Environmental Quality Technician (Variable)

Fort Wayne Zoo•Fort Wayne, IN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Applications are being accepted for an Environmental Quality Technician to join the Fort Wayne Zoo team. This is a variable (temporary) position assigned for specific dates and duties during the Zoo season. The hours and duration of the position may vary as needed. The Environmental Quality Technician provides oversight to the zoo’s Environmental Quality Program including conducting field measurements and laboratory procedures for evaluation of animal enclosure features throughout the zoo. This position also contributes to positive guest experiences and performs other duties as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field is required.
Valid driver’s license is required.
Knowledge of advanced laboratory skills.
Knowledge of basic chemistry and applied concepts related to water quality of animal enclosures.
Knowledge of general animal husbandry concepts and how environmental quality affects the welfare of animals under human care.
Ability to perform all work in compliance with all safety procedures, protocols, and regulations.
Demonstrated knowledge of zoo policies, standards, operations, cleaning, and maintenance techniques.
Ability to professionally and effectively communicate with others through written correspondence.
Ability to think logically in order to troubleshoot, analyze situations, and make sound business decisions.
Ability to make independent decisions and manage time effectively.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to work a highly flexible schedule; weekend, evening, holiday, and irregular hours will be required.
Ability to handle confidential information.
Ability to understand and follow all safety regulations.
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to arrive to work on time and maintain a positive attendance record.
Ability to serve in every respect and at all times as a goodwill ambassador for the Fort Wayne Zoological Society and the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo in contacts with zoo visitors and the general public.
Ability to deal tactfully and politely with guest questions and misbehavior.
Excellent communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, partners, and/or the public.
Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, fax machines, and phones.
Ability to professionally and appropriately interact and communicate with others, both in person and through phone, email, and written correspondence.
Ability to regularly travel assigned areas several times per day and efficiently enter all assigned areas.
Ability to negotiate a confined workspace while working with one or more coworkers.
Ability to properly lift and carry items up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand and sit for periods of time and to move intermittently throughout the workday.
Good speaking and listening skills.
Ability to perform focused work with close attention to detail.
Ability to accurately differentiate colors for the purpose of performing and interpreting titration tests.
Ability to work both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions; the environment may include wet, icy, or muddy conditions.
This position may include exposure to hazardous materials, fumes/odors, dirt, and dust; potentially dangerous or venomous animals; zoonotic diseases; noxious native plants; and native biting insects and arthropods.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field is preferred for variable position.
Three years of experience working in a zoological setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs water quality measurements and procedures for aquatic exhibits and water features.
Performs evaluations and measurements of animal enclosure lighting including UVB concentration, lighting intensity, and spectral analysis.
Performs regular evaluation of artificial lighting fixtures and bulbs; determines when bulbs should be replaced and when fixtures are not functioning as intended.
Performs evaluations and measurements of air quality of animal enclosures, including determination of air turnover rates, mold/spore counts, and detection of other potential environmental pathogens.
Performs evaluations and measurements of noise and sound levels in and around animal enclosures.
Collects necessary environmental samples for processing in both in-house and external laboratories.
Collects soil samples for soil analysis.
Maintains accurate and updated records for all environmental quality parameters measured.
Provides accurate, timely reports of environmental quality data to appropriate staff.
Inputs environmental quality data into the ZIMS record keeping software.
Manages the environmental quality lab, keeping the facilities and equipment clean and in good working condition.
Provides consultation to other zoo staff for issues concerning water quality, air quality, and lighting.
Ships samples to external laboratories while remaining compliant with IATA and all other regulations.
Maintains the Environmental Quality Lab in accordance with OSHA and all other relevant federal, state, and local regulations.
Trains other zoo staff on the duties of the Environmental Quality Technician so that procedures can be performed in that person’s absence.
Keeps the Environmental Quality Lab well-stocked with all necessary equipment and supplies.
Consults with or provides consultation to colleagues at other zoos/institutions via phone, mail, and email.
Supports the zoo’s commitment to continued growth of diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging for zoo team members, volunteers, guests, and supporters.
Assists with special projects and helps other zoo employees as needed.
Actively contributes to positive guest experiences.