HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSIONThe Associate Director of Construction & Maintenance leads the upkeep, maintenance, installation and remodeling at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) facilities in San Diego and the Pacific; including all facilities at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Beckman Center for Conservation Science, Paul Harter Veterinary Hospital, Rancho Bernardo Warehouse, and remote Conservation Hubs, including in Hawaii and San Clemente island.
The position is located at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, leading a team of in-house trade specialists, as well as external vendors, to achieve consistent, best-in-class facilities that support SDZWA's teams, guests, mission and wildlife. Responsibilities include managing and providing direction on all remodeling, repair, and maintenance of facilities; including buildings, wildlife and plant habitats, roads, electrical, lighting, plumbing, mechanical, drainage, elevators, environmental, water treatment and specialized life support systems. This position reports to the Director of Facilities.
WHAT YOU WILL DO- Inspires, coordinates, mentors, manages, trains, recruits and and provides expert consultation to assigned and remote supervisory, administrative and construction trade staff and facilities specialists, including Painters, Welders, Electricians, HVAC & Water Quality Technicians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Machine Operators, Signage Specialists and General Maintenance Workers.
- Proactively builds amazing relationships with internal and external collaborators, stakeholders and regulatory bodies across all assigned sites, championing their needs, providing advice and influencing decision making that assures the best possible facility outcomes.
- Takes proactive actions and develop strategies that supports a 'preventative maintenance', 'repair before failure', 'fix it right first time' and '5* service' approach, continually building team capacity, facility quality and measurable improvement.
- Researches and considers a number of creative and innovative solutions in response to facility needs, identifying options and documenting solutions that assure best-in-class wildlife and plant welfare, guest experience, team engagement, mission contribution, long-term maintainability and value.
- Oversees scheduling of consultant and contractor work as necessary for facility maintenance, including procurement of required permits, preparing Requests for Proposals, negotiating contracts and coordinating work to minimize operational disruption.
- Plays a proactive role in the leadership and strategic direction of the wider Facilities department, to support team engagement and ensure a consistent approach.
- Consistently reinforces and improves team safety focus, ensuring all work complete is compliant with current regulatory requirements.
- Develops and manages annual facility maintenance operating budget, advocating for resources, tracking variances, and updating monthly forecasts.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORThe ideal candidate would possess a strong operational background with proficiency with developing & refining SOPs, scheduling & logistics, & possess a broad technical understanding. This candidate would also have exceptional communication & interpersonal skills.
JOB EXPERIENCE- At least three years of demonstrated experience leading, managing, and mentoring teams required.
- Five years or more of experience in the construction or hospitality industry required.
- Previous professional consulting experience in civil, structural, electrical, architectural, mechanical or construction project delivery fields preferred.
- Experience in construction or campus management: Site Manager, Welding, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC or other related field preferred.
- Experience working with represented labor preferred.
- Experience creating, developing or building branded spaces or environments (e.g. Zoos, Aquariums, Botanical Gardens, City Parks, Amusement Parks, Restaurants) preferred.
- Experience creating, developing, or building habitats for wildlife or plants preferred.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS - High School Diploma Required.
- Advanced Degree(s) or professional certificates preferred.
- Current valid California Driver's license required.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE - Ability to lead and motivate diverse teams, both on site and remotely required.
- Knowledge of current building design techniques, trades, tools, equipment, and materials required.
- Ability to translate complex technical information into easily understandable outcomes required.
- Ability to evaluate and use moderately complex computer software programs, maintenance and work order systems required.
- Ability to proactively collaborate and build strong stakeholder relationships required.
- Demonstrated ability to perform construction and maintenance tasks while adhering to local, state and federal regulations required.
- Ability to plan, estimate, lead, prepare bids for and remotely coordinate moderately complex construction projects required.
- Ability to influence through a proactive, creative, solution focused approach required.
- Ability to understand union contracts regarding labor use restrictions preferred.
- Knowledge of inventory control practices preferred.
SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER- Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Companion Passes
- Complimentary Tickets
- Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Local and In-House Discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
IMPORTANT DETAILS - Location: Escondido, CA
- Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position
- Salary Range: $130,421 to $146,724
About The Salary RangesThe posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.
Fraudulent RecruitingBeware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail
[email protected]. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.
