Senior Manager, Facility Operations & Maintenance

Join our team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and provide your leadership skills to the operation and maintenance to one of Calgary’s most unique facilities! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a permanent, full-time Senior Manager, Facility Operations & Maintenance is responsible for overseeing the daily operation and maintenance of the Zoo site in a manner consistent with industry best practices within a 24/7 environment. The Senior Manager will provide leadership, coaching, and development for all maintenance leaders and related trades. This position ensures the overall asset management meets all regulatory requirements while also achieving the strategic goals of the organization. This role also assists in the development and execution of minor capital projects.

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

What you will do:

• Establishes, develops, and implements departmental goals, objectives, and operational requirements consistent with the conservation organizations strategic and operational priorities, including compliance with all regulatory bodies such as ABSA.
• Oversees the development and continuous improvement of maintenance programs to ensure effective delivery of demand and scheduled maintenance, ensuring effective use of the computerized maintenance management system and KPI reporting.
• Procures and manages the work of external service providers; negotiates and administers contractual agreements for operations and maintenance work as required.
• Oversees the development and continuous improvement of policies, procedures, codes of practice and programs in accordance with applicable codes, regulations, and standards including AZA.
• Participates in the ongoing development of the organization’s asset management plan (including BCA's) and environment management plan.
• Manages the recruitment, mentoring, and development of assigned staff; instilling pride of ownership in the facilities being maintained.
• Determines staff schedules, provides work direction and assignment of duties to meet operational requirements.
• Conducts employee performance reviews and coaching; identifying training and education requirements as needed.
• Provides subject matter expertise on major capital project design development and equipment selections, with a focus on optimizing equipment reliability, asset care and environmental sustainability.
• Provides leadership and support for equipment reliability improvement projects, focused on reducing breakdowns and unplanned downtime.
• Ensures facilities are maintained consistent with best practices regarding energy conservation, LEED certification, Living Building Challenge Certification and other relevant environmental standards.
• Participates in the development of the organization’s emergency management plans.
• Manages the Building Operations & Maintenance budget including budget development, tracking and quarterly re-forecasting.
• Manages the utility systems for the zoo including supply contracts, consumption monitoring and equipment efficiency upgrades.
• Oversees the operation and management of the zoo’s building automation and control system (Metasys).
• Participates in the development of multi-year capital plans and the management of related projects.
• Manages minor capital projects including but not limited to scope development, design development, tendering, awarding, contract development, and construction.
• Oversee the commissioning of mechanical systems as new buildings and/or habitats are built or upgraded.
• Maintains a safe working environment for managers, staff, contractors, and Zoo animals including training, safety briefings, site-specific hazardous assessments, incident reporting and near miss reporting.
• Fosters a team environment to fully support the strategic objectives of the organization, using metrics within a continuous improvement environment.
• Additional training that may be required and provided by the zoo includes Asbestos/Mold, Code Adam, Confined Space, Fall Protection, Fire Extinguisher Use, Hazard Assessment and Control, Lock Out/Tag Out, Ozone Awareness, Pest Control, Respiratory Protection, Vehicle Operator, Zoonotic Disease Awareness, WHMIS, Workforce Orientation & Transportation of Dangerous Goods.

What you will bring: 

• A Certificate in Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or similar certification is required. A Bachelors in these fields is preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in operations and/or maintenance management with at least 3 years of project management experience.
• Experience in related project design environment, project management and/or the construction industry.
• Experience utilizing and developing CMMS's is required.
• Experience with building automation and control systems is required.
• A valid Individual License issued by the Government of Alberta is required
• A valid driver’s license is required
• A project management professional (PMP) certificate is an asset.
• Excellent financial management skills including development of operating and capital budgets is required.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of building systems and services, operations and maintenance practices in a complex campus style environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of appropriate legislation, relevant laws and by-laws and provincial/national standards & codes.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and team building skills with a track record of building successful teams; promoting teamwork through motivation, coaching, and consensus-building, and applying innovative and effective people skills to maximize team performance.
• Strong organizational and planning skills including the demonstrated ability to effectively multi-task, set priorities, manage time, responsibilities, and multiple schedules.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Working Conditions: 

• Periods of sedentary, administrative work.
• Frequent on-ground mobility required with extended periods of walking and some lifting.
• Must be hands-on in response to emergency conditions and special circumstances.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo Offers: 

• Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement
• Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
• Employer matching RRSP program
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan 
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals 

Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you. 

Apply by doing the following: 

• Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0) 
• Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system. 
• Fill in the Application questions:
  • Confirm eligibility to work in Canada
  • If hired, when would you be available to start?
  • Do you have a valid driver’s license?
  • Do you have a Individual Lisence issued from the Government of Alberta?
  • Please briefly describe how your experience and skills would align with this position.
  • If hired, what would be your salary expectations for this position?

 Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. 

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by May 1, 2026.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive. 

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that they will be contacted once applications have been reviewed and a final decision has been made.