Job Description
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Director of Facilities provides leadership to the team and is responsible for construction, remodeling, repair, maintenance, and cleanliness of facilities, and equipment fleet at assigned location. This position reports to the Deputy Director at assigned location.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Responsibilities include oversight of all Facilities operations including: buildings, grounds, exhibits, transportation systems, vehicles and equipment, wastewater treatment plant, roads, and electrical, plumbing, mechanical, drainage, and environmental compliance.
• Oversees and provides leadership to the Facilities team including, but not limited to: hiring, training and development, and performance management.
• Inspects and evaluates facilities' condition and plans corrective actions in coordination with other departments ensuring a high level of fiscal accountability.
• Creates, implements, and maintains a highly efficient preventative maintenance program.
• Ensures contract compliance and quality on projects and regulatory requirements.
• Exercises a high level of fiscal responsibility for organizational department budget.
• Monitors the planning, development, and construction of new projects and major remodels and provides guidance to outside contractors.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise, creative judgment, and service-oriented leadership to a broad, highly visible Facilities operation. Success requires practical decision-making, thoughtful prioritization, and the ability to balance daily operational needs with long-term stewardship across facilities, grounds, fleet, infrastructure, and operational systems. The ideal candidate demonstrates an inclusive leadership style, a commitment to developing diverse, high-performing teams, and the ability to build trust across departments while advancing environments that support exceptional wildlife care, immersive guest connection, mission-aligned commercial opportunities, and thoughtful, collaborative team workplaces.
JOB EXPERIENCE
• 7 or more years of experience in the construction or facilities maintenance industry required
• 7 or more years of supervisory and project coordination experience required
• Experience working with represented labor preferred
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's Degree in business administration, management, or a related field preferred
• California Driver License required
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Strong working knowledge of Building trades, tools, equipment, and materials.
• Strong working knowledge of facilities maintenance requirements and practices.
• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead highly effective, diverse teams.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Strong working knowledge of construction industry, facilities maintenance and industry best practices and safety regulations.
SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
IMPORTANT DETAILS
• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position
• Salary Range: $149,984 to $168,732
About The Salary Ranges
The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.
Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.
At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.
As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.
