Facilities Manager, MEP & Fleet Operations

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

DZCA honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

The Facilities Manager, MEP & Fleet Operations advances DZCA's mission by providing leadership, operational oversight, and team management for a multidisciplinary facilities maintenance team supporting the Zoo campus and fleet operations. This role oversees HVAC, electrical, and plumbing while also supporting related trades including carpentry, framing, locksmith services, and structural maintenance support. The Facilities Manager will directly supervise a team of approximately 6-10 employees across multiple operational disciplines.

This position is heavily focused on people leadership, operational coordination, service delivery, and maintaining reliable building and fleet operations across a complex campus environment. The ideal candidate does not need to be a technical expert in every trade area but should possess strong operational leadership experience and a working knowledge of HVAC systems, electrical infrastructure, plumbing systems, and fleet operations in a facilities or campus maintenance environment.

The Facilities Manager is responsible for supporting and maintaining the positive culture and morale established within the Facilities team while ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality maintenance operations across the Zoo campus. This role will also provide operational support and leadership coverage for the Structural Facilities Manager during absences, ensuring continuity of operations and team oversight across the broader Facilities Department.

Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your leadership and operational expertise in a collaborative and mission-driven environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead, organize, and oversee the daily operations of a multidisciplinary facilities maintenance team supporting HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fleet operations, and related trades.
• Supervise and support a team of approximately 6-10 employees across multiple maintenance disciplines.
• Provide leadership, coaching, mentorship, scheduling, and performance management to support team morale, accountability, and professional development.
• Support and reinforce the positive team culture within the Facilities Management Department through strong communication, collaboration, and servant leadership.
• Coordinate work assignments, preventative maintenance activities, operational priorities, and project timelines across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fleet, and structural support functions.
• Provide leadership support and operational coverage for the Structural Facilities Manager when needed.
• Oversee and support facility systems maintenance including HVAC equipment, plumbing infrastructure, electrical systems, generators, lighting, and fleet coordination.
• Serve as a key operational leader for after-hours emergency calls, including answering calls, assessing needs, troubleshooting issues, and dispatching team members as necessary.
• Participate in a rotating management schedule that provides seven-day operational coverage, including one regular weekend workday.
• Collaborate with internal departments and vendors to scope projects, communicate timelines, prioritize work orders, and ensure quality service delivery.
• Support the use and management of the Zoo's CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) for tracking work orders, preventative maintenance, fleet activities, and operational reporting.
• Assist with departmental budgeting, purchasing, inventory oversight, vendor coordination, and resource planning.
• Conduct inspections and monitor work quality to ensure compliance with safety standards, operational expectations, and trade best practices.
• Support troubleshooting efforts and operational problem-solving related to HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fleet, and building systems operations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and organizational safety policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate exceptional customer service and support DZCA's commitment to safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.
• Act in alignment with DZCA's Core Values of Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all interactions with staff, guests, volunteers, vendors, and partners.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical trade certification or related education preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership or supervisory experience within facilities maintenance, HVAC operations, electrical systems, plumbing operations, fleet maintenance, or related operational environments.
• Experience leading teams in a multidisciplinary maintenance environment strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing infrastructure, and fleet operations required.
• Experience overseeing preventative maintenance programs for mechanical systems, fleet equipment, and building infrastructure strongly preferred.
• Exposure to or familiarity with additional trades such as carpentry, framing, locksmith work, and structural maintenance preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical teams, vendors, and operational stakeholders across multiple disciplines.
• Strong leadership, team building, coaching, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing operational demands and lead effectively in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment.
• Experience supporting contractor coordination, facilities operations, and emergency response activities preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, manuals, and technical documents preferred.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, workplace safety standards, lockout/tagout procedures, and maintenance safety practices.
• Experience with CMMS/work order systems preferred.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Valid driver's license required and ability to obtain a Colorado Class "R" Driver's License within three months of hire.

Compensation

The range for this position is $$85,387 to $106,734 (annually).

A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits

Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
• Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
• And so much more!

Application Process and Timelines:

Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by June 16 , 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.