What are the responsibilities and job description for the LSS and Water Quality Lead Technician position at Dallas Zoo?
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for overseeing the operation, repair, and maintenance of over 30 public and animal exhibit water features, ensuring optimal water quality, safety, and compliance with standards. This position serves as the lead for a team of technicians, providing daily direction, technical guidance, and training to ensure the efficient operation of life support systems (LSS) that maintain aquatic animal health and habitat integrity.
In a hands-on capacity, this role applies technical knowledge to maintain, repair, and troubleshoot complex life support systems. In close collaboration with animal care, maintenance, and safety professionals, this role is critical to proactively addressing operational challenges and implementing preventative maintenance programs, in accordance with the Zoo’s broader operational and animal welfare goals.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead, mentor, and coordinate the work of LSS and water quality technicians, ensuring tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and to established standards.
• Assign daily work schedules, monitor progress, and ensure proper documentation of maintenance activities and water chemistry results.
• Perform daily water quality testing (e.g., pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, chlorine) and ensure appropriate chemical levels across all pools and water features.
• Operate and inspect pumps, filters, UV sterilizers, ozone systems, and automated dosing/control systems.
• Oversee corrective repairs on mechanical systems, plumbing, and electrical components related to aquatic systems.
• Implement, maintain, and perform preventative maintenance programs to ensure equipment and system reliability and longevity.
• Maintain accurate records of water chemistry, equipment maintenance, and inventory of supplies.
• Diagnose abnormal water parameters and implement corrective measures in coordination with animal care and water maintenance staff.
• Maintain knowledge and implementation of regulatory requirements, including USDA, EPA, and AZA standards, as they relate to water quality and animal welfare.
• Ensure safe practices when handling hazardous materials and when working around mechanical equipment.
• Coordinate with other departments to align environmental parameters with species-specific needs.
• Respond to system alarms and assist in emergency repairs when needed.
• Participate in LSS upgrades, installations, or habitat modifications as assigned.
• Provide training to new team members and support professional development of the LSS/water quality staff.
• Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Combination of 5 years of education and/or work experience in fields related to engineering, aquaculture operations, or similar, with a minimum of 3 of those years in LSS operations, preferably in an aquarium, zoo, or aquatic research facility.
• AALSO LSS operator level 2 certification (minimum); level 3 preferred.
• AALSO Water Quality Technician level 2 certification (minimum); level 3 preferred.
• NSPF Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification or ability to obtain this certification within 6 months of employment.
• High School diploma or GED required; associate’s degree in environmental science, water technology, or mechanical systems preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of water quality, LSS, and equipment operation, including calibration and troubleshooting.
• Skilled in the use of tools pertinent to machinery, plumbing, and electrical.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces and varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and demonstrate a full range of motion, including bending, stooping, and climbing ladders.
• Strong work ethic and teamwork mindset required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Successful candidates must pass pre-employment drug screening, background check, and TB test.