Under the direction of the Director of Husbandry, the Life Support Systems Manager leads both the Life Support Systems and Water Quality teams. The LSS Team is responsible for the daily operation, maintenance, and repair of all life support systems, both aquatic and terrestrial, while the Water Quality Team runs the Water Quality Laboratory in which water quality testing and analysis of salt and fresh water occurs. The Life Support Systems Manager uses independent judgment and critical thinking to problem solve, collaborate with team members, both within and outside of the LSS and Water Quality teams, and provide all necessary direction to LSS and Water Quality staff and volunteers. This role is a vital participant in the leadership of the Living Collections Department.

Minimum starting pay for this role is $80,000 annually. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

The Assistant Curator of Fish and Invertebrates, working directly with the Curator, leads a team Aquarists in the management of the fish and invertebrate collection, associated exhibits, life support systems, programs and the supervision of staff.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Senior Construction & Maintenance Worker will support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance mission of saving species worldwide by performing a variety of skilled and skilled work in the maintenance, construction, alteration, remodeling and repair of organization buildings, facilities, equipment, and grounds; and performs related work as required. This position reports to the C&M Life Support Systems Manager.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

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. 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.

The Director of Life Support Systems (LSS) and Water Quality oversees the daily operation and management of the life support systems and the environmental analysis of the Museum’s aquatic exhibits. These complex systems require experience with water quality theory, specialized equipment, and with water chemistry analysis techniques. Thorough understanding and ability to troubleshoot complex water treatment and filtration systems is necessary along with the automation of these systems. This position will ultimately be required to both provide operational and servicing oversight of the LSS delivering superior environmental conditions for the living collection. Examples of the LSS equipment requiring management are: UV sterilizers, chillers, ozone systems, piping applications (e.g. pipe of different construction, valves, sensors, and gauges), pumps, motors, blowers, and filters of different configurations. They will manage the Department’s staff and ensure the life support operations run in tandem with husbandry and veterinary care operations. Selected candidate must be available to work any of the seven days of the week, including weekends, holidays, and nights.

This position is responsible for the daily operation of the water quality laboratory and ensures that all analysis and quality control procedures are properly carried out. This individual participates in daily analysis of life support systems, develops long term projects, trains/supervises student interns and part-time and temporary staff, and works to improve life support system (LSS) hardware efficiency.

Primary Purpose:

The North Carolina Zoo’s Animal Section provides world class animal care through progressive management strategies that integrate husbandry, behavior management, nutrition, health care, and habitat design for optimal individual and species-specific welfare.
The Animal Section maintains numerous aquatic or semi-aquatic species which rely on well-maintained Life Support Systems (LSS) to ensure appropriate water quality is maintained. Additionally, this team monitors water quality in a variety of systems throughout the park. Such information is communicated throughout the Animal and Veterinary sections to ensure optimal animal welfare.
The primary role of this position is to assist in water quality testing and the basic operation and maintenance of all Life Support Systems in the zoo, including Ozone generators, Ultraviolet, chlorination, and Sand Filter water purification systems for the Rocky Coast, Streamside, Black Bear, Grizzly, and Red Wolf buildings at the Zoo and all USDA regulations that apply. The secondary role of this position is to perform data entry and communication of appropriate results and assist other aquatics staff, as necessary.

Minimum starting pay for this role is $23.50. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

The Life Support Systems Technician is responsible for performing daily inspections of all life support systems and components and maintaining all equipment in working order. The individual will handle such tasks as filter backwashes, system lineup changes, seawater intake treatment, troubleshoot any faulty systems, and more. This position works a 4-day workweek, and all life support technicians rotate shifts to provide 24-hour coverage, 365 days of the year.

The Life Support Systems Technician oversees the activities of the Life Support Systems Plant.  The Life Support Systems Technician performs all aspects of work for the purpose of design, construction, preventative and routine maintenance, repair, and installation of animal health and life support systems, equipment, and materials. This position serves in a supervisory role over outside consultants/suppliers/contractors hired in a life support systems capacity.

This position is responsible for the Aquarium’s maintenance/life support team to support the operation, maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment associated with live animal habitats. Management and preventative maintenance of all life support system (LSS) equipment, including but not limited to pumps, sand filters, UV, ozone generators and other equipment that are critical to animal health.

Minimum starting pay for this role is $23.50. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

The Life Support Systems Technician is responsible for performing daily inspections of all life support systems and components and maintaining all equipment in working order. The individual will handle such tasks as filter backwashes, system lineup changes, seawater intake treatment, troubleshoot any faulty systems, and more. This position works a 4-day workweek, and all life support technicians rotate shifts to provide 24-hour coverage, 365 days of the year.