Are you ready to lead a dynamic facilities team in one of Tampa’s most unique and mission-driven environments? ZooTampa is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Manager of Facilities to oversee daily maintenance operations and drive long-term asset management initiatives that directly impact guest experience, animal welfare, and operational excellence. In this hands-on leadership role, you’ll guide a talented team of coordinators and supervisors, shape strategic preventative maintenance programs, and help build the infrastructure that keeps ZooTampa thriving.
Ask yourself:
- Do I have at least three years of experience managing maintenance operations or facilities teams in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment?
- Am I highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable navigating everything from work order systems to supplier negotiations?
- Can I confidently lead cross-functional teams while ensuring compliance with safety regulations and high-quality standards?
- If you’re nodding “yes,” we want to hear from you!
- Apply today and help us power the heart of the Zoo.
Position Summary:
- The Senior Manager of Facilities is responsible for leading the daily operations of facility coordinators and supervisors to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient performance of maintenance functions across ZooTampa.
- This role provides hands-on leadership and operational oversight across reactive, planned, and preventative maintenance activities, while also supporting the development and implementation of ZooTampa’s Asset Management Program to drive data-informed planning, lifecycle forecasting, and long-term infrastructure reliability.
- Reporting directly to the Director of Facilities, the Senior Manager fosters collaboration across departments and drives strategic alignment of maintenance operations with ZooTampa’s mission, guest experience priorities, and organizational goals.
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:
- Ensure all activities are conducted in alignment with AZA standards, applicable laws, safety regulations, and animal welfare requirements.
- Preventative Maintenance Oversight, Develop, implement, and monitor preventative maintenance schedules for all facilities assets in alignment with Manufacturer guidelines, legislative requirements and operational needs.
- Asset Lifecycle Coordination Support long-term asset management planning by maintaining accurate asset registers, contributing to condition assessments, and assisting with lifecycle forecasting
- Lead procurement efforts for maintenance; assist other departments with purchasing and vendor communication as needed.
- 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 workshop
- Manage key control programs and participate in facilities assessments.
- 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.
- Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the Facilities Department’s mission and ZooTampa’s goals.
- 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 general 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 employees at all levels, as well as zoo visitors.
- 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 lift 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, Pet, Life Insurance, 403(b) Pension Plan
- Vacation and sick 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
- Discounted auto insurance
- And so much more!
- Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace
Perks
- Medical,
- Dental,
- Vision,
- Pet,
- Life Insurance,
- 403(b) Pension Plan Vacation and sick 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 Discounted auto insurance And so much more!
