Aquatic Life Support Technician
Under general supervision, install, operate, monitor, and maintain aquatic life support systems and moat treatment systems for zoo exhibits.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
TYPICAL DUTIES:
Operate and maintain all aquatic life support and moat circulation systems to meet required water quality standards. Involves: Perform testing and monitoring of water quality parameters such as water chemistry, disinfection, clarity, and temperature. Administer aquatic systems chemical treatments as needed, ensuring proper dosing and monitoring for animal and environmental safety. Coordinate chemical treatments and maintenance with all stakeholders for that system. Perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of life support system components including, but not limited to sand filters, UV filters, ozonation water treatment equipment, protein skimmers, chlorinators, chillers, heat exchangers, pumps, motors, valves, and plumbing. Maintain water chemistry, treatment, and maintenance records using computerized records system. Generate water quality and maintenance reports as needed. Report daily status of water systems using the most efficient communication available including shared electronic records systems, e-mail, department radio, cell phone, and/or direct verbal communication.
Develop, enforce, and maintain standard staff, animal, and equipment safety operating procedures. Involves: Assist and train additional personnel who work with the systems. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to water quality for animals. Follow all city and departmental safety policies and procedures. In consultation with supervisor and other stakeholders, develop and implement standard operating procedures for monitoring, operating, and maintaining each aquatic system. Maintain open communication regarding aquatic systems operational feasibility with section supervisors including veterinarians.
Advance the quality of aquatic systems at the zoo. Involves: Network with other Life Support Systems professionals and attend continuing education to maintain current best practices and system improvements. Contribute to the planning and design of new facilities with aquatic life support components. Oversee and participate in the installation of new systems as assigned. Conduct educational presentations in both formal and informal settings.
Supervise assigned staff and/or volunteers as needed. Involves: Schedule, assign, instruct, guide and check work. Appraise employee performance. Enforce personnel rules and regulations, and work behavior standards firmly and impartially. Counsel, motivate and maintain harmony. Interview applicants. Recommend hiring, termination, transfers, discipline, merit pay or other employee status changes.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
OTHER JOB CHARACTERISTICS:
Mobility within a zoo environment including driving vehicles through zoo grounds and city traffic.
Requires working various shifts and weekends, including call back during emergencies.
Immunizations and PPD (TB) skin test are required as a condition of employment unless waived for religious or medical reasons.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Application of good knowledge of water treatment, fluid dynamics and process systems.
Application of good knowledge of water analysis methods including basic water chemistry, tools used to measure water quality, and methods of chemical disbursement and handling.
Application of good knowledge of maintenance and repair methods, techniques, and ability to disassemble, assemble, maintain, and install standard water equipment including piping, valves, pumps, electrical connections and filter.
Application of good knowledge of Occupational Safety & Health Administration regulations and Material Safety Data Sheets requirements.
Application of good knowledge of record keeping, and documentation methods.
Application of good knowledge of math calculations for volumes and quantities.
Application of some knowledge of computer hardware, software, and peripherals including project management scheduling programs.
Ability to use testing, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical tools as well as use and maintain motorized vehicles and equipment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, other zoo staff and the general public.
Education & Experience
Education and Experience: High School Diploma, GED, or higher and three (3) years of experience working with institutional water treatment and filtration, or experience with aquaculture, marine mammal, or institutional aquarium life support systems.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
Regular bending, crawling, stooping, climbing, lifting and carrying of moderately heavy objects (up to 50 pounds).
Standing and walking for extended periods of time.
Working Conditions
Exposure to extreme weather conditions, potential infectious disease and hazardous materials or chemicals including chlorine and ozone.
Exposure to dangerous animals and water contaminated by animal feces.
Exposure to loud mechanical equipment.
