Construction Manager

Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.

Join a mission‑driven team supporting the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf Club. As a Construction Manager, you will help shape impactful spaces that support animal welfare, guest experiences, and long‑term organizational growth.

Project Oversight & Field Management

• Manages construction projects, ensuring that assigned construction projects are brought in on budget, on time and built to specifications by providing field supervision, quality control oversight and contractual construction procedure expertise.
• Conducts regular site inspections on assigned construction projects to ensure work meets design intent, code compliance, and CZP’s standards.
• Ensures construction sequencing minimizes impacts of noise, vibration, dust, and visible stress to animals.
• Enforces contract requirements related to quality, Schedule, Safety, and animal welfare.
• Coordinates construction activates with Zoo cross functional partners to ensure awareness and preparedness for all departments.
• Produces construction management reports (progress, budget, timeline) as necessary or requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Contracting, Bidding & Administrative Procedures

• Participates in preparation of bid packages and construction contracts and in the evaluation and selection of contractors’ and GC’s proposals and bids.
• Acts as CZFP’s Prevailing Wage Coordinator.
• Manages construction administration procedures on assigned projects including but not limited to review of contracts, change orders, construction claims, payments, substantial completion and lien waivers. Acts as CZFP’s prevailing wage coordinator.
• Assists in developing cost estimates for planned construction activities to support the prioritization of physical improvements and accurate capital budgets.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Problem Resolution

• Acts as liaison between independent contractors and the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks (CZFP) in resolving issues by ensuring effective communication among all parties, by making the contactors responsible for their contract obligations and by taking appropriate corrective action where necessary.
• Provides the Director of Construction with advice regarding how best to coordinate and construct CZFP’s long-term plans for physical CZFP’s strategic goals as they relate to the site and its infrastructure needs.
• Assists the Director of Construction in their role as a member of the planning team by providing construction-related support regarding appropriate construction delivery systems, building material and systems standards; value engineering and permitting and testing procedures.

Mission-Driven Operations & Organizational Support

• Carries out Guest Experience Duty as assigned.
• Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club and The Wilds.
• Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• B.S. in construction management or engineering required. Equivalent work experience may be substituted for a degree.
• 3 years of construction management/project estimating.
• Proven supervisory skills with 1-year related experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, sequencing, and means and methods is required.
• Familiarity with specialty construction such as animal habitats, life support systems, and/or themed environments is a plus.

Technical & Operational Skills

• Proven ability to develop and maintain structured project schedules and documentation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in a wide range of computer software, including productivity, collaboration, and industry-specific tools.
• Working knowledge of safety regulations (OSHA) and site safety management is required.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.

Communication & Interpersonal Abilities

• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing is required.
• Ability to prioritize work and to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Columbus Zoo Family of Parks team members and contacts regarding company business required.
• Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the guest service standards is required.
• Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner without direct supervision is required.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Ability to work outside in all conditions, climb ladders, and access confined spaces is required.
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
• Possession of a valid state issued motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required.
• Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks’ drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.