Zoo Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations. 

DZCA honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

The Facilities Manager, Structural Trades & Fleet Support advances DZCA’s mission by leading and supporting a multidisciplinary facilities maintenance team responsible for maintaining Zoo infrastructure, fleet support operations, exhibits, guest-facing environments, and structural systems across campus. This role provides leadership oversight for carpentry, welding, painting, and structural maintenance functions while also assisting with fleet operations and supporting additional campus maintenance needs. The Facilities Manager will directly supervise a team of approximately 6–10 employees across multiple operational disciplines. The fleet function will report directly to the Facilities Manager, Structural Trades & Fleet Support, with operational partnership and support provided by the Facilities Manager, MEP & Fleet Operations. The Structural Manager will have primary leadership responsibility for fleet personnel, fleet maintenance coordination, and fleet-related operational planning, while collaborating closely with the MEP Manager to ensure continuity of service, resource sharing, and departmental alignment.

This is a highly leadership-focused role centered on team management, operational coordination, communication, culture development, and service delivery. DZCA is seeking a strong people leader who can effectively support and guide technical teams across multiple disciplines, rather than a “know-it-all” technical expert in every trade. The ideal candidate will understand how to coordinate projects, communicate priorities, support operational needs, remove barriers for the team, and maintain the strong culture and morale established within the Facilities Department.

The Facilities Manager will oversee structural trades staff and support fleet operations while ensuring daily maintenance operations are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with DZCA standards. This role will also provide operational leadership coverage for the Facilities Manager, MEP & Fleet Operations during absences to ensure continuity across the Facilities Department.

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests.  If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee daily operations for a multidisciplinary facilities maintenance team supporting carpentry, welding, painting, structural maintenance, and fleet operations across the Zoo campus.
• Supervise and support a team of approximately 6–10 employees across multiple maintenance disciplines, including fleet personnel.
• Provide primary leadership oversight for fleet operations, vehicle maintenance coordination, fleet scheduling, and fleet-related resource planning, with support from the Facilities Manager, MEP & Fleet Operations.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance activities, operational priorities, project timelines, and work assignments across structural trades and fleet functions.
• Provide operational leadership coverage and support for the Facilities Manager, MEP & Fleet Operations during absences.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance activities, operational priorities, project timelines, and work assignments across structural trades and fleet support functions.
• Collaborate with internal departments and vendors to scope projects, communicate timelines, prioritize operational needs, and support effective service delivery.
• Serve as a key operational contact for after-hours emergency response, including answering calls, assessing operational needs, and dispatching team members appropriately.
• Participate in a rotating management coverage schedule that supports seven-day operational leadership coverage.
• Utilize and support the Zoo’s CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) for work order management, preventative maintenance tracking, and operational reporting.
• Assist with departmental budgeting, purchasing, inventory management, contractor oversight, and resource planning.
• Conduct operational walkthroughs, inspections, and quality reviews to ensure work is completed safely and in accordance with trade standards and operational expectations.
• Support troubleshooting and operational problem-solving related to structural systems, welding repairs, paint applications, fleet support, and campus infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and organizational safety policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate exceptional customer service and support DZCA’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.
• Act in alignment with DZCA’s Core Values of Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all interactions with staff, guests, volunteers, vendors, and partners.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical trade certification or related education preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership or supervisory experience within facilities maintenance, structural trades, fleet operations, skilled trades, or related operational environments.
• Experience leading teams within a multidisciplinary maintenance or facilities environment strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge and operational experience in carpentry, welding, painting, and structural maintenance required.
• Experience supporting or coordinating fleet maintenance and operations preferred.
• Experience working across multiple trade disciplines preferred, including exposure to:
• Carpentry and framing
• Welding and metal fabrication
• Painting and finishing
• Structural repairs and maintenance
• Fleet maintenance or operational support
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical teams and operational stakeholders across multiple disciplines.
• Strong leadership, team-building, coaching, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing operational needs and lead effectively in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.
• Experience supporting preventative maintenance programs, contractor coordination, operational scheduling, and facilities planning preferred.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, workplace safety standards, hot work safety procedures, and maintenance safety practices.
• Experience with CMMS/work order systems preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required and ability to obtain a Colorado Class “R” Driver’s License within three months of hire.