BioPark Curator/Life Support
Supervise, plan and coordinate a variety of Biological Park services, activities, operations and maintenance of life support systems and aquatic facilities; coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public and provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Aquarium Manager.
Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Manage, coordinate and oversee maintenance functions of all LSS systems assigned to Life Support Team and assist departments with facility maintenance needs as needed.
- Assume full management responsibility for assigned LSS systems including planning and directing staff; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
- Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for each assigned programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
- Establish within departmental policy appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
- Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for assigned staff; assign work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
- Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the division’s annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments.
- Create, review, revise and implement facility and energy management plans for major facilities as needed.
- Select, train, motivate and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.
- Serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
- Operational characteristics, services and activities of a Biological Park
- Water quality for fish, marine and aquatic mammals, birds and reptiles
- Theories and applications of biology, ecology or conservation
- Principles of municipal budget preparation and control
- Principles of animal physiology, behavior and classification
- Pumps, filters, ozone generators and other equipment needed for aquarium and biological park life support systems
- Preventative maintenance practices for aquarium and biological park life support systems
- Troubleshooting techniques related to system problems and/or malfunctions
- Safe work procedures when around animals
- Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation
- Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming, operation, troubleshooting, and repair
Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office - Supervise, direct and coordinate the work of lower level staff
- Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff
- Supervise the construction and maintenance of various life support systems
- Interpret and explain City Biological Park policies and procedures
- Exercise judgment in cases of animal and equipment emergencies
- Prepare clear and concise reports
- Communicate clearly and concisely
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
- Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation
Education & Experience
- Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology, hydrology, science and water resources, zoology, or chemistry; and
- Five (5) years of managerial experience at an aquarium, water treatment systems, or biological park setting with aquatic life support systems or water resources management; and
- To include two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
Physical requirements subject to but not limited to being physically fit, able to lift and move heavy objects, and stand or walk for long periods of time. They may also need to be able to work in high and low places, and occasionally climb, balance, or crawl.
Working Conditions
Work in a variety of environments, including indoors, outdoors, and in wet or humid conditions. May also be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, such as rain, sun, and temperatures up to 100 degrees
