Life Support Operator

Houston Zoo•Houston, TX

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Life Support Operator is responsible for the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of aquatic animal life support systems (LSS) that sustain the health and well-being of the zoo’s aquatic animal collection. This position ensures the proper function of a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and automated systems including pumps, filtration systems, ozone and UV sterilizers, protein skimmers, and chemical dosing equipment. Working closely with Water Quality and Animal Care teams, the Life Support Operator responds to system alarms, conducts routine inspections and preventative maintenance, and makes technical adjustments to maintain stable environmental conditions. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a mission-driven, safety-conscious environment. The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. The Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom they provide housing, meals, medical care and education. There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience their incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Their dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of their residents and guests. They strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals they have at the Zoo and in the wild.

Requirements

Associate degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, or six months to one year of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
AALSO Water Quality and Life Support Level 2 Certification.
Open Water Dive Certification (or obtain).
Knowledge of science, theory and application of water/wastewater treatment and operations, water quality monitoring and quality assurance programs.
Proficiency with PVC plumbing systems and related hand tools.
Knowledge of current and emerging environmental issues and environmental regulations impacting water resources and facility operations.
Strong mechanical aptitude.
Attention to detail.
Proactive approach to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

Interprets water chemistry data to identify trends and makes recommend corrective actions.
Records and enters operational data accurately into digital recordkeeping systems (e.g., PlantLog, Tracks).
Conducts routine system maintenance on aquatic animal LSS systems and makes recommendations for changes to senior Water Quality (WQ) staff.
Performs basic troubleshooting and repair of LSS equipment, including (but not limited to) regenerative media filters, circulation and dosing pumps, protein skimmers, ozone generators and UV sterilizers.
Reads, understands, and follows all relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Implements modifications to SOPs at the direction of senior WQ staff.
Maintains the highest standards of cleanliness in all work areas and technical spaces.
Assists in training junior staff in system operations, including morning and afternoon rounds.
Supports the onboarding and skill development of junior staff in preventative maintenance procedures and routine system checks.
Supports dive operations in aquatic animal habitats.
Communicates deviations from standard operating parameters to senior WQ staff in a timely and accurate manner.
Analyzes data trends and reports operational observations clearly and professionally to support decision-making.
Interacts professionally with zoo guests to uphold the highest level of guest service and satisfaction.
Actively contributes to conservation efforts by supporting waste, water and energy reduction initiatives and by inspiring staff and guests to take wildlife-protecting actions.
Adheres to all safety policies and procedures at all times.
Performs other duties as assigned to support water quality and life support operations.