Life Support Operator & Water Quality Tech 1 (Zoo Aquatics)

Water may cover 70% of the earth, but it’s 100% of this job!

The Reid Park Zoological Society (Reid Park Zoo) is seeking a Life Support Operator & Water Quality Technician (Level 1) to join our “water team.”

With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in nearly 100 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is a leader in the songbird and monarch SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) programs to name a few recognitions. Attracting 600,000 guests annually, the Zoo is the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbon, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in late 2026.

Pay Range: $20.75 – $24.38/hour

Benefits: This is a fully benefited position, including group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time, retirement plan, zoo membership, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.

No phone calls or visits please. This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.  We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment. 

Overview:  The Life Support Operator & Water Quality Technician – Level I is responsible for the routine operation and basic maintenance of aquatic life support systems and the collection and testing of water samples at Reid Park Zoo. This entry-level position supports the Life Support & Water Quality team in ensuring all aquatic environments meet or exceed standards for animal health, safety, and welfare as defined by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). The position works under close supervision, gaining experience in mechanical systems, water treatment processes, and preventative maintenance.

Reports To:   Facilities Manager

General Duties

• Demonstrate and model the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
• Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
• Follow Zoo safety protocols and procedures
• Monitor and operate life support equipment, including pumps, filters, ozone systems, UV sterilizers, chillers, and heat exchangers.
• Assist with routine inspections and basic preventative maintenance on life support equipment.
• Perform water quality testing (e.g., temperature, pH, chlorine, salinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, dissolved oxygen).
• Record and report test results accurately to senior staff or supervisor.
• Assist with adjustments to system operations or chemical dosing under supervision.
• Maintain accurate records of daily rounds, water testing data, and completed maintenance tasks.
• Assist with inventory of chemicals, parts, and supplies.
• Follow all safety procedures when working with chemicals, machinery, and confined spaces.
• Support emergency response procedures and participates in drills as directed.
• Work cooperatively with Animal Care and Facilities Teams
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of life support areas, mechanical rooms, and workspaces.

Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• A valid, current, unrestricted driver license
• Successfully complete pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Comply with quarterly random drug testing if selected
• Proof of negative TB test within the past 12 months (renewed annually, company paid).
• Basic understanding of pumps, filters, valves, and plumbing systems.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Detail-oriented, reliable, and safety-focused.
• AALSO LSS Operator 1 Certification or ability to obtain within a year of employment
• AALSO Water Quality 1 Certification or ability to obtain within a year of employment
• Participates in emergency drills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships, at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors and the public
• Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast paced, public/guest attraction focused environment
• Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, act or change direction as needed
• Regular physical attendance at work
• Reliable and able to work to a schedule
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and participate in on-call rotation as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds often
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach frequently
• Stand and walk for long periods of time
• Repetitious motions with hands
• Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
• Work in wet, hot, humid, noisy, and outdoor environments, including confined spaces and at heights
• Ability to work around chemicals, biohazards and machinery noise (PPE provided)

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Associate’s degree or technical certification in aquaculture, water treatment, biology, chemistry, mechanical/electrical systems, or related field
• Minimum 1 year of experience in mechanical, plumbing, or water system maintenance; experience with aquariums, pools, or aquatic systems
• Experience work in a zoo, aquarium or aquatic facility
• Familiarity with AZA standards for water quality management
• Bilingual (Spanish or ASL)

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.  It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Human Resources Dept.