WATER QUALITY TECHNICIAN (FULL TIME)
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DEPARTMENT
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Animal Care
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CLASSIFICATION
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Non-Exempt
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REPORTS TO
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Animal Curator - Life Support
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DIRECT REPORTS
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N/A
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| STARTING PAY |
$20.00/Hour |
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Under direction, the Water Quality Technician performs routine work assignments involving water quality testing throughout the Zoo & Aquarium. This includes ensuring all systems are functioning properly and overseeing day-to-day operations to maintain proper water quality, clarity, and chemistry. Work areas will include the aquarium, polar bear pool, penguin building (2 penguin pools and multiple saltwater aquariums), sea lion pool, elephant pool, Stingray Bay, Missouri Department of Conservation aquarium, and otter exhibit.
POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
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Duties
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Percentage
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Performs routine work assignments related to water quality, including:
- Performing routine water quality testing for all areas of the Zoo & Aquarium.
- Managing the environmental quality lab, keeping the facilities and equipment clean and in good working condition.
- Performing equipment function checks and calibrations.
- Working closely with supervisor to ensure timely ordering of parts, equipment and supplies, such as salt, chemicals and testing kits.
- Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to management.
- Cross-functionally communicating with Animal Care teams to ensure water quality compliance
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50%
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Ensures all maintenance and recordkeeping related to water quality is completed, including:
- Inputting environmental quality data into the ZIMS record keeping software.
- Collaborating with the veterinary health department to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Following cleaning and preventive maintenance schedule for all water quality monitoring equipment, including pH/ORP probes, colorimeters, spectrophotometers, and chlorine analyzers.
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20%
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Works with supervisor to establish artificial saltwater creation timelines.
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10%
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Provide coverage for routine life support duties.
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20%
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*This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
*All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
- Bachelor’s Degree in biology, animal science, zoology or related field preferred.
- AALSO Level 1 Water Quality Technician certification preferred.
- SCUBA certification preferred.
- EXPERIENCE:
- Knowledge of water chemistry, proper laboratory and quarantine techniques strongly preferred.
- Previous experience with and general knowledge of life support systems desired.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, required.
- Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
- OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Must have valid driver’s license.
- Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test.
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility.
- Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and work in loud areas.
- Must be able to manage stress and make immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, employees or the public.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays and evening hours, in all weather extremes. May be required to report during emergency situations, such as power failure.
- Must pass a background and drug screening.
