Resource Conservation & Sustainability Manager

This position is responsible for leading and coordinating work in support of the zoo’s sustainability efforts, and for driving a deepening commitment to zoo’s organization wide goals for conservation.  This includes the implementation and broad adoption of the WPZ’s Sustainability Plan. This includes but is not limited to energy consumption, water conservation and re-use, irrigation improvements, electrification from natural gas, recycling, compost management, sewer capacity assessment, and groundwater management.

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE

As our new Resource Conservation & Sustainability Manager, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:

• A Skilled Project Manager: You possess exceptional organizational skills, effective communication, and a keen attention to detail, ensuring successful project delivery while keeping the team motivated and aligned with project goals.
• Familiar with Civil Engineering: You recognize engineering principles related to design, construction, and management of infrastructure projects, involving problem-solving, collaboration, and the integration of technical expertise in the built environment.
• People Motivator: Motivate and delegate to staff who perform a broad range of professional, trade, and technical work comes naturally to you.
• A Collaborator: You enjoy working with different departments and community partners on grants and cost sharing to ensure a high standard of accountability consistent with Woodland Park Zoo’s Sustainability Plan.
• Developer: You have experience developing, implementing, and managing operational protocols and systems.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement sustainability policies, processes, and procedures aligned with Sustainability Policy.
• Manage budgets and revenues related to sustainability initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze utility bills (e.g., natural gas, water, electricity, solid waste) using tracking software.
• Seek external funding opportunities, incentives, and grants for sustainability projects.
• Create and execute a comprehensive sustainability plan, encompassing energy, water conservation, recycling, and more.
• Oversee project management for sustainability initiatives, from design to closeout.
• Manage solid waste and recycling programs, including vendor contracts and services.
• Collaborate with departments for event support and equipment needs aligned with the Sustainability Plan.
• Lead composting efforts and promote sustainability education and initiatives.
• Act as a primary spokesperson for sustainability and conservation efforts.
• Lead the Green Team and facilitate communication with the broader community on sustainability matters.
• Prepare and submit regular reports to leadership, departments, and external entities.
• Provide input and oversight on sustainability-related aspects of other department projects.
• Establish industry connections to promote best practices in sustainability.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Equivalent education or experience to a bachelor’s degree (B.S. or B.A.) from an accredited college or university in related field and five (5) or more years’ experience in design, environmental science, civil engineering, project management, resource management, operations management, or grounds management, with three (3) years supervising staff and managing budgets.
• WORC certificate required to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• SFM certificate preferred.
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for fulltime staff including:

• Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents
• 11 paid holidays and 2 personal holidays 
• Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick your first year
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days 
• 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks  
• Free staff parking 
• 403(b) Retirement Plan 

SELECTION PROCESS

• Application: Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies. 
• This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.
• Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.
• Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant to successfully complete a: driving record review, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment tuberculosis test