Life Support Technician

Position Summary

The position is responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, repairs and monitoring of all aspects of life support and mechanical systems of the Zoo’s water exhibits. Work involves conducting water tests and analysis, preventive maintenance, along with reading plans and blueprints. This position is a member of the dive team and will participate in dive operations associated with keeping large animal pools clean. The specialist will communicate with Animal Care staff regarding pertinent information relating to life support systems.

About the Role

Utah’s Hogle Zoo’s Mission: Create Champions for Wildlife. Besides providing a great experience for our guests, we aim to create champions for wildlife. Regardless of the job or position you have at the zoo, you will be a champion for wildlife.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Support of related equipment used for diving and responding to mechanical problems arising during dives.
• Must be on call for emergencies and may work varied shifts.
• Conducts repairs on all life-support and facility mechanical systems, including, but not limited to: fresh and salt-water pumps, filters, heat exchangers, valves, pressure regulators, and automation equipment, low-voltage systems, building hardware, plumbing and other duties as deemed necessary to maintain facility operations.
• Maintain proper water quality using sanitizers, ozone and other chemicals.
• Maintain water chemistry, including salinity, PH levels and other parameters.
• Maintain proper water filtration for turbidity/clarity.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Performs various troubleshooting techniques related to system problems and/or malfunctions.
• Affords assistance in maintaining clean work environments.
• Ensures safety procedure and policies are followed.
• Affords assistance in the design of new filtration systems.
• Affords assistance to the Supervisor in ordering and stocking of all necessary chemicals, equipment and supplies.
• Maintains appropriate communications with Animal Care Supervisors and staff as to water and pool conditions.
• Is a member of the Dive Team, and must be able to dive in large animal pools multiple times a week.
• Supports other related equipment used for dives.
• Responds to emergencies.
• Affords assistance with monitoring expenses and budgets.
• May be required to help with snow and ice operations.
• Commitment to the zoo’s mission and conservation efforts.
• Ability to work over-time as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains strict confidentiality.

Required Experience

• Four years paid full time or part time equivalent experience in water treatment, mechanical maintenance or laboratory work; or a degree from an accredited college in Biology or other natural science plus two years’ experience in mentioned areas of work.
• Ability to become a member of the Hazmat Team.
• OSHA Hazwoper preferred.
• Must be able to pass a swim test and have an Open Water certification.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Required technical skills include the knowledge and working knowledge of: Computer operations and technical software applications. Microsoft Office Suite. Water chemistry and water quality parameters, analysis, filtration systems etc. Water filtration, salt water, and fresh water systems. Hydraulic/pumping, automated control and filtration/disinfection systems as well as knowledge of electricity, interpreting values on machinery and gauges.
• Required Mathematical Skills Include Working Knowledge Of Accounting, budgeting, and bookkeeping. Mathematical concepts and logic. Performs basic mathematical formulas and calculations.
• Required Communication Skills Include Excellent Communications Skills Interpersonal conflict resolution method. Effectively promote organization and services offered. Interpersonal communication. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Must Have The Ability To Follow written and verbal instructions. Apply critical thinking techniques. Analyze and solve problems. Prioritize work. Perform within deadlines. Ability to stay focused despite interruptions. Deal with stress caused by deadlines and environment. Work well in a team environment as well as independently. Memory for details.

Work Environment

• Must be able to work on feet for prolonged periods of time.
• Exposure to disagreeable elements such as extreme weather conditions, noise, dust, fumes, etc, physical exertion from diving and using clean equipment.
• Required to push, pull or lift 80 lbs. or more.
• Requires a valid driver’s license.