WATER QUALITY LIFE SUPPORT MANAGER

Clearwater Marine Aquarium•Clearwater, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Water Quality Life support Manager is responsible for managing the daily operation, maintenance, and performance of aquarium water quality and life support systems. This position supervises technical staff, coordinates preventative maintenance activities, monitors water chemistry and filtration systems, and supports infrastructure improvement projects to ensure optimal aquatic animal health and exhibit operations. The Manager works closely with husbandry, veterinary, facilities, and operations teams to maintain safe, efficient, and compliant aquatic environments.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of experience in aquarium life support systems, water treatment operations, or aquatic facility management; Required
Minimum 3 years of Supervisory or lead experience; Required
Knowledge of aquatic life support systems, filtration technologies, water chemistry, pumps, ozone systems, UV sterilization, and automated controls;
Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, and operational documentation;
Strong communication, leadership, organizational, and troubleshooting skills;
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance management systems;
Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, and emergency response situations as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Water Quality Management, Aquaculture, Engineering, or related field; Preferred
Experience in an AZA-accredited aquarium or zoological facility; Preferred
Industry certifications related to water treatment, aquatic systems, or facility maintenance; Preferred

Responsibilities

Supervises, schedules, trains, and evaluates Life Support Systems (LSS) and water quality personnel; manages daily staffing assignments, overtime, and employee time records;
Coordinates and directs staff in maintaining aquarium water quality standards and daily operation of aquatic life support systems;
Provides leadership and technical guidance to assigned team members; reviews work for completeness and accuracy and provides training and operational support as needed;
Assists in the development and implementation of water quality management programs to maintain optimal aquatic habitat conditions for marine and freshwater species;
Oversees preventative and corrective maintenance activities involving pumps, filtration systems, ozone systems, UV sterilization, chillers, piping, valves, and automated controls;
Recommends repairs, modifications, and operational improvements to life support and water treatment systems including quarantine procedures and standards.
Compiles operational data and prepares reports, logs, and maintenance records; utilizes computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), asset management software, and water quality monitoring applications to track activities and performance;
Utilizes TRACKS software as needed for maintain water quality standards;
Implements operational procedures and maintenance schedules using automated technologies for monitoring and asset management; interprets blueprints, schematics, diagrams, and technical drawings for existing and proposed infrastructure;
Monitors, schedules, tracks, and ensures completion of planned maintenance, corrective repairs, inspections, and water quality testing activities;
Assists with annual operating and capital budget preparation for assigned areas;
Supports special projects, exhibit installations, renovations, and department initiatives related to aquatic systems and infrastructure improvements;
Evaluates water quality test results, operational trends, and equipment performance data to identify issues and recommend corrective actions;
Responds to operational concerns and assists with troubleshooting water quality and life support system issues;
Coordinates with veterinary, husbandry, facilities, and operations staff to support animal care and exhibit operations;
Ensures compliance with applicable environmental, safety, and operational regulations and standards;
Attends meetings, workshops, and training programs to maintain technical knowledge and leadership skills;
Performs other related duties as assigned by Water Quality Director.