Director of Operations

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS INC•Denver, CO

8d•$180,000 - $196,000•Onsite

About The Position

Denver Botanic Gardens is seeking a Full Time Director of Operations in our Operations Department. The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership and direction for all aspects of the Gardens’ facilities and operational infrastructure, including capital planning, construction, maintenance, housekeeping, irrigation, safety, security, and sustainability. This position safeguards and enhances the Gardens’ physical assets, drives operational excellence, and establishes consistently high standards for maintenance, efficiency, safety, and design. Through proactive leadership and effective resource management, the Director ensures a safe, clean, visually exceptional, and welcoming environment for visitors and employees.

Requirements

Strong leadership, staff-development, budgeting, project-management, contract-management, and customer-service skills.
Ability to interpret construction documents and apply standard construction practices.
Knowledge of facilities operations, HVAC, carpentry, irrigation, water features, security, grounds maintenance, and motorized equipment used in outdoor environments.
Knowledge of ISO certification, environmental-management systems, emergency preparedness, and applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
Strong organizational, analytical, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, respond effectively to emergencies, and collaborate with internal and external partners.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and standard office equipment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as operational needs require.
Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, construction management, engineering, business administration, public administration, or a related field; equivalent professional experience or a combination of education and experience may be considered.
Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible supervisory or managerial experience, including responsibility for facilities operations and customer service.
Experience with contract and project management, general plant operations, security, irrigation, water features, budgeting, capital projects, and construction oversight.

Nice To Haves

Professional training or certification in facilities management, project management, workplace safety, emergency management, or ISO standards is preferred.

Responsibilities

Directs the planning, development, management, and oversight of Operations department budgets to ensure effective financial stewardship.
Provides comprehensive leadership for Operations staffing, including recruitment, training, supervision, performance management, coaching, recognition, corrective action, cross-training, and team development.
Directs all Operations functions, including HVAC, carpentry, facility and grounds maintenance, housekeeping, security, irrigation, water features, and supporting systems.
Ensures Gardens’ facilities are operated safely, efficiently, and reliably while delivering an exceptional experience for visitors and employees.
Establishes priorities for capital repairs and equipment replacement and leads approved projects from planning through completion.
Provides executive oversight for construction projects, Capital Improvement Projects and Funding (CIP/CIF), and City and County of Denver construction initiatives.
Develops a relationship with the City and County of Denver to ensure communication channels for CIP, permitting, Hazardous Waste and annual building inspections.
Reviews and interprets construction documents and ensures projects adhere to approved plans, specifications, and industry standards.
Leads ISO certification and recertification efforts and ensures compliance with Environmental Management System policies and requirements, as required by the City and County of Denver.
Develops, implements, and continuously improves comprehensive safety and security programs for Denver Botanic Gardens.
Directs operational responses to severe weather, snow events, emergencies, and natural or human-caused disasters to protect people, property, and organizational continuity.
Serves as a primary liaison with external agencies, utilities, and service providers, including wastewater management, fire departments, and public works.
Ensures Denver Botanic Gardens comply with all applicable laws, codes, and regulatory requirements, including ADA, OSHA, workers’ compensation, hazardous materials handling, prevailing-wage, and MBE/WBE requirements.
Partners with the Chief Executive Officer to assess operational conditions and determine the Gardens’ operating status during emergencies or significant disruptions.
Provides operational guidance and support for exhibit installations and special events.
Updates, maintains, and publishes the Denver Botanic Gardens Disaster Preparedness Plan.
Maintains positive, respectful, helpful, and solution-oriented relationships with colleagues, members, visitors, contractors, and community partners.
Regular attendance at the worksite may be required. As with all positions at Denver Botanic Gardens, the incumbent must be in good performance standing to be eligible for remote work. Remote work is at the discretion of management at all times.
All Gardens employees must be committed to the mission of connecting people with plants, especially plants from the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world, providing delight and enlightenment to everyone.

Benefits

Choice of Medical Plans
Dental and Vision Plan
Life Insurance Plan
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Healthcare Spending Account (HSA)
Retirement Savings Plan with Company contribution of 6% after one year of service
Paid holidays
Vacation
Sick time
Access to personal lines of insurance
Short-term and long-term disability coverage
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
RTD ECO pass
Complimentary Denver Botanic Gardens Membership
Access to Gardens education classes
Summer concert tickets