Construction and Maintenance Worker, Water Quality
The Construction and Maintenance Worker, Water Quality, supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s mission and vision of saving species worldwide, by combining their trade technical expertise with high internal customer service, to take the best possible care of assigned facilities. This position maintains aquatic life support systems that ensure safe, stable environments for wildlife and guests. This includes monitoring water chemistry, maintaining pumps and filtration systems, and supporting collaborative care of aquatic habitats. This position reports to C&M Lead, Supervisor or Manager.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Maintains and repairs life support and water quality systems, including pumps, filters, UV/ozone systems, and dosing equipment. Uses CMMS or equivalent system and monitors radio throughout the shift to respond to, record, and complete preventative and reactive maintenance work orders.
- Conducts inspections, water testing, and diagnostics. Calibrates sensors and follows SOPs. Partners with leadership on updates to improve safety, consistency, and efficiency.
- Collaborates with other trades and oversees external vendors to complete shared projects and urgent work, ensuring quality and site alignment.
- Coordinates with Wildlife Care and internal teams to ensure biological and operational needs are met with minimal disruption.
- Mentors and supports team members by sharing water quality and life support knowledge and helping others navigate internal systems, culture, and professional approach.
- Able to quickly respond and provide support to occasional after-hour emergencies.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
- Seeking a qualified applicant with experience in the operation of aquatic animal water filtration systems, ozone generation equipment and temperature control systems. General water chemistry and experience in repair and maintenance of mechanical systems is necessary.
- Substantive knowledge of pumps, filters, disinfection systems, and water chemistry testing.
- Safely and properly handle tools and equipment in compliance with California OSHA and workplace health and safety standards.
- Commitment to coaching others and ability to thrive in a diverse team environment.
- Understanding of building codes and quality standards as it relates to water quality systems and supporting infrastructure.
- Ability to read and interpret schematics, trend data, and technical manuals.
- Ability to complete the Certified Pool Operator course.
- Ability to diagnose system alarms, conduct preventative maintenance, and respond to operational issues in real time.
- Ability to collaborative effectively across all building trades.
- Familiarity with aquatic species’ environmental requirements.
Education & Experience
- Experience with automated control systems, including programming or calibrating sensors and controllers required.
- Minimum of four (4) years of experience with aquatic life support systems or water treatment operations required.
- High School Diploma Required.
- Valid California Drivers License Upon Hire Required.
- AALSO Life Support Operator Level 1 Preferred.
Job Requirements
Working Conditions
This position will require working outdoors and working with hazardous chemicals. Selected candidate will work mostly in their specific craft but will be expected to assist in other construction and maintenance duties. This position requires successful completion of physical ability test.
Salary & Benefits
- Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Family Passes
- Complimentary Tickets
- Local and In-House Discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
