Construction Project Manager

Fresno Chaffee Zoo has an exciting and rare opening for a Construction Project Manager. The Construction Project Manager is responsible for directing and managing all aspects of design and construction of major zoo exhibits and facilities. Responsibilities include management of all aspects of project construction including contractor procurement, contract negotiations, project timeliness, construction management and observation, payment, safety and project closeout. The Construction Project Manager acts as a liaison between contractors and zoo staff. Coordination of training for zoo staff tasked with operation and maintenance of completed facilities as well as management of activities of contractors and sub-contractors during warranty period of project completion is required. Will acquire and maintain all necessary permits, licenses and certificates related to capital projects.

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo inspires wonder of our natural world, provides an engaging learning environment, and creates a passion for conservation. Serving the central San Joaquin Valley, the zoo is committed to sustaining professional active participation in wildlife conservation, research and wildlife education. As a proud recipient of the AZA Top Honor Exhibit Award, we are committed to providing our local community and the AZA community exhibits and programs we all can be proud of.

Essential Functions:

• Prepares and manages annual budget for capital projects.
• Develops tracking systems and reports in conjunction with accounting to regularly update executive staff and board on project finances.
• Responsible for managing and implementing capital projects outlined in Zoo’s master plan and other projects as assigned.
• Provides consultation and support as requested to Zoo leadership on any /all zoo projects as needed.
• Manages all phases of project design including scheduling, budgeting, feasibility, facility programming, schematics, and design development and construction documents.
• Directs activities of outside design/engineering consultants. Serve as a liaison between consultants and zoo staff.
• Manages selection, work scope, contracts, payment, schedule and evaluation of outside consultants.
• Assists in management of all aspects of project construction including contractor procurement, contract negotiation, project timeliness, construction management and observation, payment, safety and project closeout.
• Develops strategies to minimize impact of construction activities on zoo operations, guest experience, animal welfare, and health and safety.
• Facilitates the production of as-built drawings, operations and maintenance manuals, warranty documentation for completed projects
• Coordinates training and other support necessary for zoo staff tasked with operation and maintenance of completed facilities.
• Manages the activities of contractors and subcontractors during warranty period of project operation.
• Manages the post-occupancy evaluation of completed facilities.
• Develop, submit, and maintains all records and reports related to planning and zoo projects required by Zoo and stakeholders.
• Acquires, and maintains all necessary permits, licenses and certificates related to planning and capital projects.
• Assures new construction has complete as-build documentation.

Management Accountabilities:

• Customarily and regularly exercises discretion and independent judgement.
• Leads through connecting individual and team skills and passions with organizational needs.
• Effectively solves problems and learns from mistakes.
• Employs teamwork, when appropriate, to find solutions.
• Reports to meetings and activities on time, engaged, and prepared.
• Prioritizes tasks in order to be respectful of others’ time.
• Respond to emails and other communications within 2 business days.
• All written communication contains professional and proper language
• Demonstrates follow through.
• Accountable for team leadership and management.
• Actively creates connections that encourage open and honest communication with all.
• Provides regular performance feedback and coaching to reporting staff.
• Completes timely and appropriate written evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for improvement.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture or landscape architecture or other applicable field.
• 10 years’ related experience in construction management, preferred.
• Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively with varied stakeholders. Bilingual skills a plus.
• Computer literacy with experience using Microsoft office software and technical software including project management, scheduling and CAD, required.
• Strong planning, analytical and decision making skills are required, with the ability to work in a dynamic, evolving organization.
• Strong knowledge of technical aspects of design and construction, including building codes and other government regulations (e.g. IBC, OSHA and ADA), preparation of drawings and specifications, contracts scheduling/project management techniques.
• Demonstrated motivational and problem solving acumen with a high degree of integrity and ethics.

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.