Water Quality Manager

Directs daily operations of all life support systems providing general preventative and corrective maintenance for systems throughout the Zoo. Administers, manages, and supervises all aspects of water quality improvements, renovations, and major repairs in accordance with environmental practices and procedures.

Our Mission: Connect communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

▪ Enforces appropriate rules and regulations governing the department. Evaluates the department and makes recommendations to Senior Management regarding policy changes as needed.

▪ Makes decisions and recommendations that are recognized as authoritative and have far-reaching impact on environmental activities.

▪ Determines annual staffing needs; aligns functional work areas and assigns responsibilities.

▪ Implements training programs as necessary for maintaining or improving professional and technical

qualifications of staff.

▪ Participates in the selection of new employees; appraises, counsels, disciplines, and evaluates staff; resolves grievances.

▪ Maintains safety standards in conformance with state and insurance regulations and maintains programs for preventative safety as related to the activities of the department. Ensures compliance with applicable building and safety codes, hazardous waste disposal, OSHA, hazardous materials, etc.

▪ Monitors performance of staff and department management team. Maintains all necessary files to document adopted standards including changes and deficiencies.

▪ Arranges maintenance for equipment as needed. Assesses equipment needs, evaluates pricing, and makes recommendations to direct supervisor for replacement or major repairs.

▪ Maintain a valid Texas driver’s license and comply with the policy on driving.

▪ Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions (second to last bullet – before “other duties as assigned”)

▪ Performs other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

▪ 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 10 years’ education and experience.

▪ Knowledge of science, theory and application of water/wastewater treatment and operations, water quality monitoring and quality assurance programs.

▪ Proficiency with PVC plumbing systems and related hand tools

▪ Must possess knowledge of current and emerging environmental issues and environmental regulations impacting water resources and facility operations.

About the Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.

Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.