Aquatics Life Support Supervisor

State of North Carolina•Rocky Coast Randolph, NC

13d•$41,206 - $57,000•Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Zoo is looking for a dynamic, team and detail - oriented individual to lead the Aquatics Team. This team is responsible for monitoring the water quality of animal areas and maintaining existing life support equipment. The Aquatics Life Support Supervisor, under the supervision of the Zoological Manager, will be responsible for leading a dedicated team of technicians in daily activities that support optimal aquatic life support systems for most of the animal sections of the zoo.

Requirements

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma AND two (2) years of progressive experience in the assigned trade areas; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
May require current certification by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Type I, II, III or Universal technician as required by Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations Part 82, Subpart F.
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., have good physical agility, strength, vision, and hearing, and the ability to perform strenuous physical work in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments.
Must be able to hire, train, and supervise Aquatics Life Support Technicians in life support systems, problem solving, and critical thinking.
AALSO Level 1 certified or ability to become certified within 12 months of hire.
Pool operator certified or ability to become certified within 6 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of aquarium water chillers, heat exchangers, UV and ozone systems, reverse osmosis, fractionators, plumbing applications, pumps, motors and filtration equipment.
Demonstrated experience as a Water Quality Technician including sample gathering and testing, quality control, data interpretation, data entry as well as aid in troubleshooting and correction of parameters.
Demonstrated experience working in laboratory settings.

Responsibilities

Manages, directs, and coordinates daily activities of supervised Aquatics/LSS staff in monitoring and maintaining the life support systems in supervised facilities and maintaining animal spaces to exceed AZA and USDA standards of care.
Develops a strong cohesive work unit that continually strives to improve aquatic life support systems, animal welfare, guest experience, and contributes to the overall understanding of the systems needed for the proper care of the exhibit animals.
Maintains working knowledge of water chiller systems, filtration systems, ozone systems, and water chemistry.
Schedules, supervises, mentors, develops, and provides leadership for Technicians in the progressive evolution of aquatic life support systems and the operation and upkeep of facilities.
Identifies and prioritizes aquatic life support system issues and problems and leads work unit staff in root cause identification and problem solving.
Serves as key communications link with the Zoo's Zoological Managers, Animal Curators, and Veterinary staff for information exchange and coordination.
Is an active member of the Life Support Team, performing water quality tests and regular maintenance of systems.