Sustainability Coordinator

Join the OKC Zoo in leading the way toward a greener future! The Sustainability Coordinator drives initiatives that reduce environmental impact and promote green practices across the Zoo. This role develops and implements sustainability programs, tracks resource use, and partners with staff and external organizations to advance the Zoo’s commitment to conservation.

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Starting Pay Rate: $23.32/hr - $29.15/hr

Experience Required: Preferred qualifications include prior experience in the sustainability sector, particularly at an accredited zoo or aquarium or within Oklahoma, as well as familiarity with LEED certification.

Minimum Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the fields of Environmental Sciences, Environmental Policy, Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Facility Operation, Resource Conservation or another comparable field.

Department: Conservation, Education, and Science

Direct Supervisor: Chief Mission Programs Officer

Supervisory Responsibility: Direct (0); Indirect (0) 
Primary Work Location: Indoor/Outdoor with exposure to potentially dangerous animals.

Other:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check. Completion of HSI training in the first six (6) months of employment. Priority consideration will be given to applicants that apply on or before September 30th, 2025. 

Job Summary:  The Sustainability Coordinator is responsible for leading and coordinating activities in support of the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s (OKC Zoo) sustainability efforts, and for driving a deepening commitment to OKC Zoo’s organization-wide goals for natural resource stewardship. This includes developing and implementing a Sustainability Plan through a collaborative process. Additional responsibilities include auditing organizational resource consumption, analyzing purchasing, developing sustainability awareness and behavior change programs, proactively identifying opportunities to advance the organization’s green practices, and liaising with external agencies and organizations on sustainability initiatives.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:

Develops, writes, and coordinates implementation of a comprehensive Sustainability Plan for the organization that includes goals, strategies and action items for the following topic areas: awareness, energy management, water management, waste management, fuel management, construction, innovation, and purchasing. Tracks plan progress.

Develops and maintains a database for monitoring organizational resource consumption.

Conducts and/or coordinates audits of water, energy, and fuel and uses results to recommend conservation measures.

Analyzes waste, recycling, and compost programs and identifies opportunities to increase landfill waste diversion.  

Actively seeks initiatives, incentives, grants, and other opportunities for special funding or cost sharing from outside entities and vendors.

Analyzes purchasing to ensure sustainable vendor practices and recommends products and processes that support OKC Zoo’s green initiatives

Identifies and evaluates renewable energy opportunities, including solar installations.

Develops sustainability awareness and behavior change programs for OKC Zoo staff and guests that encourage conservation of natural resources.

Prepares an annual sustainability report and provides information to complete the green practices portion of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Annual Report on Conservation and Science.

Communicates and cooperates with internal departments as well as external agencies and organizations on sustainability initiatives.

Understands and ensures compliance to relevant city and state regulations.

Assists the Chief Mission Programs Officer with leading the Conservation and Green Practices Committee meetings and activities.

Communicates effectively with the Zoo’s leadership team on the status of projects.

Fosters constructive attitudes and team orientation among staff; positively communicates and collaborates with OKC Zoo personnel and professional colleagues.

    Represents the Zoo knowledgeably and professionally during all working hours, including at external community events.

Takes personal accountability for performing at a high level and completing all assigned tasks in a timely manner, to include meeting all deadlines.

• Collaborates with other Zoo departments to fulfill the Zoo’s strategic plan and institutional goals.

Participates in conservation activities to support Zoo’s mission

Practices and models the Zoo’s values centered on wildlife and wild places, conservation, people, and leadership.

Works in a manner that supports and protects the health of the assigned collection, to include wearing assigned PPE and limiting exposure to known contagions. 

Non-Essential Job Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.