Planning & Construction Manager

Primary Purpose of this Position:

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking an experienced and collaborative oriented individual with proven project management skills to oversee the Planning and Construction Section of the North Carolina Zoo.  This position will be responsible for design, development, implementation and coordination of all formal and informal planning and construction projects.

In addition to supervisory responsibilities the position is to design and/or prepare plans, specifications, bid documents, charts, graphs, and reports relating to assigned construction and/or renovation projects; coordinate the construction projects including working with the contractor and the Zoo project team on schedules, meetings and in-house work by various Zoo sections; inspecting and monitoring construction/renovation work and resolving problems and keeping records. In addition, this position works on construction and renovation projects designed by outside architect/engineers including reviewing construction plans and specifications, coordinating the construction with the contractor and project team including schedules, meetings and in-house work by various Zoo sections; inspecting and monitoring progress including coordinating change order requirements, verifying quality and quantity of construction, reporting problems, and following up on actions directed by the project team. The position also works with projects teams and Maintenance on in-house construction/renovation projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ability to apply comprehensive/considerable knowledge of local, state and federal rules/regulations governing the area of work.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, architects, engineers, contractors and State agency managers.
• Knowledge and ability to manage budgets/contracts of limited scope and complexity including resources such as budget, personnel, and equipment within timelines.
• Ability to communicate with individual work units, organization, external customers, and the public on program elements and/or engineering/architectural resources.
• Ability to analyze moderately complex situations and recommend solutions and/or opinions and to alert leadership in verbal and written communication to the impact on the program.
• Ability to recognize problematic processes and procedures affecting operational and physical product.
• Ability to weigh alternatives in addressing engineering/architectural design issues  – considering the opinion, fact, and tangible/intangible factors.

Job Requirements: 

• Position is required to work 3-4 weekends per year as weekend and holiday Manager on Duty, or as needed.
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a valid NC driver’s license within 30 days of employment.
• Required to participate in an occupational health program due to contact with animal containment areas.
• Must have the agility and physically ability to regularly and safely: lift up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally; bend, stoop, and work in tight spaces ladders; move over and about all types of equipment to inspect, analyze and perform repairs; stand for the majority of the day; endure extended outdoor field conditions negotiate uneven outdoor terrain on foot; hear and respond to radio communication; and drive motor vehicles at day and at night.

Candidate requirements: 

• Must be able to work independently to exercise a wide range of decision-making and judgment.
• Must be able to manage and supervise project management staff and administrative personnel, including effective goal establishment, management, and coaching as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve contract disputes.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to modify delivery, language, or material to account for the characteristics and needs of the audience.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit:
The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of all of North Carolina’s citizens and visitors to the zoo. The mission of the zoo is to encourage the understanding of and commitment to the conservation of the world’s wildlife and wild places through the recognition of the interdependence of people and nature. The Zoo displays, conserves and protects representative examples of natural beauty, plant and animal species and ecological features of the North American and African regions of the world through the presentation of live animal exhibits from these regions.

Department Information:
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina, literally from A to Z.  The Arts to the Zoo, and so much else – parks, aquariums, historic sites, archaeology, African American Heritage Commission, science and history museums, the state Symphony, Library, and Archives, historic preservation, land, and water stewardship, and more.  These places, and the ideas they represent, create a shared identity in North Carolina. They provide common ground.  Everyone is welcome.  The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Our goal is to promote equity and inclusion among our employees and our programming to reflect and celebrate our state’s diverse population, culture, and history. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.  Visit: DNCR  https://www.ncdcr.gov/

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

**To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.**

• Demonstrated experience managing the work of architects, engineers and construction personnel.
• Proven knowledge of state and federal guidelines and regulations related to construction and/or renovation projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Project Management.
• Proven knowledge of engineering design methodologies, construction methodologies, construction management as well as general construction.
• Proven knowledge of NC General Statutes and NC Building Codes relating to engineering planning, design, consulting, contract administration, construction, renovation and major maintenance and repair.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing plans, specifications, technical computations and cost estimates.
• Proven skills with computers including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Facilities or Construction Management or related Engineering field from an appropriately accredited institution and three (3) years of related experience in construction project management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Qualification May require registration as a professional engineer by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.