Director of Campus Services

Denver Zoo 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.

Denver Zoo 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, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do.

The Director of Campus Services leads strategic and visionary efforts across Denver Zoo to ensure our commitments to the overall cleanliness, safety, and aesthetics of the campus grounds and facilities are upheld for our staff and our guests. Working with and through the Campus Services department managers and coordinators, the Director of Campus Services leads and facilitates Zoo-wide initiatives pertaining to pathway and hardscape maintenance and repair, equipment operations, environmental services (custodial), and builds and carries out the strategic vision to ensure a resilient services department for the upkeep of the Zoo’s campus into the future.

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests. If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Priority 1 – Leadership

• Provide robust and strategic leadership, guiding the Campus Services team with a clear vision.
• Inspire, educate, and foster a collaborative learning environment to enhance team dynamics.
• Drive the development, implementation, and advocacy of programs promoting employee growth and accountability. Act as a leader, coach, trainer, and mentor for Departmental staff.
• Work closely with the Senior Director of Campus Operations to shape, refine, and manage short- and long-term goals aligned with Denver Zoo's mission, vision, and strategic framework.
• Ensure the timely execution of project plans, delegate responsibilities, and enforce accountability for deliverables among staff.
• Represent Denver Zoo in various zoo and aquarium organizations, professional groups, peer institutions, and other relevant industry/trade organizations.
• Collaborate with Sustainability leadership to advance Zoo-wide sustainability initiatives within the Campus Services department.
• Effectively communicate the performance of Campus Services Programs to internal and external stakeholders as needed.

Priority 2 – Grounds Operations

• Develop and direct campus programs for proper and efficient waste streams and disposal thereof, while continuously looking for ways to improve and optimize processes regarding Zoo’s overall sustainability goals.
• Develop and maintain strategies for pathway cleanliness, safety, and maintenance as appropriate throughout campus.
• Ensure an effective snow removal process, including communication, training, and response is in place and can be activated as appropriate when snowfall events occur.
• Provide leadership for development and enforcement of Zoo’s equipment operations policies, guidelines, and procedures, and collaborate with Director of OHS on equipment training best practices.
• Partner with Planning department for assessment, maintenance, and installation of exhibit and pathway barriers throughout campus.

Priority 3 – Environmental Services (EVS/Custodial)

• Develop and direct a comprehensive program that ensures the Zoo’s campus, and facilities (indoor and outdoor) are maintained to the highest standards of care and cleanliness to keep Zoo guests, staff, and animals safe and to provide an exceptional level of experience.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for standardizing of services, methods, and procedures for the cleaning and maintaining of Zoo facilities and areas (staff and guest).
• Collaboratively work with other Zoo teams to ensure EVS programs meet the needs of those teams and the Zoo’s guests.
• Ensure best practices are carried out in the purchase, storage, and usage of chemicals and equipment for EVS operations.
• Partner with Environmental Compliance and Sustainability leadership to ensure best practices and implement an innovative approach to achieving cleanliness goals with a sustainable and compliance focus across campus.

Priority 4 – Finance

• Develop, monitor, and adhere to the annual budget for the Campus Services team in line with budget limits and fiscal practices.
• Provide budget reports when necessary.

Other Responsibilities and Duties

• Other assistance, as designated by the Sr. Director of Campus Operations, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. Denver Zoo retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Campus Services department staff.
• Responsible for departmental budget. Acts as a good steward of Denver Zoo’s resources.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo.
• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• 4-year degree with an emphasis in business, operations, project management, or related field preferred, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Requires minimum of 5 years’ experience in a multi-unit facility or campus environment leading a team comprised of various levels of responsibility and skillsets. Experience with project management, budget planning, equipment operations, grounds keeping and/or EVS operations are essential to success.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams) are necessary.
• Requires exemplary collaboration, organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks. Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must have superior negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy. Must be a recognized communicator and considered to be a developer, coach, and mentor who is comfortable working with a broad cross section of people in direct and matrixed relationships. Experience developing and executing strategic goals preferred. Must have proficient skills in managing large and complex teams and/or programs.
• Diplomacy at confronting personal, individual, and internal discrimination requiring sharing and discussing personal identities relative to the work environment strongly preferred.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• A current driver's license with a clear driving record.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Work Location: On campus.
• Schedule Availability: Monday-Friday, occasional weekends for snow removal and other projects.

Compensation

Range for this position is $7,519 - $9,399 (monthly).

Benefits

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision benefits; life insurance; short term and long-term disability; 403(b) retirement plan; and vacation and sick leave.

Application Process and Timelines

Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by April 1st, 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role.

Denver Zoo 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 status or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org

Skills

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Excel
• Leadership
• Computer
• Active Listening
• Time Management
• Management
• Teamwork

Behaviors

• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
• Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

Motivations

• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
• Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals