ZooTampa is seeking a proven Facilities Manager to lead the daily operations of our facilities team, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable performance across all Zoo systems, habitats, and guest areas. This role demands a hands-on leader who can drive results in maintenance operations, manage contractors with authority, and align teams around safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
- Are you the kind of manager who thrives on solving problems in the field while holding your team accountable for results?
- Do you excel at overseeing maintenance programs, contractors, and inspections to keep complex facilities running at peak performance?
- Do you take pride in leading teams whose work directly impacts animal care, guest safety, and the overall success of the organization?
- If so, ZooTampa invites you to apply for Facilities Manager. Reporting to the Director of Facilities, you’ll play a critical role in keeping our Zoo operating at its very best.
Position Summary:
- The Facilities Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of facility coordinators, supervisors, and trades personnel to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient performance of maintenance functions across ZooTampa.
- This role provides hands-on in the field leadership across reactive, planned, and preventative maintenance activities, while managing contractor relationships and supporting emergency response readiness.
- Reporting directly to the Director of Facilities, the Facilities Manager fosters collaboration across departments and drives strategic alignment of maintenance operations with ZooTampa’s mission, guest experience priorities, and organizational goals - while actively working in the field to oversee daily operations, troubleshoot issues, and support frontline teams.
Who We Are
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 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:
- Supervise, coordinate and participate in daily maintenance activities across all ZooTampa facilities.
- Ensure all activities are conducted in alignment with AZA standards, applicable laws, safety regulations, and animal welfare requirements.
- Maintain facility cleanliness, functionality, and readiness for daily operations and special events.
- Lead procurement efforts for maintenance; assist other departments with purchasing and vendor communication as needed.
- Manage key programs and participate in facility inspections and assessments.
- Oversee the intake, processing, and data entry of work orders via the automated system (FMX) and radio communication; assist in scheduling maintenance activities when necessary.
- Communicate clearly with senior zoo leadership and departmental teams regarding work order status, material deliveries and project schedules.
- Research, evaluate, and negotiate purchases for new materials and products.
- Administer employee documentation and time tracking through Paycor, including timesheets, leave requests, and new hire paperwork.
- Provide support to maintenance warehouse operations and help ensure cleanliness and order of the workspace.
- Monitor and promote safety compliance, track training records, and support PPE protocols to foster a culture of safety.
- Solicit and evaluate contractor and supplier bids and oversee trade work to ensure quality and timely project completion.
- Assist other departments with facility-related needs and support Zoo-wide operational requests.
- Other duties as assigned.
- What are we looking for?
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Graduation from a standard high school or vocational school, with significant related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Trade school or college education a plus.
- Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in a management or operational role; prior zoo or animal facility experience is a plus.
- Solid working knowledge of facilities maintenance and operations, including familiarity with equipment, systems, and standard procedures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to quickly learn and utilize computerized work order systems.
- Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong organizational skills with demonstrated follow-through on projects and responsibilities.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills; proven ability to foster positive working relationships across departments.
- Ability to complete assignments accurately and efficiently within established timelines.
- Professional demeanor with the ability to interact courteously and tactfully with all team members, partners and guests.
- Considerable knowledge of workplace safety practices, occupational hazards, and appropriate precautionary measures.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold)
- Must be able to push, pull, lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Must have ability to navigate paved as well as rough construction sites
- Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions
- Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts including holidays and weekends
- Must be able to plan for, work, and staff specials events and exhibits as well as be available for unexpected shifts
- Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, and walking.
- Full time Benefits
- Our Perks at ZooTampa
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 403(b) Pension Plan
- Generous PTO (Vacation and wellness) time
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Forgiveness qualifying employer
- 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!
- Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace
Experience Required
- Graduation from a standard high school or vocational school, with significant related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Trade school or college education a plus.
- Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in a management or operational role; prior zoo or animal facility experience is a plus.
- Solid working knowledge of facilities maintenance and operations, including familiarity with equipment, systems, and standard procedures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to quickly learn and utilize computerized work order systems.
- Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision. Strong organizational skills with demonstrated follow-through on projects and responsibilities.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills; proven ability to foster positive working relationships across departments.
- Ability to complete assignments accurately and efficiently within established timelines.
- Professional demeanor with the ability to interact courteously and tactfully with all team members, partners and guests.
- Considerable knowledge of workplace safety practices, occupational hazards, and appropriate precautionary measures.
Perks
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 403(b) Pension Plan Generous PTO (Vacation and wellness) time Employee Assistance Program Tuition Forgiveness qualifying employer 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!
