Manager, Facility Operations
Join our team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and grow your experience at one of the most unique sites in Calgary! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a permanent, full-time Manager, Facility Operations who will ensure Facility Operations personnel operate and maintain all zoo facilities in a safe, compliant, timely, sustainable and efficient manner seven days per week. They manage all related trades including electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, building operators and external contractors. In addition, this position assists in the development and execution of assigned 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:
- Manages building operators and trades personnel to maintain facilities, structures and mechanical/electrical systems safely and efficiently, ensuring all regulatory and AZA requirements are met.
- Responsible for the execution of departmental priorities and work plans and participates in the development of branch priorities.
- Manages the facility operations budget including budget development, tracking and quarterly re-forecasting.
- Responsible for establishing and reviewing preventive maintenance schedules and related KPIs.
- Actively contributes to the development of annual capital project plans as they relate to facility operations.
- Responsible for managing & maintaining the building operations rounds schedule (Log check).
- Oversees the operation and management of the zoo’s building automation and control system JCI (Metasys).
- Addresses maintenance and repair issues as identified through the zoo’s work order system.
- Leads to the commissioning of mechanical systems as new buildings and/or exhibits are built or upgraded.
- Manages the operation and maintenance of the zoos aquatic life support systems.
- Provides and ensures on-call service in accordance with policies and procedures.
- Procures and manages the work of external service providers; negotiates and administers contractual agreements for operations work as required.
- Manages projects including but not limited to scope development, design development, tendering, awarding, contract development and construction services.
- Conducts performance reviews, coaching and mentoring; identifies training and education requirements as needed.
- Establishes and manages the Facility Operators work schedule to ensure coverage 7 days per week.
- Assists with the selection and qualification of preferred vendors, develops RFP scope of work and provides external contract management of out sourced services.
- Maintains a safe working environment for managers, staff, assets, contractors and Zoo animals including training and safety briefings.
- Fosters a team environment to fully support the strategic objectives of the organization using metrics to measure performance while focusing on continuous improvement.
- Additional training that may be required and provided by the Zoo includes; WHMIS, workforce orientation, vehicle operator training, zoonotic disease awareness, skid steer training, respiratory protection, pest control, ozone awareness training, lock out/tag out, hazard assessment &control, forklift training, fire extinguisher training, fall protection, confined space, Code Adam, boom lift training, asbestos/mold training and transportation of dangerous goods.
What you will bring:
- A Mechanical, Electrical, or 4th Class Power Engineering Certificate is required; a college diploma in one of these fields is preferred.
- At least 7 years building operations experience with at least 3 years of experience managing/leading a building operations team.
- Experience with computerized maintenance management software is required.
- Must possess a valid Individual License issued by the Government of Alberta.
- A valid driver’s licence is required.
- Excellent working knowledge of building automation and control systems is required.
- Proven operating and maintenance experience with HVAC systems, hot water boilers, ozone generation, LSS water filtration, electricity, pneumatics, hydraulics and BMS controls are required.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and control systems.
- Experience with the service and maintenance of commercial kitchen food service equipment.
- Strong organizational and planning skills including the demonstrated ability to effectively multi-task, set priorities, manage time andschedules.
- Familiar with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Comfort and ability to delegate tasks as appropriate with clear direction and providing team with opportunities and training to affectively complete assigned tasks
- Empowers employees as demonstrated by providing intentional opportunities for employees to take on new challenges in a supportive environment
- Encourage opportunities for staff member to learn and develop as an investment towards their success
- Project management skills as demonstrated by experience with leading concurrent projects, overseeing a budget, and working with cross-functional teams.
- An understanding of how businesses work, including adapting to shifts in the business environment along with the technological trends that can support operations.
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.
- Some weekends and statutory holidays as required to effectively manage a 7-day operation.
- On-Call emergency services are required.
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?
- Please briefly describe how your experience and skills would align with this position.
- Do you have a valid driver’s licence?
- If hired, what are your salary expectations?
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 April 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.
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