Overview:  The Life Support Systems and Water Quality Lead is responsible for the daily operation, maintenance, and optimization of aquatic life support systems and for conducting water quality monitoring at Reid Park Zoo. This hands-on position ensures that aquatic habitats meet the highest standards for animal health, safety, and welfare as established by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). As a lead member of the Life Support and Water Quality team, this role serves as a technical expert and mentor to life support operators. The Lead assists in scheduling, training, troubleshooting complex system issues, and coordinating with Animal Care and Facilities teams on preventative maintenance, water quality programs, capital projects, and emergency response.

Reports To:   Facilities Manager

General Duties

• Demonstrate and model the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
• Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
• Follow Zoo safety protocols and procedures
• Lead and perform daily operations of all aquatic life support systems and water quality programs.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain pumps, filters, ozone systems, UV sterilizers, chillers, heat exchangers, and automated monitoring systems.
• Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs to ensure reliability of life support systems.
• Conduct and interpret water quality tests (pH, salinity, chlorine, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature).
• Adjust system operations or chemical dosing to maintain optimal water parameters
• Maintain detailed maintenance and water quality logs.
• Ensure compliance with AZA water quality guidelines, USDA requirements, and local/state environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with Animal Care and Facilities teams to ensure consistent practices
• Provide input and technical support during system upgrades, capital projects, and sustainability initiatives.
• Recommend improvements to enhance water efficiency, system reliability, and alignment with AZA best practices.
• Participate in emergency drills and develop response protocols for system or water quality failures.
• Assist with procurement of tools, equipment, and materials
• Provide day-to-day technical direction and mentorship to other life support and water quality staff
• Train team members on safe work practices, system operation, and water testing protocols
• Assist the Facility Manager in planning daily work assignments and monitoring task completion
• Act as the on-site lead for life support and water quality operations in the Facility Manager’s absence
• Promote a positive, safety-first, and team-oriented work culture.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture aligned with RPZS values

Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Associate’s degree or technical certification in aquaculture, water treatment, biology, chemistry, mechanical/electrical systems, or a related field. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in aquatic life support and water quality management in a zoo, aquarium, or aquatic research facility
• A valid, current, unrestricted driver license
• Successfully complete pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Comply with quarterly random drug testing if selected
• Proof of negative TB test within the past 12 months (renewed annually, company paid).
• Advanced knowledge of aquatic life support systems, including filtration, disinfection, and temperature control equipment.
• Understanding of water chemistry and analytical testing methods.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and construction drawings.
• Skilled in troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Detail-oriented, reliable, and safety-focused.
• AALSO LSS Operator 2 or 3 Certification or ability to obtain within a year of employment
• AALSO Water Quality 2 or 3 Certification or ability to obtain within a year of employment
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships, at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors and the public
• Leadership and problem-solving skills under both routine and emergency conditions
• Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast paced, public/guest attraction focused environment
• Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, act or change direction as needed
• Regular physical attendance at work
• Reliable and able to work to a schedule
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and participate in on-call rotation as needed

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds often
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach frequently
• Stand and walk for long periods of time
• Repetitious motions with hands
• Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
• Work in wet, hot, humid, noisy, and outdoor environments, including confined spaces and at heights
• Ability to work around chemicals, biohazards and machinery noise (PPE provided)

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree or technical certification in related field (e.g., aquaculture, aquatic biology, environmental science, engineering, water treatment, biology, chemistry, or mechanical/electrical systems)
• Prior experience mentoring or leading team members is strongly preferred.
• Experience work in a zoo, aquarium or aquatic facility
• Familiarity with AZA standards for water quality management
• Bilingual (Spanish or ASL)

 Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.  It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Human Resources Dept.