Aquatics Technician

State of North Carolina

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Zoo is looking for THREE dynamic, team and detail-oriented individuals to join the Aquatics Team. This team is responsible for monitoring the water quality of animal areas and maintaining existing life support equipment. This individual will work closely with most animal sections in order to maintain optimal aquatic life support systems.

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
Hours 7:30am-4:30pm with a 1-hour meal period.
Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider.
This position works a rotating work schedule, including weekends and Holidays.
Must be able to work split weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts.
Position is considered "Essential/Mandatory Staff" requiring work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
Employee must complete Entry Permit Confined Space training within 6 months of hire.
Perform work in confined spaces such as filter pits, vaults, sumps, tanks, and mechanical rooms in accordance with safety protocols
Follow confined space entry procedures, including atmospheric testing, lockout/tagout, use of PPE, and coordination with safety attendants
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 meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
Must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with zoo staff and the public.

Nice To Haves

Applicant must have the ability to troubleshoot complex water treatment and filtration systems.
Experience with advanced water chemistry analysis techniques.
Possess an understanding of aquarium water chillers, heat exchangers, UV and ozone systems, reverse osmosis, fractionators, plumbing application, pumps, motors and filtration equipment.

Responsibilities

Monitor and maintain water quality parameters (pH, salinity, temperature, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, etc.)
Operate, inspect, and maintain life support systems including filters, pumps, protein skimmers, UV sterilizers, ozone systems, and chillers
Perform routine water testing and maintain accurate records and logs
Conduct regular water changes, system cleanings, and preventive maintenance
Troubleshoot and respond to system malfunctions or water quality issues
Assist with installation, modification, and upgrades of aquatic systems
Work closely with aquarists and animal care staff to support animal health
Follow all safety, biosecurity, and environmental regulations
Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in safe working condition
Participate in emergency response and on-call rotations as required