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Sustainability Programs Manager

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
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General Summary:  The Sustainability Programs Manager will manage multiple sustainability projects for the Zoo and implement the Zoo’s Sustainability Plan and provide support to all conservation, research, and sustainability programs.

Essential Functions:

Primary Functions:

  • Manage, execute, and expand the Zoo’s sustainability projects as outlined in the Zoo’s Sustainability Plan with the Senior Director of Animal Health, Conservation, and Research and the Conservation Programs Manager; collaborate with the sustainability consultant and other departments to execute these goals;
  • Lead the Zoo’s Sustainability Committee, work with committee members to initiate sustainability initiatives, plan projects, obtain feedback from departmental representatives to the committee, and form and manage subcommittees for specific projects;
  • Guide departmental teams to integrate sustainability strategies into each department’s operations ensuring that high quality projects are delivered on schedule and within budget;
  • Facilitate the development of policies and protocols to enhance operational sustainability; 
  • Responsible for planning and task management of sustainability programs, projects, and campaigns; 
  • Maintain databases and monitor and analyze utility consumption, waste management, carbon, and other relevant data, and report on progress against performance improvement targets;
  • Responsible for the rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the sustainability programs as outlined in the Zoo’s Sustainability Plan in collaboration with the Director of Evaluation and Interpretation;
  • Submit the AZA Green Practices report annually, and ensure that the Zoo exceeds the AZA standards for sustainability;
  • Facilitate the greening of events, both internal and external, to include the planning, coordination, and execution of efforts, as well as leading the efforts on-site for the Zoo’s largest public events;
  • Champion and oversee the Zoo’s decarbonization efforts by expanding recycling and compost programs; renewable energy portfolio, and use of innovative materials for the Zoo;
  • Work with the Capital Projects staff and the Vice President of Animal Programs to improve the efficient consumption of energy and water in existing buildings and ensure that green building practices are integrated into all new construction projects to meet compliance with the Maryland High-Performance Building Program and the Baltimore City Green Building Program requirements;
  • Facilitate the development of a zoo-wide responsible procurement program, including a vendor inventory and product sustainability standards;
  • Manage the Zoo’s Sustainability Garden and compost program, working with Conservation Education, Volunteer, and Commissary Department staff, including to organize and oversee interactions and involvement of volunteers;
  • Lead the Zoo’s participation in the Plastic Free Ecochallenge (PFE), including communication with the PFE staff and platform, the Zoo’s marketing staff, all staff and volunteers, and the public; expand and track the Zoo’s participation annually;
  • Serve as a subject matter expert and research best practices for sustainability upon request by other Zoo staff; keep current on innovation and trends by networking with other AZA and regional colleagues;
  • Lead communication of sustainability and conservation goals to all Zoo departments and with other Zoo stakeholders;
  • Act as a community liaison on sustainability programs, including engaging with relevant community organizations and the Baltimore City Office of Sustainability & Sustainability Commission, working to align the goals of the Zoo with those of the City’s sustainability plan as well as state and federal efforts;
  • Collaborate with the Development Department and grant writer to secure sustainability project funding; 
  • Perform purchasing and tracking of sustainability costs and projects;
  • Participate and support the Zoo’s conservation and research programs as needed and upon request, collaborating closely with the Senior Director of Animal Health, Conservation, and Research and the Conservation Programs Manager, which may include field work involving animals, conservation engagement activities in the community, or support of zoo-led research projects, among other tasks;
  • Support the Senior Director of Animal Health, Conservation, and Research and the Hospital Clinical Manager as needed to aid in daily hospital/conservation department operational needs; 
  • Organize stakeholders and lead the update of the Zoo’s Sustainability Plan every five years;
  • Actively participate in conservation and research projects supported by the Zoo’s conservation program;
  • Support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, and governance sustainability goals;
  • Promote the mission of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore;
  • Perform other duties as assigned; and
  • Adhere to all policies and procedures of the Zoo.

Communication (Internal and External):

  • Lead the Sustainability Committee meetings and take and distribute minutes after each meeting;
  • Attend meetings within the Zoo upon request as the Conservation Department’s representative;
  • Work with the Conservation Programs Manager to organize staff to attend regular departmental meetings as needed and regularly attend Guest Services meetings to enhance public-facing sustainability efforts;
  • Develop and deliver training programs and presentations to Zoo staff and other stakeholders;
  • Attend Baltimore City Sustainability meetings and keep current on relevant issues and identify opportunities for collaboration and alignment;
  • Attend required Zoo staff meetings; provide updates for conservation and sustainability at All Staff meetings upon request;
  • Attend Conservation Strategic Planning Committee and other conservation-related meetings upon request; 
  • Publish results and give presentations on sustainability projects at professional conferences, in Zoo internal publications, AZA-wide communications;
  • Lead and enhance communication of sustainability efforts and milestones in collaboration with communication staff through internal Zoo newsletters, emails, meetings, signage, and external publications and media materials;
  • Work with Marketing staff to continually update and expand the Zoo’s sustainability webpage and overall online presence;
  • Work with the Zoo’s DEAI committee and staff to integrate the DEAI plan into the Zoo’s sustainability efforts; and
  • Work closely with the Zoo’s Volunteer Managers to engage community and Zoo volunteers within the Zoo and in the community to join the Zoo’s sustainability programs and efforts.

Management of Resources (financial, human resources, facilities):

  • Manage internal budgets and other reporting for sustainability projects; 
  • Participate in budget planning for the Zoo’s sustainability programs, in conjunction with the Senior Director of Animal Health, Conservation, and Research and the Conservation Programs Manager; and
  • Work with the Zoo’s grant writers to prepare grant proposals, manage grant project budgets, and write interim and final reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

  •  Bachelor’s Degree required.

Experience/Training:

  • Minimum of two years’ experience in sustainability or conservation field;
  • Familiarity and application of current and evolving trends and innovation in sustainability and conservation relating to the zoo field preferred;
  • Familiarity with Google Suite and Microsoft Office software, and ability to learn addition platforms;
  • Valid driver’s license required.

Traits Desirable:

  • Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and promote a wide variety of individuals from ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds;
  • Self-directed and detail-oriented with strong organizational, analytical, and planning skills; and,
  • Ability to read with a high level of comprehension, produce professional written correspondence, and communicate in an articulate manner;
  • Familiarity with Energy STAR Portfolio Manager;
  • Ability to interpret scientific concepts to a wide audience.

Equipment:

  • Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, radio, telemetry equipment, and vehicles, etc.

Working Conditions:

  • Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 35 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. 
  • Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;
  • Must be able to travel large areas of the Zoo and state as needed;
  • Must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
  • Wear appropriate personal protective gear provided by the Zoo;
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events; and,
  • Exposure to zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack.

Hourly Rate/Benefits:

  • $25.19
  • We offer an excellent benefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off, Sick and Safe Leave and 2 paid holidays. Eligible for medical/dental/vision coverage as well as short term disability/long term disability/life insurance. 401k with employer match available.

Disclaimer:

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.  Therefore, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.