Facilities Planning and Operations Manager (IS-0301-15)

Application Deadline: 24 December 2025

Department: National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Director of Facility Operations

Compensation: $167,603 - $195,200 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: 12/11/2025                   CLOSING DATE: 12/24/2025          POSITION TYPE: Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent    SCHEDULE: Full Time DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 

Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-sensitive (NS)/High Risk

Who May Apply:
Open to all qualified applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).  Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

OVERVIEW

NZCBI, operates a 163-acre zoo in Washington’s Rock Creek Valley and a 3,200-acre research and conservation campus in Front Royal, VA. NZCBI maintains a large and varied collection of animals for exhibition, education, and research, as well as for conservation of threatened and endangered species. Scientific research projects also involve habitat and ecology research on the campuses. Supporting these activities is a portfolio of 263 buildings, habitats, aquatic and life support systems, enclosures, roads, bridges, electrical and plumbing conduits, steam tunnels, active agricultural fields, research plots, forested areas, landscaped areas, and a full scope of supporting and contributing infrastructure.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Strategic Planning & Coordination: Direct the planning, design, and management of facilities, infrastructure, animal housing, and landscape assets across NZCB’s Rock Creek Park and Front Royal campuses. Oversee facility maintenance, major projects, long-range capital programs, and improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and compliance requirements.
• Manage Capital & Maintenance Programs: Lead execution of NZCB’s multi-year Capital, Land Management, and Maintenance Program, including projects funded by Trust, Grants, Exhibits, and Maintenance. Develop and implement annual project plans, oversee budget formulation and reporting, and ensure delivery of construction, renovation, and maintenance projects that meet operational and safety standards.
• Coordinate Construction & Design Activities: Oversee all construction and design coordination, including limited-space planning, real estate matters, contracting, architectural reviews, and negotiation among organizational units. Collaborate with Smithsonian offices, external partners, contractors, and design professionals to move projects from concept through completion.
• Implement Technical & Digital Systems: Manage Building Information Modeling (BIM) strategies, digital design tools, and project data systems to support accurate reporting, scheduling, and coordination workflows. Provide BIM/CAD support for staff and contractors, including VR/tangible modeling to refine project development.
• Provide Compliance & Inspection