Aquatic Life Support Technician
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking an Aquatic Life Support Technician to perform maintenance and monitoring of all equipment associated with aquatic animal exhibits and public water feature operation and maintenance. This includes pumps, sand filters, UV sterilizers, heat exchangers, ozone generators and other equipment that is critical to animal and public health. The Aquatic Life Support Technician works closely with animal care and facilities staff in order to complete critical tasks related to the maintenance of life support systems (LSS) and to ensure the maintenance of designated water quality parameters as well as providing reliable technical assistance to all zoo staff as needed. The Aquatic Life Support Technician ensures all public water features meet Nebraska DHHS standards while open to the public. Other responsibilities include design, construction, and modification of aquatic life support systems around the zoo. This position reports directly to the Aquatic Life Support Supervisor.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Maintain the highest level of quality as it relates to the zoos public and exhibit image.
- Perform inspections, preventative maintenance, routine upkeep, cleaning, and repair of all LSS equipment including but not limited to: water pumps, ozone equipment, meters/monitors/probes/sensors and associated calibrations, air blowers, air prep units, water towers and vessels, water chillers and heat exchangers, valves, LSS plumbing, filters, and generators.
- Understand water quality reports and their relationship to LSS conditions.
- Maintain accurate and detailed records of LSS maintenance and water quality testing.
- Assist with the design of LSS for new exhibits and temporary holding tanks.
- Operate backwash recovery systems and water reclamation in large exhibits.
- Prepare and maintain saltwater batches and water transfers on large exhibits.
- Troubleshoot water chemistry problems by recommending and adding chemicals, synthetic seawater and reclaimed seawater to tanks as needed to maintain appropriate levels and responds to life support system alarms.
- Participate in training and professional development opportunities as needed.
- Maintain an inventory of back up LSS equipment, parts and supplies to facilitate regular preventative maintenance service and minor repairs.
- Assure safety of self, animals, co-workers and visitors by observing safety guidelines around the animals, equipment, and vehicles.
- Utilize chemical supply products and follow standardized usage guidelines and safety information as set by the Safety Data Sheets.
- Establish and maintain contacts with other LSS professionals.
- Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
- Implement sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
- Must be on-call for LSS emergencies.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
- Basic knowledge of the maintenance of aquariums, aquatic life support systems, and use of water quality testing equipment preferred.
- Knowledge and ability to adhere to OSHA standards and proper use of personal protective equipment in an aquatics environment.
- AALSO Operator Level I certification or ability to obtain Level I certification.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays required.
- Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required.
- Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests.
- Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business required.
- Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including, but not limited to, safety protocol
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, engineering or relevant field preferred. Four years of relevant experience may be substituted for a degree.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
- Required to walk, sit and stand for periods of time.
- Push, lift, and carry up to 75 pounds using safe and proper lifting techniques.
- Bend, stoop, kneel, and move intermittently throughout the day.
- May be exposed to fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts, and vehicles.
- Exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as heat, cold, rain, snow and ice.
- Exposure to potentially dangerous animals
