Environmental Quality Technician
PURPOSE
The Environmental Quality Technician provides oversight to the zoo’s Environmental Quality Program including conducting field measurements and laboratory procedures for evaluation of animal enclosure features throughout the zoo with a large focus on water quality testing. The zoo collection consists of over 1200 animals from great apes, hoofstock, carnivores, birds, marine mammals, elasmobranchs, and fishes. This position has the unique opportunity to grow the zoo’s capabilities in this specialty of environmental quality as it relates to animal management. A Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or other related field is required. Three years of experience working in a zoological setting is preferred. A background in aquarium water quality testing is also an asset. This position also contributes to positive guest experiences and performs other duties as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Performs water quality measurements and procedures for aquatic exhibits and water features.
• Performs evaluations and measurements of animal enclosure lighting including UVB concentration, lighting intensity, and spectral analysis.
• Performs regular evaluation of artificial lighting fixtures and bulbs; determines when bulbs should be replaced and when fixtures are not functioning as intended.
• Performs evaluations and measurements of air quality of animal enclosures, including determination of air turnover rates, mold/spore counts, and detection of other potential environmental pathogens.
• Performs evaluations and measurements of noise and sound levels in and around animal enclosures.
• Collects necessary environmental samples for processing in both in-house and external laboratories.
• Collects soil samples for soil analysis.
• Maintains accurate and updated records for all environmental quality parameters measured.
• Provides accurate, timely reports of environmental quality data to appropriate staff.
• Inputs environmental quality data into the ZIMS record keeping software.
• Manages the environmental quality lab, keeping the facilities and equipment clean and in good working condition.
• Provides consultation to other zoo staff for issues concerning water quality, air quality, and lighting.
• Ships samples to external laboratories while remaining compliant with IATA and all other regulations.
• Maintains the Environmental Quality Lab in accordance with OSHA and all other relevant federal, state, and local regulations.
• Trains other zoo staff on the duties of the Environmental Quality Technician so that procedures can be performed in that person’s absence.
• Keeps the Environmental Quality Lab well-stocked with all necessary equipment and supplies.
• Consults with or provides consultation to colleagues at other zoos/institutions via phone, mail, and email.
• Assists with special projects and helps other zoo employees as needed.
• Actively contributes to positive guest experiences.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education and/or experience.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, or other related field is required.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Three years of experience working in a zoological setting is preferred.
Environmental Quality Technician August 2018
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Knowledge of advanced laboratory skills.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry and applied concepts related to water quality of animal enclosures.
• Knowledge of general animal husbandry concepts and how environmental quality affects the
welfare of animals under human care.
• Ability to perform all work in compliance with all safety procedures, protocols, and regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of zoo policies, standards, operations, cleaning, and maintenance
techniques.
• Ability to professionally and effectively communicate with others through written correspondence.
• Ability to think logically in order to troubleshoot, analyze situations, and make sound business
decisions.
• Ability to make independent decisions and manage time effectively.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work a highly flexible schedule; weekend, evening, holiday, and irregular hours will be
required.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to understand and follow all safety regulations.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to arrive to work on time and maintain a positive attendance record.
• Ability to serve in every respect and at all times as a goodwill ambassador for the Fort Wayne
Zoological Society and the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo in contacts with zoo visitors and the general
public.
• Ability to deal tactfully and politely with guest questions and misbehavior.
• Excellent communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff,
volunteers, partners, and/or the public.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential
functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, fax machines, and phones.
• Ability to professionally and appropriately interact and communicate with others, both in person
and through phone, email, and written correspondence.
• Ability to regularly travel assigned areas several times per day and efficiently enter all assigned
areas.
• Ability to negotiate a confined workspace while working with one or more coworkers.
• Ability to properly lift and carry items up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and sit for periods of time and to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Good speaking and listening skills.
• Ability to perform focused work with close attention to detail.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to extreme temperatures and inclement
weather conditions; the environment may include wet, icy, or muddy conditions.
• This position may include exposure to hazardous materials, fumes/odors, dirt, and dust.
• This position may include exposure to potentially dangerous animals.
• This position may include exposure to potentially venomous animals.
• This position may include exposure to zoonotic diseases.
POSITION TITLE: Environmental Quality Technician
CREATED: August 2018
SUPERVISOR’S TITLE: Staff Veterinarian
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
To apply: submit cover letter, resume, and application by mail: Zoo, Attn: Employment (Environmental Quality Technician), 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808; deliver to zoo office 8am-5pm daily, or email to employment@kidszoo.org.
Fort Wayne Childrens Zoo Employment Application
Application Deadline: Friday, July 10th
