Aquatics Technician

North Carolina Zoo

The North Carolina Zoo is looking for THREE dynamic, team and detail-oriented individuals to join the Aquatics Team. This team is responsible for monitoring the water quality of animal areas and maintaining existing life support equipment. This individual will work closely with most animal sections in order to maintain optimal aquatic life support systems.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Monitor and maintain water quality parameters (pH, salinity, temperature, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, etc.)
• Operate, inspect, and maintain life support systems including filters, pumps, protein skimmers, UV sterilizers, ozone systems, and chillers
• Perform routine water testing and maintain accurate records and logs
• Conduct regular water changes, system cleanings, and preventive maintenance
• Troubleshoot and respond to system malfunctions or water quality issues
• Assist with installation, modification, and upgrades of aquatic systems
• Work closely with aquarists and animal care staff to support animal health
• Follow all safety, biosecurity, and environmental regulations
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in safe working condition
• Participate in emergency response and on-call rotations as required

Knowledge

Skills and Abilities

/Management Preferences

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

Management Prefers:

• Applicant must have the ability to troubleshoot complex water treatment and filtration systems.
• Experience with advanced water chemistry analysis techniques.
• Possess an understanding of aquarium water chillers, heat exchangers, UV and ozone systems, reverse osmosis, fractionators, plumbing application, pumps, motors and filtration equipment.

Position / Physical Requirement:

Hours 7:30am-4:30pm with a 1-hour meal period.

Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider.

This position works a rotating work schedule, including weekends and Holidays.

Must be able to work split weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts.

Position is considered "Essential/Mandatory Staff" requiring work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.

Employee must complete Entry Permit Confined Space training within 6 months of hire.

Perform work in confined spaces such as filter pits, vaults, sumps, tanks, and mechanical rooms in accordance with safety protocols.

Follow confined space entry procedures, including atmospheric testing, lockout/tagout, use of PPE, and coordination with safety attendants.

Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., have good physical agility, strength, vision, and hearing, and the ability to perform strenuous physical work in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments.

Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.

Must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with zoo staff and the public.

Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the

Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and two (2) years of progressive experience in the assigned trade areas; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Necessary…