Vacancy for an Operations Manager at Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park a not-for-profit organisation, is part of the Zoological Society of Ireland, and is located on 100 acres at Fota Island 10km east of Cork City. Fota Wildlife Park has an annual attendance of 465,000 visitors.

Fota Wildlife Park’s vision is to inspire people to understand and conserve the biodiversity of our natural world. The Park’s core values of conservation, education, research, and entertainment have ensured that we are uniquely placed to foster greater public understanding of the threats to plant and animal habitats and decreasing global biodiversity. Fota Wildlife Park has made considerable investment in the past 8 years upgrading its infrastructure and developing 27 acres of additional land that focuses on Asian animals including Sumatran tiger, Indian rhino, and Asiatic lions.

The Role:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Operations Manager at Fota Wildlife Park.

As a member of the senior management team the Operations Manager is responsible for the management of park operations at Fota Wildlife Park ensuring that they are carried out effectively and support the conservational ethos of the Wildlife Park.

The role will form part of the senior management team and will be responsible for the day-to-day operational management and will assist with development and implementation of the expanding Wildlife Park’s strategic needs and goals. The Operations Manager reports to the Park Director.

This is a full-time permanent role.

Primary Responsibilities:

The duties of the post will include but are not limited to:

• To lead and manage the Maintenance and General Operative teams ensuring high standards in the management and maintenance of the park grounds, facilities, buildings, equipment and car park.
• To ensuring that the maintenance section provides an effective grounds maintenance as well as maintaining/replacing animal enclosures and other park structures as required to maintain safety and security of animals, staff and visitors.
• Every day running and operation of the Wildlife Park in areas such as Cleaning, operation of the Tour Train, organising the Car Park, Site Security, Managing Fleet Motor Vehicles, Safety training, Employee annual medicals and maintaining site services.
• Organising and managing external contractors in areas such as Electrical, Plumbing and Occupational Health.
• Work effectively in the Senior Management Team.
• Provide training for staff as required to enable each staff member to understand and become proficient in applying the agreed SOP’s for each area
• To build good relations with the Director and other members of the senior management team supporting the overall Fota wildlife park to become best in class.
• To support other staff to fulfil their roles and in particular The Animal Care Manager, The Education Manager and the Registrar/Health & Safety Officer.

• To ensure that all agreed documentation is carried out in all areas of the park and to compile reports for the senior management team as required.

Candidate Requirements:

• A Degree or  professional qualification in General Management, Maintenance,  Facilities or a related topic.
• A minimum of seven years’ experience to include management experience.
• An ability to effectively lead and manage the Operations team and maintain a positive culture.
• An ability to communicate in a professional manner including good interpersonal skills.
• An ability to plan and organise work activities effectively to deliver positive outcomes.
• An ability to problem solve and make sound and timely decisions.
• An ability to work collaboratively with other members of the senior management team to enable the effective and efficient management of the Wildlife Park.
• Proficiency in the use of IT systems.
• A commitment to Continuing Professional Development for self and staff.

Fota Wildlife Park is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for team members who share that same value.

Please apply by completing the below form with CV and Cover Letter.

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