Facilities & Animal Care Manager

ECHO’s mission is to inspire everyone to experience the joy of scientific discovery, the wonder of nature, and the care of Lake Champlain. ECHO is a dynamic science center and lake aquarium, we are committed to connecting with diverse audiences, providing hands-on, relevant, lifelong educational experiences. Our employees contribute to a productive, respectful, and inclusive workplace by modeling humor, clear communication, collaboration, and accountability to colleagues, animals, and guests.

The Facilities & Animal Care Manager is an experienced team player who will work collaboratively with the Director of Facilities & Animal Care and their co-manager to lead the Facilities & Animal Care Department (FAC). This role will plan, manage, and execute facilities and exhibit projects, daily building maintenance, and assist with custodial work to maintain and enhance the visitor experience in our 36,000 square foot, LEED-certified aquarium and science center. This manager participates in, and leads department staff in, providing state of the industry animal care and husbandry for ECHO’s animal collection in a manner that ensures optimal health and longevity for our animal ambassadors. This manager creates, maintains and repairs animal exhibits.

Responsibilities include:

- Collaboratively supervises Custodial, Facilities & Animal Care Specialists, and volunteers/interns.

- Evaluate long-term, short-term, and daily needs of the department and effectively prioritize work to ensure completion.
- Collaborate with the co-manager of Facilities & Animal Care and the Director of Facilities & Animal Care to supervise the entire FAC team, including training and delegation of daily and project work.

ANIMAL CARE

Plan, manage, execute and/or delegate:

- Water quality testing and implementation of measures to maintain optimal water quality in aquatic habitats.
- Specimen capture, collection and transportation, quarantine and introduction to displays or holding quarters.
- Thorough and accurate record-keeping on daily implementation of animal care, animal health, veterinary care, acquisitions and dispositions, and equipment status.
- Equipment maintenance including life support systems, exhibits and all other equipment utilized in maintaining animal habitats and animal health.
- Development and delivery of conservation education programs.
- Design, installation and repair of live animal habitats.
- Evaluation and support of interns, volunteers and job shadows..

- Communicate and collaborate with other departments regarding animal care work.
- Research and purchase replacement parts and equipment and secure best prices.
- Monitor and manage aquatic habitat life support software (WebCTRL).
- Assist in developing and managing departmental budget.
- Other duties and special projects assigned as needed.

FACILITIES

Plan, manage, execute and/or delegate:

- Installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of static, interactive, electronic, AV and other interior and exterior exhibits.
- Maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of building mechanical systems (HVAC, plumbing, etc.).
- Maintenance of exterior areas including parking lot, walkways, trash area and planted areas: deicing, snow removal (shoveling, snow blowing or plowing), mowing, landscape work.
- Maintenance of interior and exterior of building and adjacent areas: minor roof repair, drywall, painting, floor repairs, lighting, signage installation and repair; masonry repair, concrete work, etc.

- Daily cleaning of guest, staff and service areas: dusting, mopping, sweeping, scrubbing, window cleaning, trash removal, bathroom cleaning.
- Periodic deep cleaning utilizing equipment such as carpet extractors, floor burnisher, pressure washer, etc.
- Collection and transfer of trash, compost and recyclables to appropriate bulk storage or disposal containers.
- Maintain/stock custodial products such as paper products, solvents, cleansers, hand cleansers, etc..
- Maintain/stock maintenance supplies such as backup motors, lighting, hardware, solvents, etc. as needed to allow for timely exhibit and building repairs.
- Monitor and be able to make needed changes in building mechanical software (WebCTRL) and building lighting software to optimize system functions and minimize resource consumption.
- Respond to requests for emergency maintenance needs in a timely manner.

Essential Skills:

- Manage troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of LEED Certified Building and equipment.
- Manage troubleshooting, maintenance and repair in light carpentry, plumbing, minor electrical, building and equipment maintenance.
- Able to read, interpret and manipulate building maintenance and lighting control software, or capacity to learn.
- Able to read construction documents/blueprints, or capacity to learn.
- Supervisory skills to include assign, assess and evaluate task completions to strategically supervise departmental staff in a timely, responsive manner.
- Responsive multitasker comfortable working in a fast paced environment.
- Excellent communication with staff from other departments (Education, Guest Services, Marketing, Finance).
- Able to set priorities, problem solve and facilitate sound decision making.
- Flexible, adaptive and responsive to visitor needs and able to assist team members in providing quality customer service.
- Open and able to learn, grow and develop knowledge and skills essential to their position, including but not limited to using related equipment, vehicles and tools.
- Able to perform strenuous work and lift and/or move at least 50 pounds on a regular basis and occasionally more than 100 pounds.

Requirements :

- Bachelor’s Degree required
- 1-3 years experience in building/mechanical systems maintenance or related work
- 1+ years of supervisory experience
- 1+ years experience in related animal care including work/knowledge of habitat work and life support systems
- Experience and demonstrated ability in captive care of reptiles, amphibians or fish.
- Experience and demonstrated ability in building and exhibit repairs.
- Knowledge of and respect for job safety rules and regulations.
- Valid Driver’s License

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.