Director of Facilities

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a Director of Facilities to join our team! Bring your expertise in facilities management, project leadership and team development to the Indianapolis Zoo, where the work behind the scenes helps create unforgettable experiences and advances our mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.

About the Role

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a Director of Facilities to lead our Facilities, Life Support (Aquatic Engineering), and Energy Management teams. This role oversees the maintenance, reliability, and long-term performance of the Zoo's buildings, equipment, utilities, and infrastructure, with an emphasis on preventative maintenance, asset management, and continuous improvement.

Working collaboratively with leaders across the organization, the Director of Facilities guides complex projects, manages departmental budgets, supports regulatory compliance, and develops strategies to maintain safe, efficient, and reliable operations across our campus. This is an opportunity for an experienced leader to make a lasting impact on the infrastructure that supports our animals, guests, and team members. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position. Due to the nature of facilities operations, the Director must be available on call 24 hours a day and may work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed to support emergencies and peak-season operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Facilities, Life Support (Aquatic Engineering), and Energy Management departments, supporting managers, prioritizing work, and strengthening preventative maintenance programs.


• Oversee annual maintenance and infrastructure projects, coordinating procurement, contractor bidding, and contract development with internal partners.


• Manage facilities asset records, building plans, equipment inventories, warranties, and the Zoo's Energy Management System.


• Develop and monitor annual operating budgets and business plans while contributing to capital budget planning and long-range infrastructure strategies.


• Promote a culture of safety, ensuring facilities operations, procedures, and protocols align with applicable regulatory requirements and safety standards.


• Lead and develop departmental managers and team members, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.


• Maintain emergency readiness and coordinate facilities support during severe weather, snow and ice events, and other operational emergencies.


• Partner with departments across the Zoo to support campus operations, special events, and projects that contribute to the overall guest and team member experience.

What We're Looking For

• At least seven (7) years of professional experience in facilities management, construction management, or a related field.


• At least five (5) years of experience supervising direct reports, with a demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams successfully.


• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Project Management, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.


• Working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and carpentry, along with strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to read blueprints.


• Broad knowledge of project management, general trades, preventative maintenance programs, and asset management.


• Strong problem-solving, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with department leaders and other internal partners.


• Familiarity with motor and small engine repair is helpful; an engineering background is highly desirable.


• A valid Indiana driver's license and a driving record that meets the Zoo's insurability requirements, or the ability to obtain an Indiana driver's license within 30 days of employment.

Why Join Us?

At the Indianapolis Zoo, your leadership helps support a place where people connect with wildlife and are inspired to protect the natural world. Join a collaborative team where your expertise will help maintain essential infrastructure, support animal care and guest experiences, and contribute to a mission that reaches far beyond our campus.