JOB SUMMARY
 
The Sustainability Manager leads the development, coordination, implementation, and measurement of strategies that drive the Dallas Zoo’s sustainability, environmental stewardship, and climate action goals. This position advances the Zoo’s mission to engage people and save wildlife by integrating sustainable practices across operations, supporting organizational culture change, and championing innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency.
 
The Sustainability Manager will develop, expand, and manage the Zoo’s sustainability program, encompassing climate action, waste reduction, resource conservation, sustainable procurement, environmental health, and social equity initiatives. This role collaborates closely with Zoo departments, facilitates cross-functional working groups, and serves as the primary point of contact for sustainability-related programs, projects, and partnerships.
 
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
• Develop, implement, and monitor Zoo-wide sustainability strategies aligned with mission, conservation priorities, and DEI commitments.
• Lead the Sustainability Committee/Green Team by establishing priorities, work plans, and coordinating sustainability efforts across departments.
• Recommend policy and organizational changes to meet long and short-term strategic goals.
• Manage sustainability budgets, expenditures, savings, and support the development of funding strategies.
• Establish, track, analyze, and report performance goals and metrics.
• Create data management systems, dashboards, and reporting frameworks.
• Conduct research on sustainability best practices and summarize findings.
• Coordinate with all departments to identify, plan, and execute sustainability initiatives.
• Embed sustainable practices into Zoo operations, procurement, waste reduction, toxicity reduction, and conservation.
• Support and advise staff, departments, contractors, and vendors.
• Identify, pilot, and evaluate innovative sustainability projects.
• Foster a culture of sustainability across the Zoo.
• Publicize and communicate sustainability initiatives internally and externally.
• Maintain relationships with community partners, AZA institutions, and local/state sustainability networks.
• Attend sustainability events, workshops, and conferences.
• Pursue organizational sustainability certifications.
• Support fundraising for sustainability initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
 
QUALIFICATIONS
 
• Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, climate studies, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in sustainability, climate action, environmental management, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience leading organization-wide or community-level sustainability initiatives.
• Working knowledge of environmental data collection, greenhouse gas inventories, benchmarking, and reporting methodologies.
• Knowledge of sustainability frameworks, climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, circular economy principles, and conservation practices.
• Understanding of AZA sustainability guidelines and zoological or large-campus operational environments preferred.
• Proven ability to re-engineer processes, lead organizational change, and manage complex, cross-functional projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and sustainability data management or reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, delegate effectively, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated adaptability, initiative, and ability to perform effectively in fast-paced or changing environments.
• Ability to remain calm and solution-oriented under pressure.
• Ability to clearly receive instructions and communicate ideas concisely and professionally.
• Ability to work across zoo facilities in varied weather and operational conditions.
• Physical ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach overhead, climb stairs and ladders, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to operate zoo vehicles.
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.
• Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug screening, background check, and TB test.