Water Quality Specialist
The Albuquerque (ABQ) BioPark, the most visited attraction in New Mexico (1.2M annual visitors) is a dynamic cultural facility including an AZA accredited zoo and aquarium, a botanic garden and public park with fishing ponds. The BioPark is a beloved community jewel. The voters of the Albuquerque community voted in favor of a fifteen-year 1/8 cent gross receipts tax (GRT) in 2015 to support the implementation of the BioPark’s master plan. This support has allowed the BioPark Zoo to make important additions to the zoo including a new elephant barn, Birds of Prey exhibit, nearly $10M in maintenance infrastructure improvements and the opening of new Asia and Australia exhibits in 2023. In addition to broad community support for capital improvements, the BioPark is currently in the midst of strategic planning process that has identified a new mission, core values and strategic program pillars to guide our work over the next five years. We are excited to have this process evolve alongside a master plan review and update process that aligns capital improvements with program development that is focused on community engagement and conservation impacts.
Position Summary
Perform water quality analysis on and maintain aquatic life support systems; maintain, troubleshoot and repair all water quality of life support to include pumps, filters and related equipment; participate in aquarium maintenance and special projects within ABQ-BioPark and perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.
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
Preferred Skills & Abilities
Perform mechanical and electrical maintenance and troubleshooting
Collect and analyze technical data and recommend corrective actions
Maintain accurate records and logs of laboratory testing procedures and regulations
Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public
Work with large pumps, filters, ozone generators and other life support equipment
Operate a variety of computer equipment and software relative to the assigned area responsibility
Communicate effectively
Perform the essential duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodation
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Preferred Knowledge
Basic principles and practices of water quality
Methods and techniques of laboratory testing and analysis
Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions as related to laboratory testing
Life support equipment essential for maintaining fish systems
Principles and procedures of data collection
Principles and procedures of record keeping
Principles of technical report preparation
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations
Education & Experience
Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements
Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.
Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in physical science, mechanical/electrical, water utility operation or skilled trades; and
Four (4) years of experience with mechanical water pumping systems or skilled trades in mechanical, electrical, pipe fitting, plumbing or HVAC.
