Life Support Systems; LSS and Water Quality Manager

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Located three miles south of downtown Dallas, the 106-acre Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas. Founded with just two deer and two mountain lions in 1888 as the first zoo in the Southwest, this City of Dallas-owned but privately managed zoo is a thriving example of a successful public-private partnership. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for 35 years, the Zoo provides a home for more than 2,000 animals representing over 400 species.

The Manager of Life Support Systems (LSS) and Water Quality is responsible for the leadership, operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of all aquatic life support infrastructure and water quality programs across the Zoo. This position directly supervises LSS and Water Quality Technicians and is responsible for daily operational direction, preventative maintenance execution, system reliability, and regulatory compliance. The Manager ensures continuous system performance, supports animal health and welfare, and provides technical leadership for infrastructure planning and capital improvements.

This is a hands‑on operational leadership role combining field supervision, technical oversight, and strategic system management.

• Directly supervise LSS and Water Quality Technicians.
• Assign daily work, establish priorities, and monitor task completion.
• Develop staff schedules to ensure continuous system monitoring and coverage.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate technical staff performance.
• Ensure adherence to safety procedures and operational standards.
• Oversee daily operation and maintenance of all life support and water treatment systems.
• Direct troubleshooting and corrective actions for mechanical, chemical, and control system issues.
• Monitor system performance and respond to alarms or operational failures.
• Ensure timely completion of preventative maintenance activities.
• Approve system shutdowns and coordinate maintenance scheduling.
• Ensure continuous life support capability.
• Oversee water quality monitoring and testing programs.
• Review and interpret water chemistry data and direct corrective adjustments.
• Ensure species‑appropriate environmental conditions are maintained.
• Coordinate with Animal Care and Veterinary teams regarding habitat conditions.
• Ensure compliance with AZA, USDA, EPA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain documentation and reporting required for inspections and audits.
• Oversee chemical handling, storage, and SDS management.
• Develop and manage preventative maintenance programs for LSS equipment.
• Track system performance and equipment lifecycle needs.
• Maintain inventory of critical spare parts and treatment chemicals.
• Provide technical leadership for system upgrades and new habitat construction.
• Participate in design review and commissioning of life support systems.
• Identify infrastructure improvement opportunities.
• Assist in departmental budgeting and cost control.
• Manage vendor services and technical contractors.
• Train new team members and support professional development of LSS and Water Quality staff.
• Participate in after‑hours response as required.
• Actively contribute to a culture of safety, accountability, and professionalism.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, marine biology, water treatment, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in life support systems, water treatment, or related.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience with proven leadership and team management skills.
• Zoo or aquarium experience strongly preferred.
• AALSO Water Quality Technician level 1 certification preferred.
• NSPF Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification or ability to obtain…