POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Life Support/Water Quality Lead

REPORTS TO: Supervisor/Manager of Water Quality and Life Support Systems

SUPERVISES: Life Support and Water Quality Techs, Volunteers, Interns

EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Non-Exempt

PERCENTAGE OF FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT: Full-time 100%

PERMANENT/SEASONAL/TEMPORARY: Permanent

LOCATION: ON-SITE, REMOTE, OR HYBRID: On-Site

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Water Quality Life Support Lead position will work as a team leader and in conjunction with the Water Quality Manager oversee all aspects of CMA’s 24/7 life support operations. To include the operation, maintenance, and repair of all aquatic life support systems (LSS) and water quality (WQ) testing for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The Life Support and Water Quality team lead manages testing operations, ensures safety regulations are met, and leads compliance teams. Key duties include monitoring water systems, analyzing lab data, performing mechanical repairs on the systems and training staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Lead and supervise a team of Life Support and Water Quality Operators at the facility Create staff scheduling that will satisfy CMA’s 24/7 operations to maintain life support
Assist and perform regular mechanical, plumbing repairs and preventative maintenance on life support systems including but not limited to pumps up to 25hp
Interpret water quality data and perform chemical additions and/or adjustments to LSS in order to maintain proper water quality within the habitats
Test water samples to meet state and federal health rules
Collect and maintain technical environmental data, interpret the results of laboratory tests used to evaluate animal health and environmental impact

Operates, calibrates, and cleans technical field sampling and monitoring equipment
Conducts sampling and field investigations for water quality programs including the operation, calibration and routine maintenance of specialized sampling apparatus and pollution control testing and monitoring equipment

Assist in maintaining Department of Environmental Protection water discharge permit and monthly EZDMR reporting
Ensure that water quality parameters are being maintained as regulated by USDA, FWC and National Marine Fisheries

Log test results and file legal safety documents, maintains record books, charts, graphs, logs, and chain of custody records

Upon approval, orders monitoring, and sampling equipment and supplies needed to accomplish projects;

Assist the manager in hiring, training, and reviewing field and lab workers performance
Assist in the development and implementation of Policies and Procedures for LSS and WQ operations
Assist in the development and implementation of Policies and Procedures pertaining to preventative and regular maintenance of LSS equipment
Assist in supervision and curriculum design for interns and volunteers
Excellent communication within all vet care, facilities, zoological and operations departments at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Record accurate records as related to LSS and WQ
Be flexible to work any schedule including weekends, nights and holidays
Perform any duty as deemed necessary for the success of the department

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

3 to 5 years of work in water testing or environmental compliance, with past leadership roles preferred
Experience in stepping up and either officially or unofficially working as a team leader
Must be proficient in computers and Microsoft office suit
Minimum 3 years in aquarium or zoological Life Support Systems preferred. Additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree
Automation experience desirable
Must have experience with various forms of disinfection such as UV, ozone and chlorine

Bachelor’s degree or technical degree in related field preferred 5 years of experience can be substituted
Strong knowledge of safety laws, lab tools, and computer reporting systems

AALSO Operator certification is preferred
SCUBA certified or the ability to acquire one is highly desirable
Must have or be able to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lift up to 50lbs to waist level - Frequently
Lift up to 20lbs to shoulders and above head – Frequently
Walk/stand for long periods of time - Frequently
Maneuver safely on uneven terrain - Frequently
An ability to balance with an agility of movement in tight confined spaces - Occasionally
Safely climb ladders when needed – Moderate Frequency
Squat, bend, kneel, twist and reach - Frequently
Reach above the shoulders - Frequently
Push and pull larger equipment – Moderate Frequency
Work outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to changing weather – Frequently
Work indoors, under cover without air conditioning or heat – Frequently

Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis – Occasionally

Clearwater Marine Aquarium reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.

All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws).

A statement of “permanent” position is not a guarantee of employment. It simply means the role has no set end date. In Florida, employment is "at-will" by default, meaning either party can terminate the relationship at any time for any legal reason and as such continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Notice of Right to Work.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

Water quality and life support team lead