Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator

Recruitment Range - $38,516 - $52,000*

• SIGN-ON BONUS BEING OFFERED*

A sign-on bonus of $1000 is being offered for eligible candidates.  See eligibility at https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy

Primary Purpose of this Position:

If you are an amazing Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator who wants to work at the world's largest natural habitat zoo, then keep reading. With our upcoming Asia continent, the North Carolina Zoo is seeking an Aquatics Life Support Systems Operators.

The primary purpose of this position is to manage, operate and maintain the filtration, ozonation and chemical treatment equipment and systems for the pools in numerous animal exhibits at the North Carolina Zoo. Pools include:

• 146,000 gallon and 10,000-gallon outdoor polar bear exhibit pools

• 75,000 gallon and 20,000-gallon outdoor pinniped pools

• 44,000-gallon seabird pool in the Rocky Coast exhibit complex

• 2,000 - 25,000-gallon fish aquariums

• 6000-gallon outdoor otter exhibit pool

• Grizzly Bear exhibit pool 

• 4,000-gallon outdoor Black Bear exhibit pool

• 2,000-gallon outdoor Red Wolf exhibit pool

Water quality standards in several of these exhibits are subject to USDA/APHIS Animal Welfare Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act requirements, federal and state laws, rule and regulations that apply. Operates and maintains systems for several non-animal aquatic features. Position reports directly to the Aquatic Systems Technician.

Responsibilities include:

• Operates complex water purification systems for pools that are the life support systems for the animals that live in them. Systems include numerous large sand filters; carbon filters; ozone generation, contact and scrubbing equipment; chlorination and bromination equipment and systems; UV sterilization systems; centrifugal pumps, motors, piping and valves associated with the equipment; actuators and controllers for automated dosing systems and injection pumps; computerized monitoring systems, and dry air compressors.

• Provides installation, preventative maintenance and repairs for this equipment to ensure continuous, efficient and effective operations.

• Effectively communicates and coordinates with zoo maintenance staff for system and equipment repairs outside the scope or knowledge for this position but key to overall continuation of operations of these animal life support systems.

• Daily monitors and interprets water chemistry parameters of the pools to ensure water quality and clarity standards are met. Utilizes and calibrates water quality analysis equipment to monitor vital parameters. Water quality analysis equipment includes ion probes, spectrophotometers, pH meters, conductivity meters, commercial test kits, etc. Parameters monitored include residual ozone, bromine and chlorine levels; pH; dissolved oxygen; ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels; hardness; salinity; coliforms.

• Assists in the mixing of artificial seawater.

• Maintains water circulations and water filtration system operations and water quality testing for water features in other exhibit complexes.

• Maintains water chemistry and water quality tracking documents and records.

Job/Physical Requirements:

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

• Must be able to regularly work weekends, holidays, and after normal work shifts.

• Required to have a valid North Carolina driver license or obtain within 60 days of employment to drive a state vehicle.

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

• Required to participate in the North Carolina Zoo's occupational health program, receiving vaccinations and regular health screenings.

• Must be able to lift and move 50 lbs. with or without an accommodation. Must have the ability to perform strenuous physical work with alertness to surroundings in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments with or without an accommodation .

• Must have computer skills with Microsoft Office to professionally document water quality records, compose written documentation as well as work in a variety of databases.

• Must be able to resolve water quality problems and issues in a timely manner without compromising water quality standards.

• Must be able to work alone without supervision.

Learn about the NC ZOO: https://www.nczoo.org 

Learn about employee perks/benefits: https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits

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

• Demonstrated working experience in the application of water chemistry analysis, including the use of industry standard water quality analysis equipment.

• Proven working experience in the maintenance of and troubleshooting problems for aquatic systems and associated pumps, filters, ozone generators, automated dosing systems and/or monitoring equipment.

Management Preferences -

• SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving certification

• Current AALSO (Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator) certification

• Current Certified Pool Operator certification

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 oshr.nc.gov/experience-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 Special Qualification May require current certification by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Type I, II, III or Universal technician as required by Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations Part 82, Subpart F.Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit:

The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of all of North Carolina's citizens and visitors to the zoo. The mission of the zoo is to encourage the understanding of and commitment to the conservation of the world's wildlife and wild places through the recognition of the interdependence of people and nature. The Zoo displays, conserves and protects representative examples of natural beauty, plant and animal species and ecological features of the North American and African regions of the world through the presentation of live animal exhibits from these regions.

Department Information:

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina, literally from A to Z. The Arts to the Zoo, and so much else - parks, aquariums, historic sites, archaeology, African American Heritage Commission, science and history museums, the state Symphony, Library and Archives, historic preservation, land and water stewardship, and more. These places, and the ideas they represent, create a shared identity in North Carolina. They provide common ground. Everyone is welcome. The Department's vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Our goal is to promote equity and inclusion among our employees and our programming to reflect and celebrate our state's diverse population, culture, and history. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team. Check out this amazing video about our Department.

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation or political influence.

Please be sure to complete the application in full. Resumes may be uploaded with your application, but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit.  "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will NOT be accepted.

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application.

To obtain veterans preference, you must scan and upload a copy of your DD-214 or discharge orders.

Technical issues submitting your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627.

Applicants requesting and receiving an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax.  Please call the human resources office for assistance.

If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take an average of 6 - 8 weeks.

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

CONTACT INFORMATION:

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division of Human Resources

Ellie Meadows

 4401 Zoo Parkway

Asheboro, NC 27205

 336-879-7310

 employment@dncr.nc.gov

Please visit our website at www.nczoo.org for more information regarding our facility.