Director of Facilities

Position:Director of Facilities
Reports to:Director of New York Aquarium
Position Managed:Director of Plant Engineering, Manager of Building and Grounds, Manager of Facilities, Manager of Life Support Systems, and Facilities Administrative Assistant
Location: New York Aquarium, Brooklyn, On-Site
Department: Z&A
Scope: Site (New York Aquarium)
Position Type: Full-time

Wildlife Conservation Society: New York Aquarium

WCS's goal is to conserve the world's largest wild places in 14 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world's biodiversity. The challenges are greater than ever, but with the focus, dedication, and passion of a committed staff—combined with a unique mixture of field, zoo, and aquarium expertise—WCS will continue to set the bar for science, conservation action, and education that has driven our success in protecting wildlife and wild places for over a century.

Job Summary

Join the Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium as the Director of Facilities, a pivotal role designed to enhance and sustain the aquarium’s infrastructure and campus. This leadership position encompasses oversight of Plant Engineering, Life Support, Buildings & Grounds, and the seamless execution of facility improvement projects. You will spearhead efforts to ensure operational excellence, safety, and the use of cutting-edge technology in maintenance, project planning, and project execution processes. Leading a strong team, and collaborative efforts across the Aquarium, you will play a critical role in supporting the aquarium’s mission by delivering an exceptional experience for its animals, staff, and visitors through strategic campus renewal initiatives, including capital improvements and mechanical system efficiencies.

As an essential member of the management team, your collaborative efforts will contribute to fostering a cohesive culture within the New York Aquarium and the broader Wildlife Conservation Society.

.Major Responsibilities

• Develop and manage animal life support systems in partnership with the animal care team, ensuring top-tier standards.
• Oversee the maintenance of all spaces, prioritizing high professionalism and including the management of campus horticulture.
• Administer an operational budget of $6 - 8M, with additional special capital projects ranging from $2 - $10M.
• Formulate and execute campus-wide capital renewal plans and new exhibits in collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the WCS Risk Management and Safety Office and Environmental Compliance Specialist to meet or exceed safety and environmental standards and innovate in sustainability
• Lead planning and execution of projects to address maintenance needs and asset protection, identifying and securing necessary funding in partnership with key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and national regulations, including, but not limited to, those of New York City, the State of New York, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the United States Department of Agriculture and address any compliance gaps as necessary.
• Direct the recruitment, training, and development of the Facilities team, fostering a culture of transparency, improvement, and learning.
• Oversee contractor and vendor services, ensuring compliance with NYA standards and processes.
• Manage emergency responses effectively outside normal business hours.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years (10 years + preferred) experience in campus or complex facility management, including oversight of both direct and indirect reports and project execution.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management, or related field or a combination of experience and earned college credit.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and prioritize effectively.
• Familiarity with aquatic life support systems, HVAC, BMS, building trades, and safety codes.
• Able to manage workflow and communication through Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Teams, and Sharepoint.
• Working knowledge of drafting and design programs (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and management software (e.g., Manager Plus, Bluebeam) preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License required.

Physical Requirements

The position requires work in office environments as well as outdoor work in all weather conditions. Tasks require manual dexterity for various tasks (e.g. computer keyboard, copier, mobile radios). Some tasks require kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 pounds.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement and Disclaimer

WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.

The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.

It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.

Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.

Perks

Benefits and Perks: 27 Vacation Days, 13 Holidays, 12 Paid-Time-Off, Pension Savings Plan, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, $3200 tuition reimbursement, access to parks, zoos, and aquarium, discounts on merchandise and food, plus much more…

How to Apply

Please Visit Wildlife Conservation Society’s Job Board to Upload your Cover Letter and Resume Here: https://bit.ly/3QeGBfJ

Salary: $108,500 - $155,000

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $108,000.00 - $155,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 10 years
• 11+ years
• 5 years
• 6 years
• 7 years
• 8 years
• 9 years

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Extended hours
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Work setting:

• In-person
• Office
• Outdoor work

Ability to Relocate:

• Brooklyn, NY: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person