Life Support Operator

Responsible for all daily operations and maintenance of zoo life support systems. Performs inspections and preventative and emergency maintenance for all life support systems and equipment. Conducts life support activities such as water testing and analysis, filter backwashes, system lineup changes, water treatments, and monitoring. Isolates, troubleshoots, and coordinates the repair of faulty life support systems including pumps, ozone generation systems, aquarium system filtration, and life support systems building controls equipment. Provides support of life support systems equipment and exhibits. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Information Specific to this Position: 
This position will work at St. Paul's Como Zoo and Conservatory. The typical work schedule is 7:00am - 3:30pm, but may vary, and the work week  includes Saturday.
             
 Primary Responsibilities:

• Conducts daily water quality testing including, chlorine, salinity, pH Coordinates, coliform screening, and any other necessary testing. Works with lab technicians to ensure appropriate scheduling, collection, handling, and analysis of water samples.
• Operates, monitors, and maintains life support equipment (pumps, motors, chillers, ozone generators, filters, and piping systems) and conducts daily visual inspections. Schedules regular maintenance on all systems equipment.
• Operates large pumps, sand filters, protein skimmers, ozone contact/ generators, identification systems, gas exchangers, Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) system, level, flow, and other instrumentation, automated LSS computer monitoring and control, etc.
• Works with department team members to effectively plan for water quality needs for the animals.
• Evaluates the records for daily visual inspections of filter readings, valve positions, flow rates, and analog instrumentation.
• Maintains chemical balance of exhibit water to provide the cleanest, healthiest environment possible for the exhibit animals.
• Records accurate data of activities, inventories, and maintenance of life support systems. 

Essential Functions are the functions that the individual holding the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation. The Essential Functions for this position are identified in the Supplemental Information section of the Life Support Operator Job Description.
 
The City of Saint Paul’s mission is to integrate equity and inclusion into how we approach all our work. Our vision is to be committed to building an equitable and inclusive city that will shift culture in city processes and policies, eliminate structural inequities, and ensure timely and relevant access to services, resources, support, and opportunity to every person in Saint Paul.

• A Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Chemistry, Zoology, Engineering, Physics, or a related field, and 
• Three or more years of experience with life support systems, current within the last five years. Experience must include the majority of the following: operating, maintaining, and building life support systems for marine and freshwater systems, experience with pumps, filters, fractionators, UV sterilizers, heat exchangers, ozone systems, and automated control equipment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out-of-state driver's license. 
• Must possess Scuba Certification by the end of the six-month probationary period.

Preferred Qualification:

Experience working in an AZA accredited institution.

1. Submit a City of Saint Paul online application, including answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire.
2. Upload the following required document via the online application system. You will not be able to submit your application without these documents attached. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.) 
   • A Resume - please ensure your vacancy related experience is documented 

First time applying online? Read our How to Apply Online Guide.

Not sure how the City of Saint Paul's hiring process works? Attend one of our Elevate sessions. The schedule is available at www.stpaul.gov/elevate.Assessment: Qualifications Rating
 
The Qualifications Rating is an assessment of your completed application, answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire, and your resume.  Be as specific and detailed as possible in completing your application and any attachments. You must submit your completed application, supplemental questionnaire and any attachments by the application deadline.
 
GENERAL INFORMATION:
 
Eligible Lists created from Open Job Posting: This job posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements. Non-promotion eligible lists typically are pass/fail and promotion eligible lists are typically ranked. Those who pass the assessment will be placed on an eligible list for approximately one year. If the open eligible list created contains a veteran, one open list will exist. When there are no veterans remaining on the eligible list (i.e. hired, withdrawn) from an open list that also contains promotional candidates, two lists will be created: one open list and one promotion list. If two lists exist, the promotion list must be exhausted before the open list is considered.

Final Selection Process: You must receive a score of 75% or higher to pass the assessment and be considered for the position. Those who pass will be placed on an eligible list and all will be notified of their status. A Hiring Manager will consider those applicants eligible for hire. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.  

Condition of Employment: This position will require proof of vaccination and an attestation of vaccination for COVID-19. This position also requires a medical examination, driver’s license check, and a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. Candidates will be required to submit proof of education to Human Resources upon conditional job offer. The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history. 

Human Resources Contact Information:  
Chrissy Hauge at 651-266-6512
200 City Hall Annex
25 West Fourth Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Fax: 651-266-6490
E-mail: jobs@stpaul.gov

To refer to this information, we recommend you print this job posting before you apply. For technical assistance regarding the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627 during regular business hours.
 
Veteran’s Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.

The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.  
 

Salary : $54,018 - $73,216