Life Support Systems (LSS) and Water Quality Manager

Dallas Zoo Management•Dallas, TX

10d

About The Position

The Manager of Life Support Systems (LSS) and Water Quality is responsible for the leadership, operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of all aquatic life support infrastructure and water quality programs across the Zoo. This position directly supervises LSS and Water Quality Technicians and is responsible for daily operational direction, preventative maintenance execution, system reliability, and regulatory compliance. The Manager ensures continuous system performance, supports animal health and welfare, and provides technical leadership for infrastructure planning and capital improvements. This is a hands-on operational leadership role combining field supervision, technical oversight, and strategic system management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, marine biology, water treatment, or a related field.
Minimum 5 years of experience in life support systems, water treatment, or related.
Demonstrated supervisory experience with proven leadership and team management skills.
Valid driver’s license required.
Strong working knowledge of water quality, life support systems, and equipment operation, including calibration and troubleshooting.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
Ability to develop, implement, and maintain SOPs and written procedures.
Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and FMX or similar maintenance management software.
Strong work ethic and collaborative leadership approach.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to multi-task, prioritize work, and delegate responsibilities appropriately.
Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
Ability to communicate professionally across departments.
Ability to maintain reliable on-site presence.
Ability to learn new systems, technologies, and procedures.
Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, with exposure to chemicals, water, noise, and potentially hazardous environments.
Ability to work in confined spaces.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical activities including bending, stooping, and climbing ladders.
Full-time position requiring flexibility including working evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency response support as needed.
Successful candidates must pass pre-employment drug screening, background check, and TB test.

Nice To Haves

Zoo or aquarium experience strongly preferred.
AALSO LSS operator level 1 certification preferred.
AALSO Water Quality Technician level 1 certification preferred.
NSPF Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise LSS and Water Quality Technicians.
Assign daily work, establish priorities, and monitor task completion.
Develop staff schedules to ensure continuous system monitoring and coverage.
Train, mentor, and evaluate technical staff performance.
Ensure adherence to safety procedures and operational standards.
Oversee daily operation and maintenance of all life support and water treatment systems.
Direct troubleshooting and corrective actions for mechanical, chemical, and control system issues.
Monitor system performance and respond to alarms or operational failures.
Ensure timely completion of preventative maintenance activities.
Approve system shutdowns and coordinate maintenance scheduling.
Ensure continuous life support capability.
Oversee water quality monitoring and testing programs.
Review and interpret water chemistry data and direct corrective adjustments.
Ensure species-appropriate environmental conditions are maintained.
Coordinate with Animal Care and Veterinary teams regarding habitat conditions.
Ensure compliance with AZA, USDA, EPA, and other regulatory requirements.
Maintain documentation and reporting required for inspections and audits.
Oversee chemical handling, storage, and SDS management.
Enforce safe work practices.
Develop and manage preventative maintenance programs for LSS equipment.
Track system performance and equipment lifecycle needs.
Maintain inventory of critical spare parts and treatment chemicals.
Provide technical leadership for system upgrades and new habitat construction.
Participate in design review and commissioning of life support systems.
Identify infrastructure improvement opportunities.
Assist in departmental budgeting and cost control.
Manage vendor services and technical contractors.
Train new team members and support professional development of LSS and Water Quality staff.
Provide leadership during system failures or emergency conditions.
Participate in after-hours response as required.
Actively contribute to a culture of safety, accountability, and professionalism.
Perform other duties as assigned.