Vice President of Infrastructure and Construction

In 2014, the Zoo will open the International Orangutan Center. Management of our current facilities and oversight of future construction projects on our 64 acre campus will be the primary focus of our Vice President of Infrastructure and Construction. The Zoo seeks an experienced leader who is able to bring together various stakeholders and achieve significant results in support of our mission to empower people and communities to make a positive difference for wildlife and wild places. 

The Vice President of Infrastructure and Construction has executive responsibility for facilities operations, construction, and information technology, aligning the physical plant and technology vision with the Zoo’s strategic plan and business strategy. The position manages four direct reports, and serves as one of the Zoo’s senior spokespersons on issues related to technologies, physical plant and construction, if required. The Vice President supports continuous improvement of environmental sustainability efforts on campus, and serves as a member of the Zoo’s Executive Management Team. 

Job responsibilities:
•  Develops, implements and manages the operating asset management program, focusing on preventive maintenance as well as repair/replacement.
•  Oversees communication and coordination (Facilities, Trades, Warehouse, Life Support, and Maintenance), Building Automation & Energy Management.
•  Works in conjunction with the Director of Safety and Security to assure that Department personnel and contractors, sub-contractors and material suppliers comply with all relevant Zoo policies and procedures, including sexual harassment, drug-free workplace, OSHA standards, fire, inclement weather and animal escapes.
•  Oversees the development, preparation and implementation of the Facilities, Construction , Building Automation/Energy Management and Information Technology business plans and budgets.
•  Collaborates with senior leadership in the articulation of operational and design strategies.
•  When assigned by senior management, oversees all construction processes including design, mobilization, due diligence and quality control processes, estimating, purchasing, submittals, scheduling, project logs, and construction close-out. 
• Coordinates all construction-related activities that impact Zoo operations including but not limited to utility shut offs, walk or road closures, animal procedures, and donor tours.
•  Answers questions, explains policies and procedures, shares information, and encourages open communication channels with management, contractors, and employees.
• Establishes plans, allocates resources, reviews progress, and makes periodic corrections if/when appropriate to achieve goals.
•  Works in conjunction with the Director of Finance to manage the purchasing process in support of construction and facilities management.
•  Supervises the Director of Information Technology and maintains executive responsibility for all Information Technology Functions, including Technology training, Helpdesk, Databases, Websites, data network and voice systems.
•  Supervises the Manager of Building Automation and Energy Management. Oversees programming, new points, calibrations, troubleshooting and correcting field devices, water treatment, pneumatics and electronic controls.
•  Ensures compliance with all appropriate Federal, State, and Local laws, building and safety codes.

Experience/Qualifications:
•  Minimum of five years of experience with commercial construction in increasingly responsible positions.
•  Minimum of five years of project management on several large commercial or institutional projects.
•  Versed in all aspects of the construction management process: pre-construction; construction; and project close out.
•  Proven background in managing external providers/vendors in construction of large scale commercial projects.
•  Able to develop long-term, “big picture” strategies for large-scale public facilities, including construction, and IT needs.
•  Able to motivate others to take personal responsibility; mobilize people to face, define, and solve problems; develop capacity of others to adapt to change; provide inspiring leadership to achieve new levels of excellence.
•  Familiarity with various types of building systems including, but not limited to, HVAC, plumbing, electrical.
•  Ability to verbally converse and listen with comprehension. Visual acuity required. Computer and typing abilities required. Finger dexterity required. Exposure to repetitive motion. Exposure to both indoor and outside environmental conditions. Must follow Universal Protection Precautions and blood-borne pathogens guidelines. Possible occupational exposure (Category C employee) to human blood-borne pathogens.
•  Demonstrated proficiency with computers including: Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project.
•  Bachelor’s degree in a construction and/or engineering discipline, Master’s Level degree in Engineering or equivalent is preferred.

The Indianapolis Zoo offers a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and short term disability; 403b plan; paid holidays, and paid time off.

The Zoo offers a competitive benefits package after 90 days of continuous employment, including generous paid time off and holidays; 403B plan; medical, dental and vision coverage; and life insurance.

ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED (see below). Candidates are encouraged to attach cover letters and resumes. Mailed, faxed and hand-delivered applications will not be considered. No phone calls please. On the online employment application, please enter “VP of Infrastructure and Construction” in the "position desired" section. Application deadline is Feb. 28.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a drug test, driving record and criminal history checks. The Indianapolis Zoo is a drug free/smoke free workplace and an equal opportunity employer.

Online Job Application