Director of Construction
Status: Full-Time Exempt
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer
Job Description
The Director of Construction serves as the project manager and owner of capital projects throughout the Zoo including facility / habitat renovations and new attractions. Works collaboratively with the Facilities Department and other functional areas to coordinate construction projects taking place at the Zoo. This position is a member of the Park Management Team and Capex Planning Team, and reports to the Chief Operating Officer.
Essential Functions
- Acts as project manager, primary contact, and facilitator for assigned projects. Oversees all aspects of projects including the development of work plans, schedules, cost estimating and permitting as needed.
- Manages multiple construction projects from start-up through closeout, troubleshoots job-site problems, ensures quality of 3rd party work, coordinates construction responsibilities with contractors, architects and engineers, including cost estimating and close out.
- Collaborates with all members of the project team to facilitate successful projects.
- Performs site walk-throughs with necessary contractors and sub-contractors, ensuring quality control and that all Zoo requirements, standards and policies are properly implemented.
- Manages pre-qualification and evaluation of potential design and construction vendors. Solicits bids and recommends contractors for assigned scope. Manages interactions with contractors and serves as a liaison between contractors and Zoo team.
- Secures Owner Requirements and coordinates with appropriate departments within the Zoo to provide input during the conceptual design, design development and construction documents stages to ensure consistency with Zoo standards and to meet final user’s expectations.
- Participates in capital projects planning and budgeting, including engaging the necessary design and preconstruction partners, to establish capital project budgets.
- Participates as an active member of the Zoo’s Capex Planning Team.
- Tracks all assigned projects utilizing the FMX system including PM schedules as needed.
- Ensures all paperwork for new vendor set-up and on-boarding is complete. Acts as the main contact with vendors and finance for billing, scheduling and payments.
- Ensures all purchase orders, contracts and invoices are done and processed in accordance with zoo policy and in a timely fashion.
- Prepares reports regarding project status including detailed, up-to-date timelines and schedules for appropriate distribution.
- Works collaboratively with the Grants Manager and Controller to ensure all federal, state or local grant requirements are met for all grant-funded projects.
- Works to avoid or resolve any problems or conflicts that may arise between the Zoo and construction related vendors.
- Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards and standards that ensure animal welfare.
- Ensures compliance with safety regulations, building codes and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.
- Evaluates and manages risks related to construction and work with internal/external, legal, finance and safety resources to mitigate any exposure to the Zoo.
- Ensures agreed upon project completion dates are met on-time and on-budget
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Engineering, Building Construction or related field.
- Seven to ten-plus years of experience in the design, construction, or management of construction projects is required.
- A license in any of the following may substitute for the required education: State of Florida Professional Engineer, State of Florida Registered Architect, County or State of Florida General Contractor’s, County or State of Florida General Building Contractor, County or State of Florida General Engineering Contractor, or County or State of Florida Certificate of Eligibility in General Building or General Engineering.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex physical facilities and ensure their secure, safe, and environmentally sound operations.
- Demonstrated understanding of mechanical systems, power systems, waste water treatment, plumbing, electrical, building systems, life-support and safety systems and basic construction techniques is essential; experience in space management, building automation systems, and predictive maintenance.
- Experience managing capital projects from concept through design to start up – both new construction and renovations from small scope (several thousand) to large scope (several millions).
- Experience with project cost estimation.
- Possess knowledge of trades and skills to effectively communicate with contractors, sub-contractors and other 3rd party vendors.
Other Requirements
- Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
- Previous Zoo or Aquarium Experience preferred but not required.
- Ability to work within Zoo accounting & procurement policies and procedures
- Demonstrated exceptional time management practices, attention to detail and excellent communications skills required.
- Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
- Possess visual, hearing and other sensory and cognitive capacity appropriate for facility and construction management and general safety practices.
- Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, and walking.
- Must have ability to navigate paved as well as rough terrain on foot and by vehicle.
- Ability to work long hours and varying shifts, including nights and week-end
- Demonstrated ability to utilize project management and work plan software.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and ability to adapt well to other computer programs.
