Director of Facilities

About the Organization

For 25 years, Ironwood Pig Sanctuary has been a national leader in rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for pot-bellied pigs in need. As the largest sanctuary for pot-bellied pigs in the country, Ironwood provides lifelong refuge, compassionate care, and advocacy for more than 1,100 pigs—690 on-site and another 450 in foster homes throughout the region. The sanctuary spans more than 130 acres of desert on which 27 acres are deeded to the sanctuary. This includes 30 fields, yards, and specialty pens on-site, making it the largest sanctuary of its kind in the United States.

Despite years of progress, the need for safe homes continues to grow as irresponsible breeding and misrepresentation of these sweet, intelligent animals persists. Ironwood Pig Sanctuary operates with a dedicated team committed to ensuring each pig can live a happy, healthy, and secure life.

Position Summary

The Director of Facilities is responsible for the maintenance, functionality, and safety of all physical aspects of the sanctuary, including direct animal care facility needs. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Facilities manages facility operations including grounds, buildings, vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure, and supervises the Maintenance Manager. This role ensures that the sanctuary and foster care environments support the health and well-being of both pigs and staff through reliable, well-maintained systems and facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Pig Facilities & Grounds

• Manage the upkeep and improvement of all sanctuary grounds, including fencing, pens, shelters, shade structures, and wallows.
• Evaluate facility conditions and coordinate repairs, replacements, and new construction as needed.
• Ensure all outdoor spaces are safe, functional, and appropriate for animal housing and staff use.

Buildings & Infrastructure

• Oversee the maintenance of all buildings, including residences, offices, and storage structures.
• Supervise and coordinate repairs related to roofing, siding, electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems.
• Ensure facilities are maintained in a safe, organized, and operational condition.

Vehicles & Equipment

• Manage the maintenance, repair, and cleanliness of all sanctuary vehicles.
• Maintain accurate service and repair records for all vehicles.
• Oversee upkeep of equipment including generators, ice machines, air systems, cooling systems, and specialized tools.
• Ensure equipment is functional, safe, and available to support daily operations.

Water Systems

• Manage the maintenance and operation of all water systems, including pumps, wells, storage tanks, pipes, hoses, and automatic waterers.
• Ensure consistent and reliable water access across the sanctuary.
• Identify and address issues proactively to prevent disruptions.

Inventory & Supplies

• Maintain inventory of facility-related supplies including tools, equipment, carriers, blankets, and materials.
• Coordinate organization, storage, and replenishment of supplies as needed.

Staff Supervision

• Coordinates with the Maintenance Manager and the Animal Care Director in daily operations and project work.
• Direct personnel, monitor performance, and ensure work is completed efficiently and to standard.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and safety.

Program Support & Transportation

• Support foster program site needs by assisting with fencing, shelter construction, shades, and other facility-related projects, as appropriate.
• Coordinate and assist with the transport of pigs within the sanctuary and for intake or relocation as needed.
• Support logistics related to pig transport, including coordination with internal teams.

Donations & Materials Handling

• Receive, organize, and distribute physical donations for pig care.
• Maintain inventory and ensure appropriate storage and use of donated materials.

Education & Experience

Qualifications

• Commitment to working in a mission-driven, animal welfare environment.
• Associate or bachelor’s degrees in facility management, business administration, or engineering preferred, but high school diploma or GED equivalent accepted with extensive trade experience.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of management experience in facilities, construction, or building maintenance (HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems).
• Working knowledge of building systems, equipment maintenance, and general repair.
• Management abilities will include budget tracking, vendor/contract negotiation, and space planning.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff or leading small teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, outdoor environment.
• Must be detail oriented with strong problem-solving and organizational skills.

Health insurance with the Sanctuary covering 50% of the employee’s premium.

Employee paid dental and vision plans also available.

Vacation and sick time are accrual based.