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Manatee Care SpecialistPosted 3 weeks ago

Life Support Manager

On-siteJacksonville, Florida, United States

ContractMedium

Job Summary

Oversee all aspects of Life Support Systems (LSS) operations, including maintenance, repairs, and water quality compliance for pools, fountains, and equipment like pumps, filtration systems, and HVAC. Direct and manage project resources for safety, cost control, and vendor coordination while writing emergency procedures and maintaining records in ZIMS and Asset Essentials. Lead the team by setting performance expectations, managing budgets, and fostering a culture of accountability through regular feedback and goal reviews. Ensure strict adherence to OSHA, AZA, and state safety regulations, conducting regular inspections and leading disaster preparedness initiatives. Analyze water chemistry reports to recommend corrective actions and compile statistical reports for management.

Required Qualifications

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • 1-2 years of experience in Team Management in a trade, construction, and/or maintenance field
  • Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university in Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences; or sufficient related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of 8 years' education and experience
  • Three (3) years' experience in water filtration and/or experience in a facility or laboratory water quality setting
  • Three (3) years' experience in advanced water chemistry analysis techniques and mechanical filtration systems
  • Two-year degree and/or work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training
  • Three (3) years of project management or in a similar role
  • Three (3) years of experience in facilities maintenance/general construction processes
  • Availability to accommodate a flexible schedule, including extended hours, holidays, weekends, and a willingness to share on-call duties
  • Ability to remain standing for extended periods
  • Requires hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for tasks such as grasping, turning, and manipulating objects of varying size and weight
  • Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and reach
  • Requires visual acuity for reading, writing, and observing surroundings, and auditory acuity for communication
  • Ability to operate motorized carts, trucks, and power tools
  • Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, snow, and wind
  • Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), bloodborne pathogens, zoonotic diseases and injuries from animals
  • Irregular work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays are sometimes required
  • Exposure to hazards such wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights
  • Working in small, enclosed areas
  • May require being on call for emergencies
  • Must be available to fulfill disaster-response duties as required
  • Must have a valid driver's license and clear driving record and be over age 18 to drive organizational vehicles
  • Support Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens' (JZG) mission and vision of 'Connecting communities with wildlife and wild places,' to create 'a vibrant community energized by a connection to nature that enriches lives and inspires all to preserve and protect our natural world'
  • Live JZG's values of: Culture, Conservation, Education, Innovation
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Gantt Charts, PaperSave and willingness to learn other applicable computer software programs to perform role
  • Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions
  • Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and prevention
  • Knowledge of ozone systems with both fresh and saltwater applications
  • Knowledge of chlorine dosing/monitoring systems
  • Knowledge of laboratory and field water quality equipment and procedures
  • Understanding of Nitrogen cycle and how it affects various animals and water parameters
  • Proficient knowledge of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) protocols
  • Proficient knowledge of safety and compliance to operate of a variety of power and hand tools, such as welding equipment, hammers, saws, drills, planers, mortising machines, and other trade specific tools
  • Proficiency in regulations concerning marine animal housing, Life Support Systems (LSS), and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for accreditation standards
  • Extensive knowledge of water quality systems, water chemistry analysis techniques, pool equipment as well as regulatory and membership agencies and regulations (USDA, USFWS, AZA, AALSO)
  • Proficient in understanding automated controls and monitoring equipment, water chemistry principles, and related maintenance and repair tasks
  • Proficient knowledge applicable to area in adhering to industry, regulatory, and federal agency standards, with specific emphasis on the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), HAZMAT, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC), and others at times
  • Demonstrated experience in managing life support and water systems
  • Proficient knowledge of state, insurance, and safety regulations pertaining to building codes, hazardous waste disposal, OSHA standards, and hazardous materials handling
  • Knowledge of systems to assist in troubleshooting, giving technical advice, and direction towards solving issues
  • Mechanical knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance to safely operate tools, vehicles, and equipment
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex water treatment and filtration systems in both freshwater and saltwater environments
  • Ability to make sound decisions in critical situations and remain calm in unusual situations
  • Ability to establish, organize and maintain systems to track security and safety functions and responsibilities
  • Ability to coordinate event and function activities, including a written organizational plan, implementation of assets, coordination with other departments
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and skill in working in a environment subject to constant interruptions and quickly changing priorities
  • Ability to foster a collaborative decision-making process that involves team members in key choices while addressing conflicts proactively to promote understanding and cohesion within the team
  • Ability to employ strategies for conflict de-escalation
  • Ability to work independently, exercising independent judgment and discretion
  • Ability to determine potential risks while devising proactive ways to solve them
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
  • Excellent sales and customer service skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
  • Ability to maintain records
  • Ability to research, analyze and interpret information
  • Ability to build strong interpersonal relationships through respectful and empathetic communication
  • Embraces diversity and fosters an inclusive work environment
  • Languages: English

Desired Qualifications

  • OSHA 30 certification
  • HAZMAT certification
  • Pool Operator certification
  • Certification of Water Quality Level 3 with Aquatic Life Support Systems (AALSO)
  • Two (2) years of with Life Support Systems (LSS), large scale aquariums, HVAC, general maintenance, or related field experience
  • Experience in zoo/aquarium exhibits or animal facilities

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