VP, Construction, Facilities, Planning and Su

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is looking for its next VP of Construction, Facilities, Planning & Sustainability. Candidates must be dynamic and detail-oriented leaders who excel in building relationships, customer service, strategic thinking and bringing people together. Candidates must also value and exercise the zoo’s core values of inclusion, innovation, excellence, inspiring wonder, respect and building connections.

With new leadership, the zoo is pursuing a new vision that centers around best practices for animal care, employee engagement, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, customer service, community engagement and partnerships and overall excellence. In 2022 the zoo completed an exciting new strategic plan and in 2023 a new 20-year facility master plan was completed.

The Pittsburgh Zoo is currently accredited by the ZAA, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and is certified by American Humane. The zoo is currently enrolled in the AZA’s Pathway towards membership program and has submitted its application for AZA accreditation.

Pittsburgh was recently named by Livability.com as one of the top 10 cities to live in the US.

Purpose:

A member of the Senior Management team, the VP of Construction, Facilities, Planning & Sustainability is responsible for leading the facility operations and capital projects functions of the organization. Facility operations includes Buildings and Grounds, Maintenance, Horticulture and Facilities. The person in this position oversees capital projects, negotiates service

contracts and is accountable for the organization’s compliance with standards, regulations and codes, especially those related to safety. The VP of Construction, Facilities, Planning & Sustainability provides the President & CEO with strategic and tactical recommendations on issues and opportunities as well as facilitates and organizes collaboration among Zoo senior managers to achieve goals, complete projects, and advance the organization’s strategic objectives while adhering to its stated values. This position participates in organization-wide policy decisions, strategic planning, resource allocation and representation of the Zoo’s mission and brand.

The VP of Construction, Facilities, Planning & Sustainability is responsible for overall project Planning and scheduling, resource allocation, project accounting and control, while providing technical direction and ensuring compliance with quality standards for all new zoo construction and various other construction and renovation projects throughout the zoo’s Highland Park campus and the zoo’s International Conservation Center in Somerset. This position ensures that sustainable practices are incorporated throughout new projects as well as throughout the zoo. They will oversee and direct project construction from conception to completion in conjunction with the Zoo’s President and CEO, senior Zoo leadership, architects, engineers and contractors and Subcontractors. This position directly oversees the Director of Maintenance and the Curator of Horticulture and Grounds.

Essential Job Functions:

• Reviews the projects in-depth with the contractor to schedule deliverables, estimate costs and prepare a preliminary construction schedule;
• Develops various projects from conception to completion, including hiring subcontractors as needed
• Reviews work of the contractor regarding the following areas:
  1. Preconstruction Services support
  2. Administration of the project
  3. Acquisitions required for the construction of the project
  4. Management and scheduling of the project
  5. Cost control management
  6. Project close-out
• Oversees onsite construction to monitor compliance with building and safety regulations;
• Monitors site safety and ensures that the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act are enforced;
• Provides construction update progress/issues to President and senior staff on a regular and as needed basis;
• Reviews the work progress on a daily basis;
• Prepares internal and external reports pertaining to job status;
• Plans ahead to prevent problems and resolves and emerging ones;
• Analyzes, manages and mitigates risks;
• Ensures quality construction standards and the use of proper construction techniques;
• Progresses the zoo’s sustainability efforts;
• Liaison to the board’s Construction and Facilities committee;
• Ensure all aspects of operations are performed in compliance with local, state, and federal

laws governing business operations, as well as industry regulations and standards.

• Ensure compliance with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), American Humane Association (AHA), Zoological Association of America (ZAA) and Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks standards. Participate in submission of Accreditation materials and in inspections;
• Contribute to zoo activities, including the development and preparation of short-term and long-range plans and budgets, problem solving, policy development and discussion as a key member of the senior management team;
• Collaborate with senior managers to implement plans, facilitate effective communication, and strengthen working relationships;
• Direct and participate in negotiation and administration for major services and capital construction, with the goals of supporting operations and the overall guest experience at the most effective cost;
• Review Maintenance, Grounds and Horticulture departmental budgets.
• Develop and implement policies to promote professional development for units falling under their responsibility.

• Create and execute a comprehensive sustainability plan, encompassing energy, water conservation, recycling, and more.
• Develop and implement sustainability policies, processes, and procedures aligned with Sustainability Policy.
• Manage budgets and revenues related to sustainability initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze utility bills (e.g., natural gas, water, electricity, solid waste).
• Identify external funding opportunities, incentives, and grants for sustainability projects.

Other Functions:

• Act as senior supervisor on occasional weekends and holidays.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies:

Demonstrated experience and accountability for:

stakeholders with regards to project management, specifically identifying, and

overseeing all resources, tasks, systems, and people to obtain results on complex,

deadline-driven, collaborative, mission-driven and strategy-aligned projects.

dynamic, evolving organization.

• Motivating and problem-solving acumen with a high degree of integrity and ethics.
• Articulating and inspiring support for the mission and vision of the Zoo.
• Customarily and regularly exercising discretion and independent judgment.
• Leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor.
• Sharing in and displaying a commitment to the mission of conserving wildlife in wild

places and create a passion for conservation.

providing Zoo guests with memorable experiences.

priorities, managing time effectively, identifying potential problems/opportunities,

and working with others to plan contingency actions, as appropriate.

• Project management skills with an ability to manage multiple and complex projectscross-functionally by collaborating and partnering with others.
• Safety and security initiatives in accordance with state and federal OSHA.
• Time management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Performance Factors:

1. Attendance and Dependability: The employee can be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time and is seldom absent from work. Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.
2. Communication and Contact: The employee communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with their supervisor, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Zoological Society.

1. Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others including their supervisor, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Zoological Society. Exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others, and works to maintain constructive working relationships.

Education/Experience/Knowledge/Skills:

A four-year degree in construction management, architecture, landscape architecture or related field with a minimum of 5 years management experience is preferred or at least ten years of experience in building trade or construction projects.

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

• Ability to work outdoors under various weather conditions.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
• Occasional travel via all modes of transportation.
• Subject to 24 hour on-call availability for Zoo emergencies.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Valid PA state driver’s license.

Physical Requirements:

Position requires standing, walking, manual dexterity, visual acuity and the ability to reach. Occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Ability to move and lift up to 25 pounds on occasion is required. Employee will be exposed to outdoor weather conditions and loud noise levels.