Life Support Systems (LSS) and Water Quality Manager
Company: Dallas Zoo Management
Location: Dallas
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
Description JOB SUMMARY The Manager of Life Support Systems
(LSS) and Water Quality is responsible for the leadership,
operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of all aquatic
life support infrastructure and water quality programs across the
Zoo. This position directly supervises LSS and Water Quality
Technicians and is responsible for daily operational direction,
preventative maintenance execution, system reliability, and
regulatory compliance. The Manager ensures continuous system
performance, supports animal health and welfare, and provides
technical leadership for infrastructure planning and capital
improvements. This is a hands-on operational leadership role
combining field supervision, technical oversight, and strategic
system management. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Directly
supervise LSS and Water Quality Technicians. • Assign daily work,
establish priorities, and monitor task completion. • Develop staff
schedules to ensure continuous system monitoring and coverage. •
Train, mentor, and evaluate technical staff performance. • Ensure
adherence to safety procedures and operational standards. • Oversee
daily operation and maintenance of all life support and water
treatment systems. • Direct troubleshooting and corrective actions
for mechanical, chemical, and control system issues. • Monitor
system performance and respond to alarms or operational failures. •
Ensure timely completion of preventative maintenance activities. •
Approve system shutdowns and coordinate maintenance scheduling. •
Ensure continuous life support capability. • Oversee water quality
monitoring and testing programs. • Review and interpret water
chemistry data and direct corrective adjustments. • Ensure
species-appropriate environmental conditions are maintained. •
Coordinate with Animal Care and Veterinary teams regarding habitat
conditions. • Ensure compliance with AZA, USDA, EPA, and other
regulatory requirements. • Maintain documentation and reporting
required for inspections and audits. • Oversee chemical handling,
storage, and SDS management. • Enforce safe work practices. •
Develop and manage preventative maintenance programs for LSS
equipment. • Track system performance and equipment lifecycle
needs. • Maintain inventory of critical spare parts and treatment
chemicals. • Provide technical leadership for system upgrades and
new habitat construction. • Participate in design review and
commissioning of life support systems. • Identify infrastructure
improvement opportunities. • Assist in departmental budgeting and
cost control. • Manage vendor services and technical contractors. •
Train new team members and support professional development of LSS
and Water Quality staff. • Provide leadership during system
failures or emergency conditions. • Participate in after-hours
response as required. • Actively contribute to a culture of safety,
accountability, and professionalism. • Perform other duties as
assigned. QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in environmental
science, engineering, marine biology, water treatment, or a related
field. • Minimum 5 years of experience in life support systems,
water treatment, or related. • Demonstrated supervisory experience
with proven leadership and team management skills. • Zoo or
aquarium experience strongly preferred. • AALSO LSS operator level
1 certification preferred. • AALSO Water Quality Technician level 1
certification preferred. • NSPF Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment. •
Valid driver’s license required. • Strong working knowledge of
water quality, life support systems, and equipment operation,
including calibration and troubleshooting. • Knowledge of
occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions. • Ability
to develop, implement, and maintain SOPs and written procedures. •
Strong organizational and documentation skills. • Proficiency in
Microsoft Office Suite and FMX or similar maintenance management
software. • Strong work ethic and collaborative leadership
approach. • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. •
Ability to multi-task, prioritize work, and delegate
responsibilities appropriately. • Ability to work independently and
manage time effectively. • Ability to communicate professionally
across departments. • Ability to maintain reliable on-site
presence. • Ability to learn new systems, technologies, and
procedures. • Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather
conditions, with exposure to chemicals, water, noise, and
potentially hazardous environments. • Ability to work in confined
spaces. • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical
activities including bending, stooping, and climbing ladders. •
Full-time position requiring flexibility including working
evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency response support as
needed. • Successful candidates must pass pre-employment drug
screening, background check, and TB test.
Keywords: Dallas Zoo Management, Waco , Life Support Systems (LSS) and Water Quality Manager, Engineering , Dallas, Texas
