Water Quality Lead (Full Time)

Summary:

The Water Quality Lead oversees the daily operations and team performance of the Life Support Systems (LSS) and Water Quality (WQ) across the Zoo. This role ensures the functionality of systems maintains high water quality standards and supports strong interdepartmental communication to promote animal well-being and a positive guest experience. The Lead also mentors staff coordinates preventative maintenance and assists with project planning and certification development.

Common Definitions for the Memphis Zoo:

LSS Life Support Systems refers to all systems necessary to maintain positive well-being for animals and guest experience including but not limited to filtration mechanical equipment such as pumps and motors piping and valves chemical distribution sterilization systems and water features.

WQ Water Quality refers to all the basic water chemistry aspects necessary to maintain positive well-being for animals and guest experience including but not limited to basic water testing sterilization chemical measuring and additions and documentation.

Public Water Features refers to any water feature on zoo grounds that the public has direct access too including but not limited to the Splash Pad Teton Geyser and Nile River features.

Animal Life Support refers to any water feature/pump room that has direct influence over animal well-being including but not limited to exhibit pools water features and filtration.

Preventative Maintenance refers to any and all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance performed by the LSS/WQ team for the purpose of maintaining LSS/WQ systems. This work can be prescribed by vendor requirements or by the LSS/WQ Manager/Team Lead as daily duties. This does NOT include major repairs or work where a plumber or electrician is required.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide daily leadership to the LSS/WQ team including coordinating daily assignments monitoring task completion and addressing team needs in real-time.
• Conduct and oversee daily system checks of all Life Support Systems and Public Water Features ensuring consistent performance and adherence to preventive maintenance schedules.
• Respond promptly and effectively to complex and ongoing system issues ensuring timely escalation documentation and communication with appropriate teams and leadership.
• Conduct daily and weekly water quality tests PH bromine/chlorine alkalinity coliform/bacteria etc. and adding chemical as appropriate. React to Waypoint Analytical results.
• Foster and maintain effective working relationships with City of Memphis plumbers and electricians to support the maintenance and repair of water system equipment; ensure related work orders are submitted communicated and resolved in a timely and efficient manner.
• Conduct daily inspections of all pump rooms to assess equipment status identify deficiencies and initiate corrective actions as needed to ensure optimal system performance.
• Train and mentor new and current technicians in LSS/WQ protocols safety procedures and certification preparation (AALSO CPO AFO).
• Support Dive Team operations when certified including pool cleaning or acting as a designated safety position during underwater work.
• Assist in the development and refinement of SOPs and emergency response protocols related to LSS/WQ systems.
• Research and attend educational workshops for staff.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Minimum 2 years of experience in Life Support Systems Water Quality or a closely related field.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Prior experience in a supervisory or lead role.

• Active certifications in one or more of the following: AALSO CPO AFO.
• SCUBA certification and dive experience preferred.
• Previous experience in a similar role especially in regard to working outdoors during high heat/humidity.

Competencies:

• Leadership & Team Management.
• Written and Oral Communication.
• Observation Data Collection & Reporting.
• Safety Awareness.
• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking.
• Technical Proficiency in WQ/LSS Systems.
• Maintenance Planning & Scheduling.
• Equipment Operation.
• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Decision Making.
• Staff Training & Mentoring.

Supervisory Responsibility:This position serves as the lead for the Water Quality Technician team and may supervise daily activities provide performance input and act as a delegate in the absence of the Water Quality Manager.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Water Quality Manager.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Full-time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager. This position requires flexibility to work weekdays holidays and weekends. On-call availability may be expected in response to urgent system issues.

This position is considered non-exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job the employee will work in outdoor settings (Zoo grounds) and occasionally underwater (upon certification). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain humidity and extreme heat or cold.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position requires frequent standing/walking/bending/kneeling and will often move or lift objects up to 50 pounds. Occasional swimming or diving is required per the scope of the position.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Duties:Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements:

• 21 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Clear MVR screening.
• Valid drivers license.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.

Benefits & Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.

EEOC and Inclusion Statement:

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds perspectives and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color LGBTQ individuals people with disabilities members of ethnic minorities and veterans to apply.

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race color sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression age religion national origin citizenship status disability ancestry marital status veteran status medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.

How to Apply:

Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered.