Environmental Quality and Life Support System Biologist

Summary: 
This position is responsible for supervising, and coordinating the operations related to life support systems and environmental monitoring for all collection animals. This position will directly liaise with the Engineering Department related to the construction and maintenance of life support systems and equipment. Effective and responsible communication is essential as the position works directly with all animal departments and departments outside of Animal Programs to ensure optimal environmental conditions for all systems at the Fort Worth Zoo. This position may also help coordinate assigned activities and operations with other departments, divisions, outside agencies, and the public.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 
• Develop, implement, and maintain procedures in collaboration with animal curators to ensure optimal water quality, environmental parameters, and wellbeing for all Fort Worth Zoo collection species with a primary focus on aquatic systems
• Maintain direct responsibility and accountability for the performance of water quality testing and results including notification of vested parties should concerns arise 
• Work with the Engineering department in the design and sourcing for life support systems (LSS) and equipment that pertain to collection species
• Work in tandem with Animal Programs area managers (supervisors/curators) to troubleshoot problems with water quality and LSS functionality 
• Serve as primary liaison with Engineering department related to environmental safety and health for collection animals 
• Maintain meticulous records for water quality, routine maintenance and cleaning, and any treatments or alterations made within assigned areas
• Exhibit leadership within the Animal Programs department through development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities related to safe animal environments 
• Monitor and evaluate for quality and efficiency of LSS systems on zoo grounds and recommend prioritized improvements as appropriate 
• Participate in approved research projects, as applicable 
• Coordinate, lead, and participate in regular meetings with AP managers and Engineering staff related to environmental systems 
• Develop and maintain an inventory of environmental systems related to animal exhibits and holding areas for long-term management and optimization of resources
• Provide interpretation and recommendations for water chemistry parameters pertinent to environmental systems that ensures meeting or exceeding AZA, USDA, and Fort Worth Zoo standards
• Share and maintain expertise related to environmental quality in a zoological facility 
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of zoo environmental management and water quality monitoring 

Supervisory Responsibilities:
• Develop and implement basic training for AP staff related to water quality monitoring and recording as well as interventions to address aberrations 
• Supervise the implementation of AP environmental quality policies in collaboration with animal curators
• Develop and maintain a system to ensure records and policies remain up-to-date in collaboration with animal curators
• Supervise and participate in the construction, installation, and maintenance of environmental systems (e.g. LSS, air handing/filtration, etc.) related to animal exhibits and holding spaces
• Oversee and implement proper emergency procedures related to LSS and facilitate appropriate maintenance of emergency equipment and supplies
• Ensure safe working environment for staff and animals
• Demonstrates leadership of employees through ongoing training to include applicable laws, Zoo policies, business conduct and ethics and the provision of quality services to guests and employees supporting the highest level of program integrity

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Minimum of 5 years increasingly responsible experience in the development, implementation, and maintenance of life support systems for a variety of zoological taxa 
• Supervisory experience preferred 
• Direct experience with aquatic life support management is required 
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability
Must possess ability to:
• Supervise, direct, and coordinate the work of subordinate employees
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate subordinate employees
• Work diligently and respectfully across departments at the zoo
• Troubleshoot problems associated with animal-related environmental systems 
• Recommend and implement policies for efficient zoo management
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Foster and maintain a cohesive team environment 
• Maintain mental capacity which permits making sound decisions and using good
judgment, prioritizing work activities, demonstrating intellectual capabilities

Education and/or Experience: 
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, zoology, animal behavior, biology, ecology, psychology, or related field preferred 
• Experience with aquatic life support systems
• SCUBA certification preferred
• Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO) Level I Water Quality Certification preferred
• Must have a strong understanding of water filtration and filtration systems, including ozonation 

Physical Demands: 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 
• Team oriented environment
• Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends)
• Exposure to a variety of domestic and wild or potentially dangerous animals; animal odors and animal body fluids
• Exposure to all types of inclement weather conditions
• Exposure to chemicals (cleaning, water chemicals, additives, etc.)
• Ability to work special events and functions as required
• This position may be safety sensitive 
• This position may work around animals susceptible to specific diseases, thus may be subject to regular tuberculosis and rabies titer testing, and the routine use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, face masks

Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. 
 
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
 
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
 
Benefits 
This is a full-time position and offers the following benefits: 
• Medical and Prescription Drug (Employee Coverage 90% Employer Paid, Dependent Coverage 55% Employer Paid)
• Vision
• Dental
• Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
• Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Supplemental Life
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401k
• Paid Time Off (Accrual Equivalent to 5 Weeks Per Year)
• PTO Rollover
• PTO Sell Back
• Free Zoo Membership
• Free Guest Passes
• Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs