Director of Facilities Maintenance

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Director of Facilities Maintenance

Lead People. Solve Problems. Make a Difference.

What if your next leadership opportunity was about more than maintaining buildings? What if you could lead a skilled team, solve problems that matter, and help an extraordinary zoo thrive?

At Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, we believe great facilities start with great people. We are seeking a Director of Facilities Maintenance who can build a respectful, accountable, high-performing team while keeping a complex mountain campus safe, functional, and ready for animals, guests, and staff.

One day you may coach a technician through a challenge; the next you may diagnose a failing mechanical system, coordinate an urgent animal-containment repair, or help keep our historic Carousel and mountain Sky Ride operating safely. You will not be expected to fix everything yourself-but you must know how to assess a problem and mobilize the right people to solve it.

What You'll Lead

People and culture: Lead approximately 10 maintenance professionals; coach, set expectations,

address performance concerns, and celebrate excellent work.

Leadership development: Mentor the Assistant Director, delegate meaningful ownership, and develop a strong, coordinated leadership partnership.

Operations and accountability: Set priorities, manage work orders and preventive maintenance, and

ensure timely, high-quality follow-through.

Complex infrastructure: Oversee buildings, mechanical systems, animal containment infrastructure,

attractions, vehicles, and waste-stream equipment and services.

Safety and compliance: Oversee assigned physical-site and non-animal regulatory compliance;

reinforce safe work practices and emergency readiness within Maintenance.

Independent decisions: Manage budgets, purchasing, contractors, and maintenance priorities within

established organizational guidelines.

Who You Are

You are a leader first and a practical problem-solver always. You lead with sound judgment, composure, fairness, and consistent expectations. You have handled difficult conversations, addressed performance and conduct concerns directly, and earned trust without needing to be everyone's friend.

Perhaps you currently lead maintenance or facilities teams at a university, airport, hospital, resort, or

another complex campus. You understand skilled trades, can recognize mechanical and infrastructure

problems, and know how to bring the right expertise together. You are ready to own a department-not just manage a system, a ride, or a project.

What You Bring

At least 10 years of demonstrated supervisory or management experience directly leading employees, ideally within skilled trades, maintenance, or similarly complex operations.

Experience coaching employees, managing performance, resolving conflict, and developing leaders.

Working knowledge of building systems, maintenance operations, mechanical equipment, and

infrastructure troubleshooting.

Experience with budgets, vendors, contractors, work-order priorities, and operational decision-making.

Ability to respond to emergencies and provide on-site leadership when needed; the position includes after-hours on-call responsibilities.

Relevant education, training, and experience as detailed in the full job description.

Why Cheyenne Mountain Zoo?

As America's only mountain zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers a workplace unlike almost anywhere else.

Our success depends on people who care deeply about their teammates, animal welfare, guest experiences, and the quality of their work.

You will have a real opportunity to shape a department, develop talented people, and see the results of your leadership every day.

This isn't an easy job. It's an important one. You'll have real authority, meaningful

challenges, and the opportunity to lead great people and build something exceptional.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range is $105,000 - $110,000. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation and sick time; retirement plan; Zoo membership; employee discounts; and bonus program eligibility.

Please click this link for the full job description!

Experience Required

Education/Experience: Associate\s or bachelor\s degree in engineering, facility management or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training and experience. Minimum ten years of demonstrated, progressively responsible supervisory or management experience required, including substantial responsibility for directly leading, coaching, evaluating, and holding accountable employees in skilled trades, facilities maintenance, or similarly complex operational teams. Must demonstrate experience resolving complex personnel matters, managing competing operational priorities, and making sound technical and leadership decisions. Practical experience with facilities maintenance, construction, mechanical systems or related operations is required. Proficiency in the planning, operation and supervision of the physical plant, including knowledge of government regulations and compliance requirements for all equipment to include the SkyRide and Carousel. Understanding of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems, Life Support systems, construction practices, etc. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrate the ability to interact clearly and effectively with both internal and external customers. Ability to negotiate with vendors for products and services to include contracts and estimates. Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, contractors, vendors, Zoo staff, and the public. A high attention to detail while managing multiple competing priorities. Creative problem-solving skills.

Possess the ability to stay organized and (re)prioritize daily tasks while accurately communicating timeline expectations. Ability to research, draw conclusions, and summarize data for discussion and review including presenting the strengths and weaknesses of alternative approaches and solutions. High energy for a fast-paced work environment. Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, internet and email. Take ownership and pride in responsibilities. Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screening. Must be able to provide proof that you can legally work in the United States and must be insurable through the Zoo's liability insurance provider.

Perks

Salary range is $105,000 - $110,000. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation and sick time; retirement plan; Zoo membership; employee discounts; and bonus program eligibility.

Salary

105,00-110,000 per year

How to Apply

Please submit a Cover Letter and Resume to Justin Weis at jweis@cmzoo.org

No phone calls, please

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo rd.

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Phone: 719-633-9925

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