Life Support Systems and Water Quality Keeper (Part-Time)

About the role

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is seeking a Life Support Systems & Water Quality Keeper to ensure the health and well-being of aquatic animals through advanced technical systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain & Operate Critical Equipment
• Operates, monitors, and ensures the proper functioning of equipment vital to the operation of Animal Care exhibit water quality, life support systems, and exhibit water features (e.g., lab equipment, pumps, valves, filters, ozone generators, backwashes, generators).
• Troubleshoot & Repair
• Performs minor service and repairs to LSS equipment/systems, including but not limited to water pumps, ozone equipment, meters/monitors/probes/sensors, air blowers, air prep units, water towers and vessels, water chillers and heat exchangers, valves, LSS plumbing, filters, and generators.
• Water Quality Management
• Communicates daily with co-workers and curators regarding LSS and water quality issues as they relate to animal health and exhibit function/appearance.
• Maintains and performs water quality analyses, including salinity, pH, temperature, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, copper, sulfate, ORP, hardness, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, turbidity, chlorine, and other parameters.
• 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.
• Collaboration & Engagement
• Works closely with co-workers to monitor and maintain nitrogen cycling in new and empty tanks, ensuring all scheduled and unscheduled water changes, transfers, and tank-drop procedures are completed safely and efficiently.
• Attends region meetings and participates in developmental seminars (e.g. remains current on job skills) and workshops as required.
• Provides input to head keeper and curator staff on all aspects (e.g. water quality, safety, life support systems) of the region.
• Collaborates with and assists the Facilities Department with major repairs, preventative maintenance service, and on water quality and life support equipment.
• 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 zoo publication and conducting volunteer trainings.
• Diving & Safety
• Serves as a spotting diver when only one diver is in the water.
• Ensures the safety of self, animals, co-workers, and visitors by following 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.
• Water Management & Efficiency
• Maintains the efficient operation of backwash recovery systems and water reclamation to reclaim at least 95% on marine systems.
• Prepares and maintains saltwater batches and water transfers on large systems.
• Record Keeping & Reporting
• Maintains accurate records of water quality testing and life support readings/activities, generating reports and recommendations based on the information.
• Inventory & Equipment
• Maintains an inventory of backup LSS equipment, parts, and supplies to facilitate regular preventative maintenance service and minor repairs.

Qualifications

• Experience with pumps and motors, dosing equipment, and flow meters.
• Experience in pools or water moving equipment.
• Skills in LSS plumbing, minor electrical, fiberglass repair, and light carpentry preferred.
• Thorough understanding of biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration systems including ozone mechanics, ORP, chlorine injection, biological filters, rapid sand filters, and the ability to troubleshoot these systems.
• Proficiency with computers is preferred with Microsoft Office software experience.
• Experience in the maintenance of aquariums, aquatic life support systems, and the use of water quality testing equipment preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology or relevant field required.
• Four years of relevant experience may be substituted for a degree.
• Knowledge of spectrophotometers (e.g., HACH) and multiprobe mini-sonde (e.g., hydrolab, YSI) preferred.
• Serving as a diving instructor or having S.C.U.B.A. certification required or the ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.

Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities to participate in workshops, seminars, and cross-training programs to enhance your skills.

A collaborative work environment where you can join a passionate team of professionals who work together to create memorable experiences for visitors while prioritizing animal welfare.