Associate Director of Operations Maintenance

About Denver Botanic Gardens

Founded in 1951, Denver Botanic Gardens is recognized as one of the leading botanical gardens in the U.S., pioneering water conservation efforts. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, it features extensive living plant collections, natural history artifacts, and rotating art exhibitions. The 24-acre urban oasis offers diverse garden experiences for all ages, alongside world-class educational and plant conservation research initiatives.

Core Values

• Sustainability: Commitment to environmental, institutional, and human sustainability.
• Diversity: Promotion of inclusion, equity, accessibility, and biological diversity.
• Relevance: Engaging all audiences through an inclusive and responsive approach.
• Transformation: Fostering positive change in human spirit and knowledge through evolving public gardens.

Position Overview

The Associate Director of Operations Maintenance serves as a proactive liaison between the Gardens, visitors, and various departments, ensuring superb visitor experiences in a safe, clean, and visually appealing environment. This leadership role involves advancing preventative maintenance programs, offering technical guidance on modern building systems including HVAC and lighting controls, with a focus on energy monitoring and efficiency improvements. The role requires hands-on involvement in problem resolution, including negotiation and decision-making necessitating discretion and specialized knowledge.

The position also provides leadership, team-building, and communication oversight to maintenance staff involved in repairs, construction, and facility upkeep.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the entire Operations team alongside the Director, including staff supervision, project execution, contractor liaison, and establishing standards for construction efforts.
• Recommend and oversee capital repairs, equipment maintenance, and replacements while maintaining hands-on involvement.
• Coordinate operations staff and leadership efforts; contribute to departmental budget planning.
• Innovate and improve operational systems, workflows, and processes.
• Assign, evaluate, and provide technical guidance to staff; prioritize and modify work plans for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Oversee the Gardens' snow management program.
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships and performance.
• Address operational problems promptly and set standards for issue resolution and escalation.
• Deliver performance evaluations, mentor and train team members.
• Inspect and approve staff and contractor work to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of projects involving contractors and timely repair of facility elements.
• Occasionally serve as Acting Director of Operations as needed.
• Maintain a positive, helpful, and solution-focused attitude when interacting with staff, members, and visitors.
• Regular onsite attendance is required; remote work is a discretionary perk contingent on performance.
• Commitment to the Gardens' mission of connecting people with plants and fostering delight and education.

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong presentation abilities to various groups, including leadership and public audiences.
• Proven leadership capacity to motivate staff and manage vendor relationships effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), organizational, and computer skills.
• Dedication to high-quality customer service and maintaining stability under pressure.
• Flexibility to adjust plans as needed and work a flexible schedule including some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Willingness to work overtime when necessary.
• Positive representation of the Gardens internally and externally.
• Strong collaboration and respect toward colleagues and the public.
• Commitment to workplace safety at all times.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; combination of education and equivalent experience acceptable. Related college degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of successful supervisory experience in maintenance or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years experience with building automation systems, lighting controls, fire systems, rooftop HVAC unit service and installation, and automated work order systems.
• At least 2 years of building operations and maintenance experience or training.
• Knowledge of LEED standards, energy management, Denver building codes, OSHA, and workers' compensation regulations.
• Preferred certifications include Denver-issued Heating and Ventilating Journeyman, Refrigeration Journeyman, Stationary Engineer Mechanical, Universal CFC License, boiler maintenance, electrical, plumbing, or irrigation certifications.
• Valid driver's license required.

Travel

Up to 10% travel with the capacity to visit remote or variable environment locations.

Employee Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Flexible and healthcare spending accounts.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company contribution after one year.
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and personal insurance options.
• Short and long-term disability coverage and employee assistance program.
• RTD ECO Pass for transit.
• Complimentary Gardens membership, educational class access, and summer concert tickets for eligible employees.

Join Denver Botanic Gardens for a rewarding career that offers more than just a paycheck, but a commitment to sustainability, diversity, and community transformation.