Facilities Planning and Operations Manager (IS-0301-15)

Smithsonian Institution•Washington, DC

12d•Onsite

About The Position

NZCBI, operates a 163-acre zoo in Washington’s Rock Creek Valley and a 3,200-acre research and conservation campus in Front Royal, VA. NZCBI maintains a large and varied collection of animals for exhibition, education, and research, as well as for conservation of threatened and endangered species. Scientific research projects also involve habitat and ecology research on the campuses. Supporting these activities is a portfolio of 263 buildings, habitats, aquatic and life support systems, enclosures, roads, bridges, electrical and plumbing conduits, steam tunnels, active agricultural fields, research plots, forested areas, landscaped areas, and a full scope of supporting and contributing infrastructure.

Requirements

Expert Knowledge of Facilities & Capital Project Management: Demonstrated mastery of facility planning, construction, maintenance, capital improvement programs, and long-range strategic planning. Requires ability to coordinate large-scale building and infrastructure projects, including budgeting, prioritization, and resource allocation.
Skill in Project Design & Technical Systems: Proficiency in Building Information Modeling (BIM), Revit, AutoCAD, and digital modeling tools to support project planning, design, and construction workflows. Ability to interpret and apply architectural and engineering concepts.
Knowledge of Federal & Trust Funding Mechanisms: Understanding of federal/trust budget formulation, financial planning, and execution processes for capital programs and maintenance operations. Ability to analyze spending, interpret policy, and ensure fiscal compliance.
Leadership & Supervisory Experience: Experience managing professional staff, setting goals, evaluating performance, handling employee relations, and promoting staff development. Ability to provide direction for multi-disciplinary teams and contractors.
Knowledge of AZA Standards & Regulatory Requirements: Familiarity with Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) standards, inspection preparation, animal facility requirements, and safety/compliance protocols.
Ability to Manage Large, Complex Programs: Demonstrated ability to oversee multiple simultaneous projects, solve problems independently, manage tight deadlines, handle sensitive issues, and coordinate across diverse organizational units.
Strong Communication & Relationship-Building Skills: Ability to present complex information, negotiate with stakeholders, and represent the organization in high-level meetings. Must maintain effective relationships with internal and external partners, including Smithsonian offices and contractors.

Responsibilities

Lead Strategic Planning & Coordination: Direct the planning, design, and management of facilities, infrastructure, animal housing, and landscape assets across NZCB’s Rock Creek Park and Front Royal campuses. Oversee facility maintenance, major projects, long-range capital programs, and improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and compliance requirements.
Manage Capital & Maintenance Programs: Lead execution of NZCB’s multi-year Capital, Land Management, and Maintenance Program, including projects funded by Trust, Grants, Exhibits, and Maintenance. Develop and implement annual project plans, oversee budget formulation and reporting, and ensure delivery of construction, renovation, and maintenance projects that meet operational and safety standards.
Coordinate Construction & Design Activities: Oversee all construction and design coordination, including limited-space planning, real estate matters, contracting, architectural reviews, and negotiation among organizational units. Collaborate with Smithsonian offices, external partners, contractors, and design professionals to move projects from concept through completion.
Implement Technical & Digital Systems: Manage Building Information Modeling (BIM) strategies, digital design tools, and project data systems to support accurate reporting, scheduling, and coordination workflows. Provide BIM/CAD support for staff and contractors, including VR/tangible modeling to refine project development.
Provide Compliance & Inspection Oversight: Oversee all AZA inspections, including preparation, budgeting, operational coordination, and corrective action planning. Serve as a technical resource on facility issues, including design specifications, maintenance needs, code compliance, and operational readiness.
Serve as Senior Advisor: Advise NZCB leadership on facilities planning, operational impacts, capital project status, and resource needs. Represent the department in meetings, strategic discussions, interdepartmental coordination, and policy implementation efforts. Develop recommendations to improve operational efficiency and long-term infrastructure planning.
Exercise Supervisory & Personnel Management: Supervise assigned staff and contractors, including setting performance standards, evaluating work, resolving employee concerns, and identifying developmental and training needs. Oversee schedules, workload planning, and compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
Manage Budget & Financial Oversight: Develop and monitor financial plans for facility operations, capital investments, and maintenance programs. Analyze spending trends, ensure alignment with project priorities, track obligations, and provide regular financial reporting to support decision-making.
Perform other duties as assigned.