Life Support Water Systems

Imagine stepping into a role where your passion for animals meets your expertise in water resource management.  Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has an exciting opportunity as we expand with Rezoovenation.  We are searching for a dedicated leader to spearhead our Life Support Systems department, ensuring top-tier care for our diverse animal collection while championing innovation and excellence.

• At the core of the responsibilities lies a commitment to maximizing water quality for the well-being of animals and non-animal areas to optimize resource efficiency.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment to flex between strategic planning, budget management, and fostering inter-departmental collaboration.
• As the team leader, you'll supervise all aspects of water quality, renovations, and major repairs, ensuring adherence to industry best practices.
• This position champions collaboration and inclusivity, building strong partnerships with stakeholders to establish a unified approach to water quality management. 
• From developing team members and setting clear expectations to embracing organizational change and fostering a culture of continuous learning, your leadership will be paramount. You'll ensure accountability, monitor progress, and celebrate achievements.
• In addition to people management, you'll dive into strategic and fiscal responsibilities, from project planning to budget preparation.
• Your ability to cultivate positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders will be instrumental in achieving shared goals and maintaining compliance with regulations and safety standards.
• Picture yourself at the controls, managing water systems, drainage, and backwash processes all while prioritizing animal welfare and safety above all else. 
•  This is an integral role in assessing operations to ensure efficiency and adherence to organizational and government regulations. 
• With six (6) years of technical expertise, including three (3) years supervising operations and maintenance staff, you'll oversee equipment operation, monitor water chemistry reports, and ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.
• our ability to cultivate positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders will be instrumental in achieving shared goals and maintaining compliance with regulations and safety standards.
• Join us in embracing a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence, where everyone contributes to our mission of "Connecting communities with wildlife and wild places."

Do you have…

• A Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences, or equivalent experience and training; or a combination of six years of education and experience.
• Three (3) years of experience supervising operations and maintenance staff.
• Three (3) years’ experience in water filtration and/or experience in a facility or laboratory water quality setting. 
• Three (3) years’ experience in advanced water chemistry analysis techniques and mechanical filtration systems. 
• Knowledge of water quality systems, water chemistry analysis techniques, pool equipment as well as regulatory and membership agencies and regulations (USDA, USFWS, AZA, AALSO).
• Knowledge of ozone systems with both fresh and saltwater applications.
• Knowledge of chlorine dosing/monitoring systems.
• Understanding of the Nitrogen cycle and its impact on different animals and water parameters.

A Plus…

• Experience at equivalent facility, aquarium and/or zoo. 
• Two (2) years of experience in an aquarium or zoo, preferably with Life Support Systems (LSS), large scale aquariums, HVAC/plumbing, general maintenance, or related field experience. 
• Certification at Water Quality Level 1, 2, or 3 with Aquatic Life Support Systems (AALSO) and/or, eligibility for certification.
• Pool Operator certification and/or, eligibility for certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
• Manual dexterity for standing, reaching, flexibility, and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, stoop, bend, lift, kneel, crawl, climb, jump, dig and prolonged standing.
• Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
• Ability to transport and move items frequently up to 50 pounds for short distances without difficulty.
• Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium while performing various jobs.
• Ability to access and navigate each department at the organization on foot, including any construction sites.
• Ability to consistently speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and communications.
• Ability to consistently remain on your feet for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to consistently perform standing, reaching, flexibility, and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, stoop, bend, lift, kneel, crawl, climb, jump, dig and prolonged standing.
• Manual dexterity to grasp, turn, and manipulate objects of varying size and weight, requiring fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• Auditory ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone systems, two-way radio, and face-to-face interactions.
• Visual and auditory acuity appropriate for safety and discern differences in documents.
• Exceptional visual acuity is required, along with the ability to communicate, comprehend and decipher/hear information accurately, using a two-way radio.
• Inclusion, diversity, and equality as a value
• Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens embraces diversity in a meaningful way and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of a person's actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, weight, or height. 

Salary

• Compensation depends on experience,
• knowledge,
• skills,
• and abilities budgeted range of $46k- $60k.