Director of City Zoos Operations & Maintenance

Director of City Zoos Operations & Maintenance

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation : Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.

Job Summary :

The Director of City Zoos Operations & Maintenance (O&M) leads Central Park Zoo's (CPZ) facility maintenance programs, including preventive maintenance, repairs, and improvements to the zoo's buildings, exhibits, pathways, fences, roads, and infrastructure. The Director is also responsible for custodial services, waste management, leaf and snow removal. In addition to duties at CPZ, the Director of City Zoos O&M also leads capital projects at all three City Zoos (Central Park, Prospect Park, Queens). The Director also provides counsel and support to the PPZ and QZ Managers of O&M in collaboration with their respective zoo directors. The person also plays a critical role in working with other departments at the three zoos to ensure that all zoo facilities and grounds are safe for animals, staff, volunteers, and zoo guests.

Major Responsibilities :

• Manage and oversee the Operations & Maintenance Department daily activities to maintain and repair the zoo's facilities and grounds, including all buildings, exhibits, pathways, roads, fences, water features, infrastructure, equipment, and vehicles.
• Manage and oversee the department's custodial functions to maintain park cleanliness and safety including, but not limited to, waste management; cleaning pathways and seating areas; snow and leaf removal; cleaning / stocking restrooms; clearing storm drains, and general housekeeping in public areas, classrooms, and office spaces.
• Develop, manage, and oversee the zoo's preventive maintenance program to ensure all facilities and systems are maintained in good working condition and provide a safe environment for animals, guests, staff, and volunteers.
• Develop and implement best practices to ensure the department completes tasks safely, efficiently, and with a consistent high level of quality. Ensure the department acts in accordance with WCS policies and procedures and that its activities are not detrimental to the health and wellbeing of animals, zoo guests, staff, and volunteers.
• Ensure that all facilities and department practices meet AZA Accreditation standards and government regulations (e.g., USDA, OSHA, ADA, City of New York).
• Manage the City Zoos approved capital projects in collaboration with the City Zoos Capital Projects Manager. Participate in consultant / contractor selection, design and construction coordination, budget management, and project closeout in collaboration with WCS and other stakeholders (Budget and Finance, Purchasing, EGAD, other City Zoos departments, Parks, OMB, DOB, etc.).
• Provide counsel and support to Managers of O&M at Prospect Park and Queens Zoos in collaboration with City Zoo Directors.
• Manage the department's approved operating budget in accordance with established WCS policies and procedures. Provide regular updates to the VP / Director of City Zoos.
• Direct and oversee the work of contractors, technicians, and vendors engaged in work at the zoo. Coordinate and communicate between outside vendors and other Central Park Zoo departments to minimize impact on other zoo activities.
• Manage the zoo's work order system and collaborate with other department managers to prioritize open work orders. Maintain records on work order progress and completion and produce reports and updates to assist in assessing facility and equipment condition, capital project needs, and improved preventive maintenance programs.
• Collaborate with the Risk Management Department, Human Resources, and other appropriate stakeholders to provide and document necessary training and certifications for staff to perform work functions safely and effectively in accordance with all applicable WCS policies and government regulations. Maintain current documentation of all completed training and certifications for each individual employee.
• Provide leadership in hiring, training, and managing O&M Department staff. Create a positive, professional work environment with the department that promotes collaboration, mentorship, and growth. Review staff performance to ensure established department protocols, standards, and work expectations are met.
• Must secure and maintain FDNY Certificates of Fitness as assigned.
• Represent WCS in a professional manner. Represent Central Park Zoo and City Zoos in internal meetings and external meetings with outside agencies and other cultural institutions as assigned. Establish collaborative working relationships with counterparts at the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Central Park Conservancy (CPC), and other City agencies and nonprofit partners.