Water Quality Technician

Water Quality Technician (Full Time)

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The Water Quality 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.

This position provides multiple opportunities to learn and be certified in LSS/WQ at the Zoo, including but not limited to Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), and Aquatic Facilities Operator (AFO).

• Conduct daily checks of all Life Support Systems and Public Water Features, including performing consistent morning rounds, daily preventative maintenance, monitoring throughout the workday, and responding to radio calls from animal and operations staff.
• Respond efficiently to new and ongoing issues in a timely manner, including radio calls, emails, and on-going monitoring/projects.
• Maintain detailed documentation of all required data and measurements, including 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 radio and email communications.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships and communication with the City of Memphis Supporters and Vendors, including 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 ongoing issues and work order submissions and be able to describe issues and locations in detail.
• Daily and weekly pump room maintenance, including basic cleaning duties, line tracing for leaks, and performing preventative maintenance.
• 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.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Previous experience in water quality, life support, water works, plumbing, or similar.
• Dive certification or experience is appreciated.
• Previous experience in a similar role, especially in regard to working outdoors during high heat/humidity.

• Written and Oral Communication.
• Ability to Read & Interpret Reports.
• Observation & Data Collection.
• Attention to Detail.
• Safety Awareness.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Water Quality Knowledge.
• Equipment Operation.
• Troubleshooting.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Decision Making.

None.

Reports to Team Lead, Water Quality Manager.

Full‑time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager. This position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends. This position is considered non‑exempt under federal and state wage and hour laws.

While performing the duties of the job, the employee will work in outdoor settings (Zoo grounds), and occasionally underwater (upon certification). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling and will often move or lift objects up to 50 pounds. Occasional swimming or diving is required, per the scope of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the…