Life Support Systems and Water Quality Keeper (1 4)

Overview

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is seeking a Life Support Systems & Water Quality Keeper to help ensure the health and wellbeing of our aquatic animals through advanced technical systems. This role is ideal for candidates with strong mechanical skills in pumps, motors, plumbing, and electrical systems, as well as an understanding of biological and chemical filtration.

Responsibilities

Life Support Systems & Water Quality Operations

• Operates monitors and ensures proper functioning of all equipment vital to the operation of Animal Care, exhibit water quality and life support systems and exhibits water features (e.g. lab equipment, pumps, valves, filters, ozone generators, backwashes, generators).
• Communicates daily with co-workers and curators regarding LSS and water quality issues as they relate to animal health and exhibit function/appearance. Works closely with co-workers to monitor and maintain nitrogen cycling in new and empty tanks, and to ensure all scheduled and unscheduled water changes, transfers and tank-drop procedures are completed safely and efficiently. This may include but is not limited to monitoring and performing the following analyses: salinity, pH, temperature, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, copper, sulfate, ORP, hardiness alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, turbidity, chlorine, and other parameters as assigned by curators.
• Maintain efficient operation of backwash recovery system and water reclamation to reclaim at least 95% on marine systems. Prepares and maintains saltwater batches and water transfers on large systems.
• Troubleshoots water chemistry problems by recommending and adding chemicals, synthetic seawater and reclaimed seawater to tanks as needed to maintain appropriate levels and responds to life support system alarms.
• Maintains accurate records of water quality testing and life support reading/activities and generates reports/recommendations (e.g. repairs, purchases, supplies) based on the information.

Equipment Maintenance & Technical Support

• Performs minor service and repairs to LSS equipment/systems including but not limited to water pumps, ozone equipment, meters/monitors/probes/sensors and associated calibrations, air blowers, and air prep units, water towers and vessels, water chillers and heat exchangers, valves, LSS plumbing, filters, and generators.
• Coordinates with and assists the Facilities Department with major repairs; preventative maintenance service; and water quality and life support equipment.
• Maintains an inventory of back up LSS equipment, parts and supplies to facilitate regular preventative maintenance service and minor repairs.

Diving, Safety & Compliance

• Will serve as a spotting diver when only one diver is in water.
• Assures safety of self, animals, co-workers and visitors by observing safety guidelines around the animals, equipment, and vehicles.
• Utilizes chemical supply products and follows standardized usage guidelines and safety information as set by the Material Data Sheets and makes recommendations to curator staff on compliance related issues.
• Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.

Communication & Collaboration

• Provide input to head keeper and curator staff on all aspects (e.g. water quality, safety, life support systems) of the region.
• Provides leadership to other Animal Care team members and departments on water quality and life support issues as required.

Organizational Support & Engagement

• Attends region meetings and participates in developmental seminars (e.g. remains current on job skills) and workshops as required.
• Provides educational information about the region's animal population through such activities as interacting with the public, conducting keeper talks, conducting tours and workshops, attending docent meetings, composing articles for organization publication and conducting volunteer trainings.
• Participates in cross-training as directed
• Establishes and maintains contact with other keepers outside of the CZFP, field researchers and other specialists as required.
• Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field required; four years of relevant experience may be substituted in place of a degree.
• Six months' experience as an LSS/Water Quality Keeper preferred.
• Experience maintaining aquariums, aquatic life support systems, and using water quality testing equipment preferred.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Thorough understanding of biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration systems required, including ozone mechanics, ORP, chlorine injection, biological filters, and rapid sand filters, with the ability to troubleshoot these systems.
• Skills in LSS plumbing, minor electrical work, fiberglass repair, and light carpentry preferred.
• Knowledge of spectrophotometers (e.g., HACH) and multiprobe mini-sonde equipment (e.g., Hydrolab, YSI) preferred.
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Office software, preferred.

Physical, Operational & Safety Requirements

• Ability to perform strenuous physical work required.
• S.C.U.B.A. certification required or the ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.
• Ability to pass the Dive Program annual swim test required.
• Ability to pass the Dive Program physical exam required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, required.
• Availability to be on an on-call basis preferred.
• Valid state-issued driver's license with a good driving record required, along with the ability to operate standard shift vehicles.
• Proof of negative TB screening required prior to placement and annually thereafter.
• Ability to adhere to the CZFP's drug-free workplace policy, including random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and follow-up testing, required.
• Ability to successfully complete an annual criminal history background check required.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures, including safety protocols, required.

Communication & Teamwork

• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Ability to develop and deliver informational presentations to small, medium, or large groups required.
• Ability to plan and organize work efficiently and cost-effectively, with or without direct supervision, required.
• Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding guest service standards required.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Columbus Zoo Family of Parks team members and external contacts required.