The Director of Facilities is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and reliability of all buildings, habitats, animal care facilities, infrastructure, utilities, and grounds at the Houston Zoo. This role ensures safe, compliant, efficient, and environmentally responsible environments that support animal care, guest experience, and organizational performance.

The Director leads a multi-disciplinary team across facilities operations, including the MEP and Fabrication Shops, Facilities Services, Pest Control, and Grounds & Housekeeping, and is accountable for building a professional, data-driven facilities program. This includes establishing strong maintenance practices, implementing effective asset management systems, and delivering consistent, high-quality service across the campus.

This role partners closely with Design & Engineering to support project delivery and long-term asset stewardship.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Facilities Operations & Maintenance

• Lead all maintenance and operations of buildings, infrastructure, utilities, and grounds
• Ensure reliable, efficient performance of critical systems and minimize operational disruptions
• Establish and enforce standards for the delivery of small projects and maintenance work, including clear expectations for scope, cost control, quality, and timely execution
• Develop clear, consistent processes for work intake, prioritization, and communication across departments
• Ensure facilities work is planned and executed in coordination with animal care and guest operations to minimize disruption and maintain safety and experience standards

Maintenance Programs & CMMS

• Develop and enforce preventive and reactive maintenance programs
• Ensure all work is initiated, tracked, and closed through the CMMS
• Improve data quality, labor tracking, and system utilization across all teams

Asset Management & Planning

• Maintain accurate asset inventories and facilities records
• Develop visibility into asset condition and lifecycle needs
• Support projection of capital reinvestment needs over a multi-year horizon
• Partner with the Sustainability team to support energy, water, and waste reduction initiatives through facilities operations and infrastructure improvements

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead, develop, and hold accountable a team of managers, supervisors, and technical staff
• Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and accountability across all functions
• Drive a culture of professionalism, ownership, and transparency

Financial & Vendor Management

• Manage the Facilities operating budget across all functions
• Oversee procurement, contracting, and vendor performance
• Ensure financial discipline and alignment with organizational priorities

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all Facilities work is performed safely and in compliance with standards
• Partner with the Safety team to address risks and improve practices

Capital Project Partnership

• Provide input on constructability, maintainability, and lifecycle considerations
• Support project execution, shutdown coordination, and turnover
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) from a four-year college or university in related field, or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of work experience including a minimum of five (5) years' in management and leadership experience.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with SharePoint or similar document management systems preferred.

Benefits
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.

• Medical and Prescription Drug
• Vision
• Dental
• Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
• Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Supplemental Life
• Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
• 401k, with employer match

Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.

• Free Zoo Membership
• Free Guest Passes
• Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
• Free parking