Director, Construction Management

LOCATION: Saint Louis Zoo and Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park  

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Facilities and Planning

DEPARTMENT: Construction Management

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

POSITION TYPE: Full-Time

SUMMARY: The Director of Construction Management will oversee the Saint Louis Zoo’s construction operations, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to the highest safety and quality standards. As a key leader within the Facilities and Planning Division, this position will support the Zoo’s mission and advocate the Zoo’s core values and three keys.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following reflects Management’s definition of essential functions for this position but does not restrict additional assigned tasks.  Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position.

• Advocate for the Zoo to manage and oversee the entire project life cycle. Protect Zoo interests, manage risk, and facilitate decision-making.
• Create, oversee and communicate out detailed project schedules.
• Manage cost estimation and budget development for materials, labor, and equipment.
• Review drawings and specifications prior to the bidding process to ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, code requirements, and Zoo standards.
• Secure necessary local authority approvals and permits.
• Utilizing Zoo purchasing policies, negotiate with suppliers, subcontractors, and service providers to secure favorable terms and ensure timely delivery.
• Review and approve all contract language in accordance with Zoo standards.
• Track expenditures and implement value engineering strategies to reduce costs without compromising quality.
• Prepare regular progress reports and project status updates with key milestones achieved, financial performance summaries, risk assessments and contingency plans, and recommendations for schedule adjustments or resource reallocations.
• Review and sign off on project documentation throughout including but not limited to project files, daily reports, labor hours, contractor invoices, change orders, etc.
• Inspect work and coordinate with architects and engineers to resolve design conflicts.
• Build consensus among stakeholders with competing priorities.
• Monitor supplier performance and maintain strong relationships.
• In partnership with Safety and Risk Management, implement and enforce best practices and standards to ensure a safe work environment.
• Know and understand the Zoo employee handbook and adhere to all stated disciplinary actions and personnel policies.
• Work in close collaboration with all Zoo internal departments.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Facilities and Planning.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage a small team of project managers across all Zoo campuses.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, innovation, and customer service.
• Mentor rising talent and create career development pathways to retain top performers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture or construction-related field preferred.
• 7-10+ years of experience managing construction projects with similar scope of responsibilities preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with construction contracts, project costing, bidding process, project oversight, closeout and documentation systems, budget management, and general accounting principles.
• Proficiency with advanced project management platforms such as Procore, PlanGrid, Microsoft Project, and Building Information Modeling.
• Knowledge and experience with OSHA, BOCA, NFPA, ADA and other construction-related standards and requirements.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment with subordinates, peers and superiors.
• Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Experience with Association of Zoos and Aquariums standards and accreditation process a plus.
• All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to access all areas of buildings, grounds, public and “behind the scenes” exhibit areas located across the Saint Louis Zoo and Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park.
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods, climb stairs, bend and stoop.
• Ability to safely lift, carry and load 40 pounds a distance of 20 feet.
• Physical capacity to endure exposure to inclement weather and hazardous situations. Use of proper PPE, engineering controls, and other mitigating tools will be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position will spend an estimated 60-70% of their time on job sites and 30-40% in an office environment. Significant exposure to weather is possible.

WORK SCHEDULE: 

• Must be able to work weekends, holidays and odd hours as needed.

About the Saint Louis Zoo: The world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo is dedicated to saving species and bringing people and wildlife together. The Saint Louis Zoo cares for approximately 12,000 animals, many of which are endangered, and is dedicated to local and global conservation to save wildlife. Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/ 

The Zoo is committed to the Three Keys (Animals Always, People Matter, and Operational Excellence) and Core Values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance. Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/

About St. Louis, Mo: From Explore St. Louis: “Urban explorer, outdoor adventurer, aficionado of family fun – no matter your travel persona, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Louis. The city is brimming with free, world-class attractions and boasts an arts-and-culture scene that’s second to none. Plus, fans of fresh air will be surprised and delighted by our flourishing public parks, miles of trails and exhilarating waterways. Sprinkle in a bit of our secret sauce – the warmth and hospitality of the residents – and you’ll discover that St. Louis dishes up undeniably epic travel experiences. Don’t take our word for it, though. Come and see for yourself.” Learn more at https://explorestlouis.com/