Life Support / Water Quality Technician (LSS/WQ)

Job Details

Description:

Under the direct supervision of the LSS/WQ Manager and Team Lead, the LSS/WQ Technician is responsible for the daily operations, monitoring, and basic preventative maintenance of all Life Support equipment and areas in the zoo footprint. Technicians work as members of a team to maintain LSS systems, monitor exhibit and public feature water quality, and preserve the levels of communication and documentation that allow for productive operations, sound animal well-being, and positive guest experience.

Common Definitions for the Memphis Zoo:

LSS – Life Support Systems – refers to all systems necessary to maintain positive well-being for animals and guest experience, including but not limited to filtration, mechanical equipment such as pumps and motors, piping and valves, chemical distribution, sterilization systems, and water features.

WQ – Water Quality – refers to all the basic water chemistry aspects necessary to maintain positive well-being for animals and guest experience, including but not limited to basic water testing, sterilization, chemical measuring and additions, and documentation.

Public Water Features – refers to any water feature on zoo grounds that the public has direct access too, including but not limited to the Splash Pad, Teton Geyser, and Nile River features.

Animal Life Support – refers to any water feature/pump room that has direct influence over animal well-being, including but not limited to exhibit pools, water features, and filtration.

Preventative Maintenance – refers to any and all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance performed by the LSS/WQ team for the purpose of maintaining LSS/WQ systems. This work can be prescribed by vendor requirements or by the LSS/WQ Manager/Team Lead as daily duties. This does NOT include major repairs or work where a plumber or electrician is required.

Essential Functions:

- Conduct daily checks of all Life Support Systems and Public Water Features, which includes but is not limited to performing consistent morning rounds, performing daily preventative maintenance, monitoring systems throughout the workday, and responding to radio calls from animal and operations staff.

- Respond efficiently to new and on-going issues in a timely manner, including but not limited to radio calls, emails, and on-going monitoring/projects.

- Maintain detailed documentation of all required data and measurements, including but not limited to equipment readings and daily basic water testing.

- Perform weekly and daily collections for required water testing, including samples collected for the lab and for in-house testing.

- Maintain effective communication networks between Zoo operations staff, veterinary care staff, animal care staff, and Zoo leadership, including but not limited to radio and email communications.

- Build and maintain positive working relationships and communication with the City of Memphis Supporters and Vendors, including but not limited to on-site plumbers and electricians through in-person collaborations and the City of Memphis work order network.

- Effectively communicate with LSS/WQ staff and Zoo leadership regarding new and on-going issues and work order submissions and be able to effectively describe issues and locations in detail.

- Daily and weekly pump room maintenance, including but not limited to basic cleaning duties, line tracing for leaks, and perform preventative maintenance.

- Perform other operational duties as needed in order to achieve the goals and missions of the Memphis Zoo.

- Upon certification, staff can participate in pool cleaning via the MZ Dive Team or hold a safety position for the MZ Dive Team when needed.

Requirements:

- Work efficiently under pressure and in fast-paced environments.

- Ability to learn new concepts quickly and be willing to perform duties independently and as a team.

- Must be able to lift and transport at least 50lbs consistently. 

- Have positive radio etiquette.

- Show effective communication skills.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

- Hold a valid driver’s license.

- Any experience in Water Quality, Life Support, Water Works, Plumbing, etc. is preferred.

- Any dive certifications or experience is appreciated.

There are numerous opportunities to learn and certify in LSS/WQ at the Memphis Zoo, including but not limited to Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), and Aquatic Facilities Operator (AFO).

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive and additional duties may be assigned, or existing duties may be modified, at any time to meet the needs of the organization.

Memphis Zoo is a drug free workplace.