Sustainability Manager

OKC Zoo•Oklahoma City, OK

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Ready to make a real impact while helping one of Oklahoma’s favorite destinations go greener? The OKC Zoo is looking for a passionate, innovative leader to drive our sustainability efforts and help shape a more sustainable future for wildlife, guests, and our community. In this role, you’ll lead organization-wide green initiatives, develop sustainability programs, analyze resource use, inspire eco-friendly behavior, and collaborate with teams and community partners to bring big ideas to life. If you’re passionate about conservation, creative problem-solving, and making a difference, we’d love to hear from you! 🌱✨

Requirements

Minimum three (3) years of experience in the sustainability sector.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the fields of Environmental Sciences, Environmental Policy, Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Facility Operation, Resource Conservation or another comparable field.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Completion of HSI training in the first six (6) months of employment.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience leading sustainability initiatives in an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium setting or within Oklahoma is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develops, writes, and coordinates implementation of a comprehensive Sustainability Plan for the organization that includes goals, strategies and action items for the following topic areas: awareness, energy management, water management, waste management, fuel management, construction, innovation, and purchasing. Tracks plan progress.
Develops and maintains a database for monitoring organizational resource consumption.
Conducts and/or coordinates audits of water, energy, and fuel and uses results to recommend conservation measures.
Analyzes waste, recycling, and compost programs and identifies opportunities to increase landfill waste diversion.
Actively seeks initiatives, incentives, grants, and other opportunities for special funding or cost sharing from outside entities and vendors.
Analyzes purchasing to ensure sustainable vendor practices and recommends products and processes that support OKC Zoo’s green initiatives.
Identifies and evaluates renewable energy opportunities, including solar installations.
Develops sustainability awareness and behavior change programs for OKC Zoo staff and guests that encourage conservation of natural resources.
Prepares an annual sustainability report and provides information to complete the green practices portion of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Annual Report on Conservation and Science.
Communicates and cooperates with internal departments as well as external agencies and organizations on sustainability initiatives.
Understands and ensures compliance to relevant city and state regulations.
Assists the Chief Mission Programs Officer with leading the Conservation and Green Practices Committee meetings and activities.
Communicates effectively with the Zoo’s leadership team on the status of projects.
Fosters constructive attitudes and team orientation among staff; positively communicates and collaborates with OKC Zoo personnel and professional colleagues.
Represents the Zoo knowledgeably and professionally during all working hours, including at external community events.
Takes personal accountability for performing at a high level and completing all assigned tasks in a timely manner, to include meeting all deadlines.
Collaborates with other Zoo departments to fulfill the Zoo’s strategic plan and institutional goals.
Participates in conservation activities to support Zoo’s mission.
Practices and models the Zoo’s values centered on wildlife and wild places, conservation, people, and leadership.
Works in a manner that supports and protects the health of the assigned collection, to include wearing assigned PPE and limiting exposure to known contagions.