Facilities Manager

The Facilities Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily functions and long-term maintenance of Zoo Knoxville’s physical infrastructure. This role leads the Facilities team in ensuring the zoo’s grounds, buildings, utilities, and equipment are safe, clean, operational, and aligned with the zoo’s mission and core values. The position requires strategic planning, hands‑on involvement, effective coordination with contractors and internal departments, and a strong emphasis on safety, compliance, and sustainability. The Facilities Manager plays a key role in supporting zoo events, capital projects, emergency preparedness, and cross‑departmental collaboration while fostering a high‑performance, customer‑focused team environment. This position reports to senior leadership and contributes to the zoo’s operational excellence and guest experience.

Description

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
Primary Responsibilities:
-Oversee daily operations of the Facilities department, including planning, organizing, scheduling, and directing staff activities to ensure timely and efficient task completion.
-Serve as the primary contact for ensuring that work schedules and projects are properly staffed and executed to meet Zoo Knoxville’s operational needs.
-Provide leadership, guidance, and support to facilities staff, foster collaboration across departments.
-Report directly to the Assistant Director of Facilities, Director of Facilities, and COO, depending on project scope.

Facility Maintenance & Oversight:
-Maintain the safety, cleanliness, appearance, and functionality of all zoo grounds, buildings, utilities, and facilities, including public, animal, and support areas.
-Ensure ongoing upkeep of undeveloped or reserve properties and resources for future use.
-Coordinate and manage external contractors for maintenance, repair, and construction projects in collaboration with internal teams.

Project & Event Support:
-Manage and assist with installation, setup, and teardown of temporary exhibits and special events; support event execution as needed.
-Troubleshoot operational issues and provide strategic solutions.

Training, Compliance & Safety:
-Promote a culture of safety by enforcing policies and procedures and providing appropriate training in tool and equipment use.
-Ensure all staff meet required training standards and understand zoo safety protocols.
-Monitor and improve individual and team performance through coaching and corrective actions as necessary.
-Respond to emergency situations as required.

Administrative Duties:
-Manage administrative functions such as scheduling, documentation, budgeting, and procurement of tools, materials, and supplies.
-Assist in strategic planning and prepare budget recommendations for facility maintenance and upgrades.
-Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with all internal policies and procedures, including adherence to the employee handbook.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills:
-Establish and maintain effective working relationships across all departments.
-Communicate clearly and respectfully, using tact, patience, and courtesy consistent with the zoo’s core values.
-Interpret and explain technical manuals and publications to team members as needed.
-Provide high-quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders.

Compliance & Standards:
-Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and guidelines including ADA, AZA, USDA, OSHA, TWRA, MOSH, EPA, DOT, and others.
-Support Zoo Knoxville’s commitment to sustainability and core values in all aspects of the role.

Physical & Schedule Requirements:
-Perform hands‑on manual labor, often outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
-Must be available to work weekends, holidays, irregular hours, and respond to after‑hours emergencies.
-Maintain a neat and professional appearance; wear a Zoo‑issued uniform or business casual attire with a name tag.

Other:
-Perform administrative and operational duties related to the role as required.
-Additional duties as assigned by the Director of Facilities, COO, or CEO.
This description does not list every possible task and may include other related duties as needed.

Requirements

Skills and Knowledge Required:

Technical and Operational Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of facility systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and utility infrastructure.
• Familiarity with groundskeeping, landscaping, and building maintenance practices.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical manuals, and safety codes.
• Knowledge of construction methods, materials, and vendor coordination.
• Proficiency in using maintenance and work order software systems.

Leadership and Management Skills:

• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage staff with professionalism and accountability.
• Strong organizational and planning skills; capable of coordinating multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with staff scheduling, performance evaluation, and corrective action planning.
• Strategic thinking and problem‑solving to anticipate and address operational needs.

Compliance and Safety:

• Thorough knowledge of OSHA, ADA, EPA, USDA, AZA, TWRA, and other relevant regulatory standards.
• Commitment to enforcing and modeling safe work practices and emergency response procedures.
• Ability to train staff in equipment use, safety procedures, and compliance requirements.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams and external contractors.
• Skilled in providing clear guidance and direction, as well as receiving integrating feedback.
• Demonstrated tact, patience, and professionalism in all interactions.

Administrative and Budgetary Competence:

• Experience developing and managing departmental budgets, procurement processes, and cost control measures.
• Ability to track and maintain accurate records for inspections, permits, work orders, and safety documentation.

Physical and Practical Requirements:

• Ability to perform manual labor and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Capacity to respond to emergencies during and outside of regular work hours.
• Comfortable working in proximity to animals and navigating zoo environments safely.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

The individual in this position should have a minimum of five years of experience in the construction industry/ facility maintenance position (two of which should be in a supervisory position) and have a technical and/or trade school degree in construction management/ facility maintenance or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior manager experience at an established AZA‑accredited zoological environment is preferred. OSHA 10 certification for General Industry, AALSO Level 1 and AFO certification are preferable but not required.

• High school diploma
• Valid driver’s license
• Technical and/or trade school degree in construction management/facility maintenance or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3 plus years of on-the-job experience
• Prior experience at an established AZA‑accredited zoological environment is preferred but not required.
• OSHA 10 certification of General Industry
• Competent computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.