Life Support And Water Quality Aquarist

Salary Grade: NC06

Recruitment Salary: $33.272 - $46,833

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Primary Purpose of Position:

The position will function as a Life Support and Water Quality Aquarist for the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.  This position reports directly to the Husbandry Curator and is responsible for assisting with the daily operation and maintenance of all aquatic animal Life Support Systems (LSS). This position will be responsible for assisting with monitoring all phases of facility exhibit water treatment processing as well as equipment condition and making necessary changes or repairs as needed. This position will also be responsible for all water quality lab testing.

Key Responsibilities

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Performing daily water quality tests for exhibits and source water.

• Working with aquarists and curatorial staff to understand and interpret water chemistry reports and results and carry out corrections as recommended.

• Performing lab equipment maintenance and calibration as needed.

• Operating, maintaining, and repairing aquatic life support equipment including but not limited to filters, pumps, protein fractionators, ultraviolet sterilizers, ozone generators and monitors, chemical dosing equipment, heat exchangers, water treatment controls, and other instrumentation.

• Recommending and maintaining the stock of required spare parts, tools, and test instruments.

• Assisting with developing and implementing systems and standard operating procedures.

• Moving and distributing controlled materials and chemicals and adhere to SDS and PPE protocols and safety recommendations.

• Maintaining accurate records in TRACKS software of water quality testing and life support readings/activities and generate recommendations (e.g., repairs, purchases, supplies) based on the information.

• Conducting SCUBA assisted diving to clean tanks, perform educational programs, and collect specimens.

• Conducting all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.

• Assessing animal welfare on a routine basis.

• Providing support and coverage to the rest of the husbandry department as needed.

• Attending meetings and developmental seminars and maintains contact with other LSS professionals.

Position Requirements:

• Trains and supervises interns, volunteers and temporary employees as assigned.

• Must be available for emergencies and able to adjust work schedule to fulfill responsibilities.

• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds.

• Weekend, evening and holiday work required.

• Occasional travel is required for Aquarium meetings.

• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid NC driver's license.

Section/Unit Description:

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is located in Manteo, NC, nine miles from the Atlantic coastline in Nags Head. The 61,000 square-foot facility is sited on 16 acres overlooking the Croatan Sound and houses over 2,200 animals. More than 280,000 guests visit the aquarium each year to see a large array of sharks, learn about sea turtle conservation, participate in a variety of programs, enjoy the beauty of the area, and learn why North Carolina's waterways are so special.

Division Description:

The North Carolina Aquarium's mission is to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. This mission is achieved by attracting, retaining, and developing a world class team of professionals; providing visitors with outstanding exhibits, experiences, and customer service; practicing sustainability, internal customer service, and fiscal responsibility; and working to save and restore aquatic species and habitats.

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.

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. In order to qualify for this position, you must meet ALL the following KSA's listed below:

Qualified candidates must have or be able to:

• Experience maintaining life support systems at a public Aquarium, Zoo, Fish Hatchery or Museum.

• Experience testing water quality at a public Aquarium, Zoo, Fish Hatchery or Museum.

• SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized organization or have the ability to obtain within one year of employment.

• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.

• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

• Ability to travel occasionally for meetings.  

• A valid NC driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.

Management Preferences:

• AALSO level I certification

• Previous experience working at an AZA facility.

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.

Bachelor's degree in Art History, Biology, Botany, Conservation, Education, History or Zoology from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of museum or related work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.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.

Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.

Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.

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.

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

Mike Peele

4603 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC 27699-4603

Phone:  919-814-6683

employment@dncr.nc.gov

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