Director of Facilities, New York Aquarium - Wildlife Conservation Society : Job Details

Job Description 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 About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission. 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.

Qualification Requirements

• 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 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, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories. 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. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS's employment policies. Please note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate's individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work #LI-AR1