Aquatics/Life Support System Supervisor

Primary Purpose of this Position: If you are an amazing Aquatics/Life Support System (LSS) Supervisor who wants to work at the world's largest natural habitat zoo, then keep reading. The North Carolina Zoo is seeking an Aquatics/LSS Supervisor.

The primary purpose of this position is to manage, operate and maintain the filtration, ozonation and chemical treatment equipment and systems for the pools in numerous animal exhibits at the North Carolina Zoo.

Pools include:

• 146,000 gallon and 10,000-gallon outdoor polar bear exhibit pools
• 75,000 gallon and 20,000-gallon outdoor pinniped pools
• 44,000-gallon seabird pool in the Rocky Coast exhibit complex
• 2,000 - 25,000-gallon fish aquariums
• 6000-gallon outdoor otter exhibit pool Grizzly Bear exhibit pool 
• 4,000-gallon outdoor Black Bear exhibit pool
• 2,000-gallon outdoor Red Wolf exhibit pool
• A variety of smaller systems ranging from 40-1,500 gallons
• And numerous pools being built for our Asia expansion

Water quality standards in several of these exhibits are subject to USDA/APHIS Animal Welfare Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act requirements, federal and state laws, rule and regulations that apply. Operates and maintains systems for several non-animal aquatic features. Position reports directly to the Aquatic Systems Technician.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervises an expanding aquatics team of 2 permanent full-time and 1 temporary full-time staff. 
• Oversees complex water purification systems for pools that are the life support systems for the animals that live in them. Systems include numerous large sand filters; carbon filters; ozone generation, contact and scrubbing equipment; chlorination and bromination equipment and systems; UV sterilization systems; centrifugal pumps, motors, piping, and valves associated with the equipment; actuators and controllers for automated dosing systems and injection pumps; computerized monitoring systems, and dry air compressors.
• Supervises related installation, preventative maintenance, and repairs for this equipment to insure continuous, efficient, and effective operations.
• Effectively communicates and coordinates with zoo maintenance staff for system and equipment repairs outside the scope or knowledge for this position but key to overall continuation of operations of these animal life support systems.
• Oversees daily monitoring and interprets water chemistry parameters of the pools to ensure water quality and clarity standards are met. Utilizes and calibrates water quality analysis equipment to monitor vital parameters. Water quality analysis equipment includes ion probes, spectrophotometers, pH meters, conductivity meters, commercial test kits, etc. Parameters monitored include residual ozone, bromine, and chlorine levels; pH; dissolved oxygen; ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels; hardness; salinity; coliforms.
• Assists in the mixing of artificial seawater.
• Responsible for maintaining water circulations and water filtration system operations and water quality testing for water features in other exhibit complexes.
• Responsible for oversight of water chemistry and water quality tracking documents and records.
• Oversight of automation systems.

Job Requirements:

• Must be able to regularly work weekends, holidays, and after normal work shifts. 
• Required to have a valid North Carolina driver license or obtain within 30 days of employment.
• Position is considered "Essential/Mandatory Staff" and required to work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
• Required to participate in the North Carolina Zoo’s occupational health program, receiving vaccinations and regular health screenings.
• Must be able to lift and move 50 lbs. without assistance. Must be able to walk, bend, stoop, work in confined spaces, have good visual sight, walk over uneven terrain, work in varying weather conditions and challenging physical environments.
• Ability to provide supervision and instruction to direct reports.
• Must have computer skills with Microsoft Office to professionally document water quality records, compose written documentation as well as work in a variety of databases.
• Must be able to resolve water quality problems and issues in a timely manner without compromising water quality standards.
• Must be able to work alone without supervision.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

• Demonstrated working experience in the application of water chemistry analysis, including the use of industry standard water quality analysis equipment.
• Demonstrated working experience in the maintenance of and troubleshooting problems for aquatic systems and associated pumps, filters, ozone generators, automated dosing systems and/or monitoring equipment.

Management Prefers -

• SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving certification 
• Current AALSO (Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator) certification
• Current Certified Pool Operator certification

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or microbiology from an appropriately accredited institution; or
• Associate’s degree in chemical technology, environmental science technology; or related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and two (2) years of related experience in water chemistry and/or aquatic systems maintenance or related experience; or
• Completion of at least two (2) years of college with at least 20 semester hours of chemistry coursework, and two (2) years of related experience in water chemistry and/or aquatic systems maintenance or related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and directly related experience;

Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or microbiology from an appropriately accredited institution; or Associate’s degree in chemical technology, environmental science technology; or related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and two (2) years of related experience in water chemistry and/or aquatic systems maintenance or related experience; or Completion of at least two (2) years of college with at least 20 semester hours of chemistry coursework, and two (2) years of related experience in water chemistry and/or aquatic systems maintenance or related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and directly related experience;

Perks

• https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits

Salary

• $34,936 - $50,357