Director of Facilities and Construction

The Buffalo Zoo is seeking a dynamic, energetic individual to serve as the Director of Facilities and
Construction. The ideal candidate will possess skills and experience leading a team of skilled trades’
technicians and engineers. In addition, oversight and management of all phases of construction will be an essential function of this position. To apply, please send resume and cover letter in Word document or PDF by email to: buffalozoojobs@buffalozoo.org by October 30, 2017. No telephone calls please. For more information about the Buffalo Zoo, please visit our website by the following link: http://www.buffalozoo.org

The Buffalo Zoo
Originally conceived as a deer park in the northeast corner of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Delaware Park, the Buffalo Zoo was established in 1875 making it the third oldest zoo of its kind in the United States. The Zoological Society of Buffalo, Inc. was formed in 1931 and over the next decade major renovations took place and featured buildings using classic, period architecture. In 1973, operational responsibilities for the Zoo were turned over from the City of Buffalo to the Society. Since 2000 more than $50 million worth of capital improvements to exhibitry and infrastructure have been completed. Today the Buffalo Zoo is a regional leader in inspiring visitors to respect, protect and restore natural habitats for wildlife. We promote wildlife conservation through animal encounters, engaging educational experiences and participation in regional and international programs for endangered species.

Overview of Position:
Under the supervision of the President, the Director of Facilities and Construction plans, organizes, and supervises all work of the Maintenance Technicians and Stationary Engineers. The Director is responsible for the maintenance of the physical plant, HVAC, repair and appearance of all buildings, pathways, fences, vehicles, equipment, boilers, sewers, electrical, waterlines, and infrastructure of the Zoo. This position also provides oversight of the Zoo’s safety and security procedures and programs. The Director actively serves as onsite construction manager for capital and other improvement projects.

Essential Functions:
 Maintains blueprints, catalogues of building materials, all locking devices and key control, vehicle license and inspection records.
 Recruits, hires, evaluates, trains and manages maintenance and engineering staff as well as part-time and seasonal personnel.
 Participates in the overall planning and direction of the Buffalo Zoo serving as a member of the senior staff team.
 Prepares and manages budget for the appropriate departments and accounts.
 Develops and oversees the Zoo’s asset management plan.
 Contracts repair work when needed (roofs, sewer repairs, electrical, etc.)
 Oversees all construction activities onsite including acting as the Zoo’s construction manager during capital improvement projects and major repair work.
 Actively and collaboratively works with Zoo staff, architects, engineers, regulatory officials and others to achieve success in all aspects of the Zoo’s facilities maintenance, exhibit and infrastructure improvements.
 Orders and/or oversees the ordering and inventory of materials/supplies.
 Keeps records of gas, oil and electricity used.
 Inspects work progress and provides guidance as needed.
 Receives work request forms from all departments, prioritizes and distributes to appropriate staff. Maintains highest quality of work standards for all work performed by in-house and contracted staff.
 Plans the work schedules and supervises the execution of work for the maintenance and engineering staff.
 Reviews problems of the Zoo plant daily and schedules repairs as they may be accomplished with minimum delay.
 Recommends purchases of vehicles and equipment.
 Provides oversight and serves as the Zoo’s primary contact for outsourced security services assuring that standards for security operations and performance are maintained.
 Maintains and insures working condition of both fire and security alarm systems, and safety equipment.
 Keeps ongoing files of Safety Data Sheets in use at the Buffalo Zoo.
 Works collaboratively with the Director of Human Relations and outsourced vendors to assure OSHA
standards/training and other regulatory standards/training as relevant are being met.
 Periodically reviews and updates Buffalo Zoo Safety Manual.
 Solicits and receives multiple bids for any outside contracted work.
 Conducts meetings with all members of his/her department for general discussion.
 Conducts training sessions to instruct workers in proper performance of their duties.
 Performs other duties as assigned by President.
 Coordinates work of essential personnel onsite during inclement weather.
 Serves in an on-call capacity to oversee emergency response operations as necessary.

Position Qualifications:
Education and Experience (Minimum Needed):
 Four year degree in construction or facilities management, plus five years supervisory experience.
– or –
 Two year degree in construction or facilities management, plus seven years field and supervisory experience.

Special Skills:
 Thorough knowledge and understanding of facilities management principles and practices.
 Ability to work effectively and with flexibility in an environment where animal welfare and the safety of the animals, guests and staff are paramount.
 Experience in construction project management such that projects are completed on time and in budget.
 Prefer experience in working with historic buildings and/or campus.
 Strong leadership skills to motivate and train staff.
 Experience working in a unionized environment.

Other:
 Must possess or be able to obtain within 30-days of employment a valid New York State driver’s license and have an average or better driving record based on the evaluation process of our insurance company. Retention of position is contingent upon maintaining required license. Must upgrade to classification appropriate to requirements (non-CDLC or CDL class).
 TB Test conducted annually.
 Must be able to work weekends, nights on occasion in emergencies, holidays and as necessary.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience. The Buffalo Zoo offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, dental, life insurance, retirement (403b), vacation, holiday and sick leave. Equal Opportunity Employer. Exempt Position.

300 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214-1999