Engineering Operations Manager

The Engineering Operations Manager position oversees and manages the operations of the Engineering department (maintenance, electrical, HVAC, and life support systems), to accomplish day-to-day tasks and projects. This position fosters positive collaboration and coordination interdepartmentally as well as externally with vendors, contractors, and partners.

• Operate, manage, and execute functions of the maintenance management software (Asset Essentials) to drive continuous improvement within the Engineering department by using data to improve processes and efficiency.
• Manage the workflow and work orders of all Engineering staff, internal and contracted, to ensure that the work being performed aligns with established goals and requirements.
• Delegate work orders and tasks to Department Leads and ensure they are completed in a timely manner.
• Oversee third party contractors and ensure that a member of the engineering team will be present for after-hours work.
• Ensure scheduled contractors are on the vendor list and confirm work to be performed does not interfere with the guest experience or with any after-hours events that may be scheduled.
• Create a work environment that promotes teamwork, efficiency and productivity, recognition and respect, employee satisfaction, high caliber staffing, training, and an exemplary role model standard for the department.
• Ensure the building infrastructure needs are monitored, tracked, and maintained to ensure optimum efficiency and reliability including, but not limited to HVAC, refrigeration, building automation systems, plumbing, electrical masonry, carpentry, water systems, life support systems, and roofing.
• Oversee maintenance of the Aquarium’s property, on and off-site locations and research problems needing emergency and urgent repair, preventative, and/or predictive maintenance, and identify proper technicians to facilitate maintenance actions.
• Build upon and maintain a preventative maintenance program to ensure that the aquarium’s facilities are maintained and meet federal and state guidelines.
• Facilitate and/or coordinate training and development of department staff, as necessary. This includes equipment such as forklifts, articulating boom lift, scissor lifts, etc.
• Analyze and recommend a best-in-class quality and cost-effective approach to support operations (labor, maintenance, renovation, repair, and supplies) including developing and executing policies, procedures, programs, and budgets to ensure effective maintenance of all facilities and equipment.
• Manage short and long-term projects as assigned by management.
• Utilize CAD software (Vectorworks) for building space management, building changes, additions, and reimagining infrastructure for employee and animal optimization.
• Monitor building automation through web-based systems.
• Responsible for Electronic document management (i.e., blueprints, inspections, reports, permits, etc.).
• Responsible for transferring facility equipment operations manual data to the software database.
• Perform research via operating and/or maintenance manuals, communications with production source or contract experts, and the internet for projects and equipment, as needed.
• Produce data, charts, reports, and analyses of maintenance assigned and performed.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate all staff needs in relation to workspace management.
• Evaluate facility systems for life cycle needs, upgrades, and consistency with ‘state of the art’ technology.
• Build accurate special-project budget estimates and timelines.
• Ensure full compliance with code enforced work and the integration of permit and inspection processes affecting the field of work including but not limited to Fire Department, Building Department, Health Department, OSHA, AZA, USDA, and FWC.
• Maintain compliance with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Standards & Guidelines.
• Manage outside contractors on outsourced projects to ensure compliance and safety.
• Develop exceptional interdepartmental collaboration, communication, and support; Work closely with all departments to build systems to help ensure that animal health and welfare as well as human safety comfort requirements and standards are met.
• Deliver extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests and internal customers.
• Support staff in making effective decisions and solving problems to provide the highest quality experience for the guests.
• Support TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

• Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 2-5 years exposure to commercial/industrial facility maintenance or related field.
• Proficient in the use of Cad Software (Vectorworks).
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, with a focus in Excel preferred.
• Prior experience with software programs for computerized maintenance programs.
• Writing, communications, and computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office) must be above average.
• Familiarity with commercial and industrial facility equipment.
• Ability to manage multiple departmental projects and disciplines (maintenance, electrical, HVAC, and life support systems) as well as third party contractors.

• Customer Service Orientation: Listening to and understanding the customer (both internal and external) and anticipating and evaluating the customer’s needs; making the customer’s satisfaction a high priority in all areas of responsibility.
• Teamwork: Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge: Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies.
• Work Standards: Applies high performance standards to all work-related activities.
• Planning and Organizing: Establishing a course of action with specific long-range goals for the aquarium; setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way; developing contingency plans that anticipate changes in the work environment.
• Information Gathering and Monitoring: Effectively collects relevant data using questioning or research techniques to monitor and manage projects and people.
• Quality: Upholding standards beyond what is required; inspiring staff to maintain and initiate high standards of excellence in their work efforts.

• Typing on a computer keyboard
• Sitting (2 to 6 hours per day)
• Stooping - Occasionally
• Climbing stairs — Occasionally
• Lifting (no more than 50 pounds)
• Car travel / Air travel - Occasionally
• Coping with demands (stressors) that are associated with the job and/or the work environment so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained.
• Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
• Availability for on call for emergencies
• Outdoor duties in a central Florida environment
• Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity.