Capital Project Manager - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Capital Project Manager is responsible for leading assigned construction and facility improvement projects, that will positively contribute to guest experience, team member engagement and wildlife conservation at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This position reports to the Associate Director of Capital Projects

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead all facets of capital project delivery (planning, design, construction, closeout) including scope, budget, schedule, quality, and risk. Balance competing priorities to deliver the best long-term outcomes for the organization. Maintain communication plans and facilitate stakeholder/project team meetings.
• Develop and manage project delivery plans and logistics, including milestone schedules, concept budgets, forecasts, and mitigation strategies to minimize operational disruption.
• Interpret and apply moderately complex documents such as contracts, charters, surveys, drawings, and agency submittals. Ensure compliance with permitting and regulatory requirements.
• Directly engage project sponsors and stakeholders to define requirements, establish scope of work, and align on pricing, schedules, and risk identification. Proactively communicate to build trust, manage expectations, and resolve issues early.
• Manage procurement processes including RFP development, bid analysis, vendor selection, and contract negotiation.
• Provide project guidance and direction to achieve organizational goals, including oversight of RFIs and change requests. Ensure standards and compliance are met.
• Track project objectives, budgets, and timelines. Report status and variances, and create action plans to maintain alignment with goals and schedules.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

JOB EXPERIENCE

• 2+ years of progressively responsible experience in construction and projects, preferably in a large campus or multi-facility environment required.
• 1+ years of experience in construction in a complex campus setting required.
• Experience with agency submittals, permitting, and code compliance.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree in architecture, civil engineering; structural engineering, construction, project management or a related field preferred.
• California Driver License Upon Hire required

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Strong working knowledge of project management methodology, process and best practices.
• Able to operate MS Project or other project management software.
• Able to operate MS Office.
• Knowledge of building trades, tools, equipment, and materials.
• Knowledge of building and safety regulations.
• Ability to lead through influence.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, vendors, projects team and internal departments.
• Able to develop vendor and stakeholder relationships, evaluate contractor and consultant performance.
• Demonstrated ability to review and understand moderately complex construction documents and plans.

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Salaried, Full-Time, Exempt Position
• Salary Rate: $87,264.80

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.
As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.