Director of Facilities (Full-Time, Exempt)

Lead the Way as Director of Facilities at ZooTampa! Are you a seasoned facilities management professional with a passion for maintaining top-tier operations and landscapes? ZooTampa is looking for a dynamic Director of Facilities to oversee our Maintenance and Horticulture departments, ensuring the smooth operation of the zoo’s grounds, structures, and animal habitats. If you're an experienced leader ready to make an impact in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment, this is your chance to join a team dedicated to excellence in every aspect of its operations.

Why Should You Apply?

• Leadership in a Thriving Environment: As the Director of Facilities, you’ll lead a dedicated team in maintaining and enhancing ZooTampa’s facilities.
• Your expertise will ensure that the zoo's grounds and infrastructure are not only safe and efficient but also aligned with our long-term strategic vision.

Diverse Responsibilities & Impact:

• This position offers the opportunity to shape both the zoo’s physical space and its day-to-day operations, from managing complex maintenance projects to working with the construction team on new attractions.
• Your role will be central to our success in delivering world-class guest experiences.

Team Development & Collaboration:

• You'll have the chance to recruit, mentor, and guide a high-performing team while working across departments to ensure every project supports ZooTampa’s mission.
• As a key member of the Park Management Team, your leadership will drive our continuous improvement.

Position Summary

• The Director of Facilities oversees the daily operations and leadership of the zoo’s Maintenance and Horticulture departments.
• This role serves as the principal coordinator for all maintenance activities and is responsible for the zoo’s landscape and grounds.
• Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Director of Facilities collaborates across departments to ensure operational excellence and alignment with organizational goals.

Who We Are

• ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually.
• We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities.
• The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
• Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
• Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
• Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
• Your day to day

Essential Functions

Leadership and Oversight:

• Direct the daily operations of the Maintenance and Horticulture teams.
• Align departmental priorities with the zoo’s strategic, master, and business plans in collaboration with the COO.

Maintenance Management:

• Oversee preventative, routine, and emergency repairs and maintenance for all facilities, including rides, structures, pathways, animal habitats, equipment, and the vehicle fleet.

Vendor and Contractor Management:

• Oversee and manage relationships with external vendors and contractors, ensuring compliance with contracts, quality standards, and budgetary constraints

Team Development:

• Recruit, mentor, train, and develop team members to achieve high performance.
• Conduct performance evaluations, address disciplinary matters, manage schedules, and ensure staff participation in ongoing education and safety training programs.

Property Assessment and Improvement:

• Patrol the property to assess safety, horticultural, and general maintenance needs.
• Recommend and implement changes to enhance operational efficiency and improve facilities and groundskeeping standards.

Collaboration with Construction:

• Work closely with the Construction Department on park renovations, new attractions, and capital projects.
• Provide resources and support to the Director of Construction.

Risk Management, Safety and Compliance:

• Develop and implement risk management plans and emergency response protocols to address facility-related emergencies and natural disasters.
• Ensure the safe use, training, and security of supplies, equipment, and tools.
• Monitor compliance with company policies and regulatory standards.

Guest and Staff Considerations:

• Ensure projects are managed to minimize disruption to guests, employees, and animals.
• Maintain a safe environment with proper area security during and after projects.

Budget and Procurement:

• Manage the annual Maintenance and Horticulture budgets.
• Ensure adherence to zoo procurement policies and financial practices.

Cross-Departmental Participation:

• Actively participate as a member of the Park Management Team.
• Work collaboratively with the Animal Care Teams to proactively plan and execute habitat maintenance and repairs.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of five years of leadership experience in facilities management, ideally in a zoo, aquarium, or theme park environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, engineering, construction, or a related field is preferred.
• Proven ability to manage complex physical facilities and ensure safe, secure, and environmentally responsible operations.
• In-depth knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and building systems, as well as preventive maintenance and construction techniques.
• Experience with budget management, cost justification, work order systems, and permitting processes.
• Familiarity with native species, tree preservation, plants, and botanical features is preferred.
• Ability to develop and implement plans that uphold high standards for appearance, design, and maintenance of guest-facing gardens.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction or General Industry Certification preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) is a plus.
• Experience working in a botanical garden is a plus.
• Bilingual in English / Spanish is a plus.
• Other Requirements
• Conduct all activities in alignment with AZA standards, applicable laws and regulations, safety protocols, and animal welfare guidelines.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills to effectively partner with department leaders, external stakeholders, and other park management teams.
• Physical ability to lift, push, pull and carry up to 50 pounds and work in a variety of positions, including sitting, bending, standing, walking, and driving.
• Capability to work in extreme weather conditions typical of west-central Florida (e.g., heat, rain, cold).
• Proficiency with radios, telephones, and computers for communication and instructions.
• Availability for special events, on-call shifts, holidays, and weekends.
• Must be comfortable working in and around animal habitats and all zoo species including snakes, spiders and other dangerous animals.

Our Perks at ZooTampa:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance options
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (Generous PTO Vacation and Wellness time)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Forgiveness
• Free gym membership
• Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• And so much more!
• Ready to Lead the Charge? Apply Today!
• If you're a forward-thinking facilities expert looking to lead in a high-impact role, we want you!
• Click below to submit your application and take the next step in your career at ZooTampa.

Experience Required

• Minimum of five years of leadership experience in facilities management, ideally in a zoo, aquarium, or theme park environment. Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, engineering, construction, or a related field is preferred.
• Proven ability to manage complex physical facilities and ensure safe, secure, and environmentally responsible operations. In-depth knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and building systems, as well as preventive maintenance and construction techniques.
• Experience with budget management, cost justification, work order systems, and permitting processes.
• Familiarity with native species, tree preservation, plants, and botanical features is preferred.
• Ability to develop and implement plans that uphold high standards for appearance, design, and maintenance of guest-facing gardens.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction or General Industry Certification preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) is a plus.
• Experience working in a botanical garden is a plus.
• Bilingual in English / Spanish is a plus.

Perks

• Medical,
• Dental,
• Vision,
• and Life Insurance options 403(b) Retirement Plan Paid Time Off (Generous PTO Vacation and Wellness time) Employee
• Assistance Program Tuition Forgiveness Free gym membership Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida And so much more!