Facilities & Operations Executive - Climate, Safety & Reliability

Rigoberto Zavala, Jr.

**** ******** **. • Heartland, TX 75126

214-***-**** • ***********@*****.***

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Strategic and results-driven Facilities, Maintenance & Auxiliary Services Executive with more than 20 years of progressive leadership across public institutions and large-scale operational environments. Proven expertise in facility operations, life-support and critical systems, capital planning, preventive maintenance, regulatory compliance, and workforce leadership exceeding 150 staff. Recognized for improving reliability, strengthening safety culture, optimizing multimillion-dollar budgets, and delivering complex infrastructure and operational projects that support mission-critical environments and exceptional guest experiences.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Facilities & Infrastructure Operations

• Life Support Systems (LSS) & Critical Environments

• Capital Planning & Budget Administration

• Preventive Maintenance Programs & CMMS Implementation

• Regulatory, OSHA & Environmental Compliance

• Vendor, Contract & Procurement Management

• Energy Management & Sustainability

• Emergency Response & Continuity Operations

• Team Leadership, Training & Culture Development

• Executive & Board-Level Communication

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Director of Maintenance & Auxiliary Services – Dallas Zoo May 2025 – Present

• Provide executive leadership for facilities maintenance, life-support systems, custodial, grounds, transportation, and auxiliary operations across a major zoological campus.

• Oversee critical animal habitat infrastructure including water quality systems, filtration, ozone/chlorine treatment, HVAC, and environmental controls.

• Direct preventive maintenance strategy, asset lifecycle planning, and CMMS optimization.

• Lead capital improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and large-scale event readiness.

• Manage budgets, procurement strategy, and long-range capital forecasting.

• Strengthen emergency preparedness, safety programs, and regulatory compliance.

Director of Maintenance – Garland ISD May 2024 – May 2025

• Led district-wide maintenance operations ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant facilities.

• Directed workforce development, leadership training, and maintenance planning.

• Managed budgets and presented updates to executive leadership and the Board.

• Implemented CMMS improvements and sustainability initiatives.

Assistant Director of Maintenance – Garland ISD Jan 2021 – May 2024

• Oversaw grounds, MEP trades, paint, and general maintenance.

• Managed 160+ personnel including staffing, evaluations, and development.

• Directed budgeting, procurement, compliance, and contractor performance.

• Coordinated emergency response and operational continuity.

Maintenance Manager – Dallas ISD Jan 2015 – Jan 2021

• Supervised HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and general maintenance programs.

• Managed procurement, scopes, SOPs, and contract compliance.

• Implemented efficiency improvements reducing downtime and cost.

• Directed hiring, training, and evaluations.

Maintenance Supervisor – Dallas ISD Jan 2013 – Jan 2015

• Supervised scheduling, inventory, labor tracking, and budgeting.

• Coordinated contractor documentation and approvals.

• Delivered safety training and enforced compliance.

Maintenance Craftsman – Dallas ISD Jan 2011 – Jan 2013

• Performed signage fabrication, striping, painting, and work-order coordination.

Owner / Supervisor – Zavala’s Painting Jan 2004 – Jan 2011

• Managed hiring, payroll, scheduling, safety, and full project delivery.

Forklift Operator / Dock Worker – Overnight Transportation Jan 2003 – Jan 2004

Electrician – Houston Stafford Electric Jan 2002 – Jan 2003

EDUCATION

College Coursework – Richland College & Eastfield College

High School Diploma – Skyline High School (2002)

CERTIFICATIONS

• Lead Renovator Certification

• OSHA Certified

• GEBCO Contractor Certification

• Pneumatic High-Impact Certification

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