zoo Operations Department. Provide oversight, and direction to the shops working throughout the park to maintain and conduct repairs on the zoo's buildings, exhibits, animal holding areas, office spaces, classrooms and public pathways and grounds. Contribute effectively in creating the best possible guest experience for those visiting the zoo.

Principal Responsibilities:
• Provide leadership in directing the Operations Department's functions throughout the Bronx Zoo in performing routine maintenance and repairs. These activities include general construction, capital upgrades, demolition, alteration, repair, modification and maintenance of the facilities and grounds, including roads, paths, fences, buildings, exhibits, equipment, pools, streams, dams, etc. and be able to prioritize all activities.
• Provide leadership in managing staff in the Operations Department. Ensure that trade shops in the Operations Department operate at a consistent, efficient and effective level, and in compliance with WCS policies and procedures. Provide direction and training when necessary.
• Oversee the preventive maintenance program for HVAC, life support systems, electrical and plumbing related equipment. Work with staff to troubleshoot and conduct repairs to all associated equipment.
• Maintain established standards of safety for the Operations staff outside contractors, vendors, zoo guests, and all WCS staff members working at the Bronx Zoo.
• Ensure building systems are in compliance with DOB & FDNY rules and regulations.
• Communicate and coordinate activities with other departments within the Bronx Zoo and the other four WCS zoos & aquarium as necessary and as directed by the Director.
• Ensure compliance with WCS's collective bargaining agreement with District Council 37 (DC 37), including, but not limited to, enforcing consistent practices in monitoring performance and discipline and adhering to all rules and regulations relating to interaction among WCS management, union members and DC 37 representatives.
• Interview and onboard new staff for the Operations Department as needed, providing supervision, guidance and follow-up as necessary.
• Develop project budgets, order materials, and assist the Director in the preparation of all departmental budgets, both Capital and Operating, and work within approved budgets.
• Work with WCS's Environmental Compliance & Safety Specialist to assure adherence to environmental regulations, OSHA Compliance and safety training.
• Provide all necessary written and verbal reports, updates and analysis in a timely fashion to the Director as required and when requested.

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Qualification Requirements

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Construction, Engineering or similar related field.
• Minimum five years' experience in managing facilities maintenance and trades in a zoo, aquarium, or similar facility with multiple buildings and grounds.
• Previous experience managing staff in a union environment is preferred.
• Must have extensive exposure to various building trade disciplines and a familiarity with building codes and OSHA safety regulations.
• Must be familiar with building operations including chillers, boilers, life safety systems, electrical distribution, and HVAC building management systems.
• The Assistant Director must have excellent communication skills, be a team leader, builder of people and able to relate well to others.
• Proven ability to multitask and prioritize critical work.
• Ability to work effectively with other WCS departments, outside vendors/contractors, and government agencies in carrying out the principal functions of the Operations Department.
• Commitment to creating and maintaining a positive work environment for staff and guest experiences throughout the Bronx Zoo.

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