Assistant Manager, Operations and Maintenance, Queens Zoo

Assistant Manager of Operations & Maintenance

Reports to: Manager of Operations & Maintenance

Position Managed: O&M Supervising Maintainers, Maintainers, Supervising Attendants, Attendants

Location: Queens Zoo/In-person

Department: Operations & Maintenance

Scope: Single Site

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Summary: The Assistant Manager of Operations & Maintenance (O&M) assists the Queens Zoo Manager of O&M to oversee the zoo's facility maintenance programs, including preventive maintenance, repairs, and improvements to the zoo's buildings, exhibits, pathways, fences, roads, and infrastructure. The Assistant Manager also oversees custodial services, waste management, leaf and snow removal. The Assistant Manager oversees daily work activities of department staff and collaborates with other departments to ensure that all zoo facilities and grounds are safe for animals, staff, volunteers, and zoo guests.

Major Responsibilities:

• Oversee 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.
• 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.
• Oversee preventive maintenance tasks to ensure all facilities and systems are maintained in good working condition and provide a safe environment for animals, guests, staff, and volunteers.
• 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).
• Coordinate and oversee the work of contractors, technicians, and vendors engaged in work at the zoo as assigned. Coordinate and communicate between outside vendors and other Queens Zoo departments to minimize impact on other zoo activities.
• Ensure that work orders are completed in a timely and efficient manner. Utilize 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.
• Assist Manager in hiring, training, and leading 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.
• Perform all administrative and managerial duties associated with the daily operations of the department including, but not limited to, budget management, purchasing, training, safety, timekeeping, and staff management.
• Must secure and maintain FDNY Certificates of Fitness as assigned.
• Represent WCS in a professional manner. Represent Queens Zoo in internal meetings and external meetings with outside agencies and other cultural institutions as assigned.