Director of Facility Operations

Description: We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Facilities Director to join one of Tennessee's largest and most popular attractions, the Nashville Zoo. As a Facilities Director, you will be responsible for overseeing the management and maintenance of the Zoo's growing physical infrastructure, facilities, award-winning exhibits, grounds, and equipment; including the supervision, training, and management of all Facility staff. The Facilities Director must work appropriate hours to meet the needs of Zoo staff and visitors, consistent with peak season days and hours. Regular weekend and occasional evening hours may be required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facility Planning: Develop and implement long-term facility strategies, preventative maintenance and plans in alignment with the organization's goals and objectives.

• Facility Operations: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the facilities, including building maintenance, grounds, repairs, cleaning and compliance with safety regulations.

• Budgeting and Financial Management: Develop and manage the facilities budget, including forecasting expenses, tracking costs, and ensuring cost-effectiveness in facility operations.

• Vendor Management: Select, contract, and manage relationships with external vendors and service providers, such as maintenance contractors and utility providers.

• Sustainability and Energy Management: Implement environmentally sustainable practices and initiatives to reduce energy consumption and promote green building principles.

• Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to building codes, occupational health, and safety standards.

• Staff Management: Lead and supervise a team of facility staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and professional development.

• Stakeholder Relations: Collaborate with internal departments and senior management to understand facility needs, address concerns, and provide effective facility support.

• Act as Chairperson of the Zoo’s Green Team Committee. Serve as Facility liaison with the Risk Management Team.

• Short, and long range planning; prioritizing, coordinating and scheduling of all maintenance activities including repairs, replacement, and preventive maintenance.

• Maintain CMMS systems and administration of work order system, preventive maintenance plans and management information systems.

• Controlling and supervising the care, use, issuance, inventory, repair, replacement, and purchase of all tools, vehicles, maintenance supplies, materials and in-house construction supplies and materials.

• Ensure compliance with all governmental or other regulatory agencies, including, but not limited to national, state, and local codes, as well as ADA standards, AZA standards, USDA (animal and plant regulations), TWRA, OSHA, TOSHA, EPA, DOT, etc. and adherence to all regulations and guidelines set forth by those agencies. This includes application for and maintenance of all necessary permits and reporting.

• Manage and direct insurance inspections and claims investigations.

• Contribute to activities, planning, problem solving, policy development and discussions as a key member of the Senior Staff management team.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Supervisory:

• Provide supportive leadership and build strong working relationships with the Facilities sub-departments including; Horticulture, Maintenance, Grounds & Custodial Department Supervisors and their teams.

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, coach and evaluate Facility Department leadership staff.

• Support facility department supervisors in developing employee protocols, procedures and guidelines.

• Maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of staff and visitors, work with staff to improve zoo grounds and handle individual guest issues where needed.

Financial:

• Develop and maintain annual department budgets, as well as, capital budgeting.

• Work with staff as needed to evaluate overages and shortages and provide guidance in addressing any budget issues

Skills:

• Ability to work independently

• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills to address facility-related issues and implement effective solutions.

• Excellent leadership and managerial skills to effectively supervise a team, delegate tasks, and foster a collaborative work environment.

• Strong knowledge of building systems, maintenance practices, safety regulations, and facility management best practices.

• Knowledge of sustainability principles and energy management.

• Strong organizational skills to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.

• Ability to represent the organization and to maintain professionalism in various situations

• Knowledge of general machinery and equipment located on property

• Proficiency in using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), facility management software, and other relevant software tools.

External and Internal Relationships:

• Must work very closely with all other departments of the Zoo. Cooperation and communications are absolutely essential.

• Will be required to interact effectively and professionally with outside professionals, vendors, contractors, volunteers, visitors, and colleagues from other zoos.

• Will be called upon from time to time to make formal oral reports and presentations to internal and external groups.

Project Management:

• Must be flexible and able to prioritize a variety of activities and adjust to changing priorities.

• Must be able to consistently establish and meet project deadlines, forecast project delays, and develop contingency plans when needed.

Unusual Working Conditions:

• Work hours may include weekends, holidays and before and after hours as business needs arise.

• Duties require being outdoors in all types of weather conditions.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work outside year-round under typical Tennessee temperatures, sometimes for extended periods of time.

• Must be able to stand and/or sit at a desk for extended periods of time and bend down.

• Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree preferred with 10+ years of experience in large facility/property management and building maintenance with progressively increasing responsibilities and demonstrated leadership. Must possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license.