WATER QUALITY LIFE SUPPORT MANAGER

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Water Quality and Life Support Manager

REPORTS TO: Director of Facilities/VP of Facilities

SUPERVISES: N/A

EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Non-Exempt

PERCENTAGE OF FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT: 100%

PERMANENT/SEASONAL/TEMPORARY: Permanent

LOCATION: On-Site

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:

The Water Quality Life support Manager is responsible for managing the daily operation, maintenance, and performance of aquarium water quality and life support systems. This position supervises technical staff, coordinates preventative maintenance activities, monitors water chemistry and filtration systems, and supports infrastructure improvement projects to ensure optimal aquatic animal health and exhibit operations. The Manager works closely with husbandry, veterinary, facilities, and operations teams to maintain safe, efficient, and compliant aquatic environments.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supervises, schedules, trains, and evaluates Life Support Systems (LSS) and water quality personnel; manages daily staffing assignments, overtime, and employee time records;
• Coordinates and directs staff in maintaining aquarium water quality standards and daily operation of aquatic life support systems;
• Provides leadership and technical guidance to assigned team members; reviews work for completeness and accuracy and provides training and operational support as needed;
• Assists in the development and implementation of water quality management programs to maintain optimal aquatic habitat conditions for marine and freshwater species;
• Oversees preventative and corrective maintenance activities involving pumps, filtration systems, ozone systems, UV sterilization, chillers, piping, valves, and automated controls;
• Recommends repairs, modifications, and operational improvements to life support and water treatment systems including quarantine procedures and standards.
• Compiles operational data and prepares reports, logs, and maintenance records; utilizes computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), asset management software, and water quality monitoring applications to track activities and performance;
• Utilizes TRACKS software as needed for maintain water quality standards;
• Implements operational procedures and maintenance schedules using automated technologies for monitoring and asset management; interprets blueprints, schematics, diagrams, and technical drawings for existing and proposed infrastructure;
• Monitors, schedules, tracks, and ensures completion of planned maintenance, corrective repairs, inspections, and water quality testing activities;
• Assists with annual operating and capital budget preparation for assigned areas;
• Supports special projects, exhibit installations, renovations, and department initiatives related to aquatic systems and infrastructure improvements;
• Evaluates water quality test results, operational trends, and equipment performance data to identify issues and recommend corrective actions;
• Responds to operational concerns and assists with troubleshooting water quality and life support system issues;
• Coordinates with veterinary, husbandry, facilities, and operations staff to support animal care and exhibit operations;
• Ensures compliance with applicable environmental, safety, and operational regulations and standards;
• Attends meetings, workshops, and training programs to maintain technical knowledge and leadership skills;
• Performs other related duties as assigned by Water Quality Director.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Water Quality Management, Aquaculture, Engineering, or related field; Preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in aquarium life support systems, water treatment operations, or aquatic facility management; Required
• Minimum 3 years of Supervisory or lead experience; Required
• Knowledge of aquatic life support systems, filtration technologies, water chemistry, pumps, ozone systems, UV sterilization, and automated controls;
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, and operational documentation;
• Strong communication, leadership, organizational, and troubleshooting skills;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance management systems;
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, and emergency response situations as needed.
• Experience in an AZA-accredited aquarium or zoological facility; Preferred
• Experience with large-scale aquatic systems and exhibit operations;
• Industry certifications related to water treatment, aquatic systems, or facility maintenance; Preferred

• Work is performed in office, mechanical, and aquatic exhibit environments, including indoor and outdoor locations;
• Position may require after-hours response for operational emergencies and critical system issues.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials up to 50 pounds; Often
• Ability to work in mechanical spaces, around water systems, and in varying environmental conditions; Frequently
• Ability to climb ladders, access confined spaces, and stand or walk for extended periods; Frequently
• Must be able to withstand outdoor conditions (heat, humidity, rain, etc.) for short durations; Daily
• Capable of inputting data into computer; Frequently

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time; Occasionally
• Must be able to make and receive phone calls, sight, hearing; 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.