Director of Capital Projects

Now is a great time to join the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. As the Director of Capital Projects, you will have the opportunity to work directly with the CEO to further the vision and mission of an organization that actively works to provide a just and equitable future focused on conservation and education. This position will oversee the work of the construction department including directing, planning, and administering the operations.  As a strategic leader, you will direct all aspects of the design and construction of zoo exhibits and facilities.

In addition to competitive base pay, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo offers 100% employer paid health benefits for you and your family, a 401k plan that you can contribute to on day one with an employer match after one-year, generous paid time off, and the ability to grow your career in safety and security leadership. The salary range for this position is $95,000 to $120,000 annually.

Essential Accountabilities

• Directs all aspects of project construction including contractor procurement, contract negotiation, project timeliness, construction management and observation, payment, safety and project closeout.
• Directs all phases of project design including scheduling, budgeting, feasibility, facility programming, schematics, and design development and construction documents.
• Monitors and keeps projects on an established schedule and identify milestones.
• Maintain timely and accurate reporting to the executive team and the Zoo Board including budget, construction, and project milestone records as needed.
• Direct preconstruction services and activities to establish conformity of the project plans and documents.
• Prepares documentation of all significant project events, e.g., accidents, delays, permit status reports, change orders, and claims.
• Maintains quality control ensuring integrity and excellence of completed projects.
• Mitigates claims and conflict during the course of construction.
• Ensures the completion of all job close-out procedures and coordinates storage of historical records and files. 
• Works with consultants and contractors to ensure projects are completed within prescribed timeframes and budgets.
• Prepares and/or processes various records and reports such as punch lists for engineering drawing review and construction completion.
• Refers to as-built drawings, sewer extension documents, easement documents, community water system water usage records, codes, laws, regulations, publications, and reference texts.
• Coordinates with local, state, and federal governmental agencies.
• Manages project selection, scope, contracts, payments, schedules, and evaluations of outside contractors.
• Develops strategies to minimize impact of construction activities on Zoo operations, guest experience, animal welfare, and health and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Masters Degree from an accredited college or university in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field preferred.
• 5 years of increasingly responsible experience in managing the construction of educational, governmental, or commercial building projects at the supervisory or management level.
• Ability to organize, implement, and direct complex management activities in the area of construction and planning.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws as they relate to construction program management. 
• Knowledge of legal and practical aspects of project design, bidding, management, and close out of construction costs. 
• Knowledge and extensive experience with today’s construction standards and innovative techniques
• Demonstrated track record of effective working relationships with contractors and sub-contractors who adhere to professional quality.
• Computer literacy with Microsoft office software and technical software including project management, scheduling, and CAD.
• Knowledge of and experience with environmental sustainability preferred
• Valid California Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed.  Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position.  Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.  

• Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading. Color perception is also required.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken information to others in small and large group settings.
• Hand and finger dexterity sufficient for typing and other administrative tasks.
• The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position regularly works with others including Zoo executives and employees, Zoo guests and community members, media and government officials.
• The position primarily functions indoors, with frequent exposure to outdoor Zoo environments and external events.
• The employee is regularly exposed to a variety of animals with risk of animal bites (including venomous), zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury.
• Regular local travel and occasional out-of-town travel required.

Experience Required

Bachelor’s or Masters Degree from an accredited college or university in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field preferred. 5 years of increasingly responsible experience in managing the construction of educational, governmental, or commercial building projects at the supervisory or management level.

Perks

Our comprehensive compensation package includes Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis.