Under the supervision of the Life Support Systems Zoological Animal Manager (ZAM), this position is responsible for the daily well-being of animals and equipment in the assigned animal section. The Water Quality Technician is responsible for maintaining high standards of animal care while working in a team-oriented environment where collaboration and problem-solving are required to achieve Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo Corporation's (FCZC) strategic goals, while providing excellent guest experience.
- This position will primarily be assigned to a specific animal team but may be reassigned or requested to work in other sections as needed at the discretion of the Animal Management team.
- We are pleased to offer this part time position an Employee Assistance Program, 401K, Paid CA Sick Time.
- The pay range for this position is $17.78 - $18.66 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate’s experience.
ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Collects data and completes water chemistry analysis for all life support systems in accordance with established timelines and procedures. Responsible for reporting abnormalities to Life Support Technicians I or II or ZAM promptly.
- Assists Life Support Technicians I or II with daily rounds of all filtration areas to inspect pumps, motors, generators, chillers, air handlers and other filtration equipment, including ozone generators. Responsible for reporting abnormalities to Life Support Technician I or II or ZAM promptly.
- Assists Life Support Technicians I or II with regular preventive maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and repair for analytical instrumentation and probes.
- Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets at designated times.
- Implements effective behavioral enrichment for selected animals.
- Observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder, reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to managers.
- Maintains accurate feeding, health, and welfare records of assigned animals using Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, Teams), Species 360 (ZIMS), and TRACKS information systems.
- Maintains standards of animal husbandry in accordance with established protocols and medical concerns. Maintains a neat, organized, and efficient working area, keeping accountability for tools and inventory to support productivity.
- Participates in guest presentations in the form of animal chats and assists with animal training demonstrations as needed.
- Engages in the proactive application of water quality, aquatic husbandry, and animal health best practices and reports any abnormalities to managers.
- Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section, including medication preparation and administration.
- Assists the Emergency Response team in animal events.
- Responsible for reporting animal health and husbandry concerns to the Curator and Veterinary staff.
- Assists with the netting and moving of animals under the guidance of qualified Life Support Technician I or II, unless approved by a manager, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.
- Completes daily tasks, projects, and goals within an assigned time frame while maintaining satisfactory standards.
- Adheres to organizational protocols, procedures, and policies.
- Utilizes computer, telephone, and radio systems to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoo’s facilities and offsite.
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals.
- Qualifications
EDUCATION AND JOB QUALIFICATIONS
- High School diploma required.
- Minimum of three (3) months of part-time (377 hours) paid life support systems or animal experience in a zoological or animal facility preferred.
- Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public.
- Bilingual skills a plus.
- A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed.
- Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position.
- Upon request for reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.
- This position is required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel throughout the shift.
- Must use both hands and arms for care of animals and cleaning of enclosures.
- Required to climb stairs or ladders throughout the shift.
- The employee is required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds with assistance.
- Evaluating animal health, diet, or environment requires close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus, hearing and sense of smell.
- Visual acuity to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal behavior. Color perception is also required.
- Receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- This position functions both indoors and outdoors, with possible exposure to high heat, cold, inclement weather, poor air quality, insects, Zoo environments including uneven terrain, dust, and allergens, and external events.
- The employee is regularly exposed to a variety of animals with risk of animal bites (including venomous), zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury.
- The employee may be exposed to environmental substances such as dust/dirt from Zoo grounds.
- The employee may be required to work at heights.
- The position works in close proximity to Zoo animals.
- Regular local travel and occasional out-of-town travel may be required.
- Ability to work overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
