Denver Zoological Foundation
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Job Description
Job Title:
Life Support Technician
Department: Facilities Maintenance
Reports To:
Life Support Manager
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Date:
October 2015
At Denver Zoo, our mission is to secure a better world for animals through human understanding. We are a
respected leader in animal care and exhibition, conservation programs, scientific study, environmental
education and public service.
The Facilities Group is a diverse team of individuals and departments with a broad range of talents. The team
works collaboratively to provide exceptional care, growth, and vision for all of the Zoo’s physical facilities and
landscapes, while exceeding the expectations of our internal customers and our zoo guests.
Summary:
This position advances Denver Zoo’s mission, core values, and goals by overseeing the activities of the Life
Support Systems Shop. The individual performs all aspects of work for the purpose of design, construction,
maintenance, repair, and installation of life support systems, equipment, and materials. This position reports
to the Life Support Manager and occasionally serves in a supervisory role over outside
consultants/suppliers/contractors hired in a life support systems capacity.
Essential Functions:
 Adheres to and promotes Denver Zoo’s mission, core values, and strategic initiatives.
 Reports incurred expenses to the Life Support Systems Manager.
 Participates in the design of new and modified life support systems. Helps to implement approved
designs.
 Purchases life support system-related equipment, tools, chemicals and materials.
 Helps to coordinate outside contractors, including ensuring compliance with the Outside Contractor
Code of Conduct, communicating methods of procedure (MOP’s), tracking project schedule, and
performing quality control.
 Ensures compliance with current regulations, codes, and industry standards.
 Collects water samples, performs various water quality tests, helps to operate and maintain an on-site
water quality laboratory, transports water samples to outside testing agencies when necessary,
records data, and prepares assigned reports/records, (i.e. daily reports, water quality logs, equipment
inspection logs, and other pertinent data on Life Support Systems (LSS) and facilities as required.
Utilizes in-house computer data systems and software. Implements necessary adjustments to water
chemistry, as needed.
 Performs inspections of all life support equipment for preventative maintenance, routine upkeep, and
repair of all facility life support system components, including media replacement when needed.
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Follows applicable standard operating procedures (SOP’s).
Performs preventative maintenance (PM) on life support systems and maintains records of work
performed.
Helps to rebuild small pumps, bearing motors, and impeller assembles.
Performs plumbing, installation and repair on LSS.
Assists Pump Tech with pump service and maintenance.
Performs filtration operation including back washing, media replacement, ozone adjustment,
compressor servicing and adjustments.
Helps coordinate or self-performs PM work on all components of ozone systems, including ozone
generators, ambient ozone analyzers and compressors, alarm systems, and pumps.
Works cooperatively with other departments, (i.e. Animal, Education, Guest Services, etc.) and outside
contractors.
Maintains satisfactory working relationships and a professional appearance.
Operates a variety of light and medium equipment.
Maintains records on required and competed Work Orders.
Additional Responsibilities:
 Complies with and promotes Denver Zoo’s safety policies and sustainable management goals.
 Working occasional nights, weekends, and holidays, or placed on emergency on call capacity may be
required.
 Composes and maintains thorough documentation.
 Prepares work plans using blue prints, sketches, schematics, and digital models.
 Plans and coordinates installation, maintenance, and repair work with other trades areas.
 Attend meetings, as needed.
 Maintains records, prepares reports, and submits completed work orders in a timely manner.
 Performs various tasks as assigned.
Qualifications:
 High School diploma or equivalent; Associate Degree is preferred.
 AALSO Level III
 Skilled in PVC plumbing and design as it relates to life support systems.
 Intermediate computer skills including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
 General mechanical aptitude and math skills.
 Ability to interpret values on numerical gauges.
 Skill in maintaining and organizing files, records and documents.
 Willing to work with chemicals including acids, chlorine, bromine, and ozone.
 Ability to work independently without supervision and is expected to develop a strong sense of
responsibility for the systems throughout the zoo.
 Certified Water Professional (CWP) license, or ability to get such certification within six months.
 Experience with Hazcom and OSHA guidelines.
 Willingness to work in confined spaces and in the vicinity of fall hazards. Denver Zoo will provide
confined space and fall protection training and PPE.
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Knowledge of materials, methods, and the appropriate tools to construct objects, structures, and
buildings.
Ability to read and communicate using manuals, plans, shop drawings, specifications, digital models,
maps, and written and verbal instructions.
Must possess good interpersonal communications skills.
Must possess excellent customer service skills.
Possession of a valid Colorado Class “R” Driver’s License 3 months after the time of appointment.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands for this position involves light lifting under 25lbs and also requires carrying, pushing,
pulling, and occasional heavy lifting up to 40 lbs. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk and
listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands to maneuver handle or feel objects, tools or controls.
The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance; also, reach, stoop, kneel or smell. Specific
vision abilities required include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception vision and ability to adjust
focus. Minimal crouching, crawling, climbing, and non-confined sitting are also required. The position
requires both mental and visual concentration.
Work Environment:
This position requires a substantial amount of contact with staff, volunteers, and other departments. The
employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions and may be
occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and chemicals. The employee may be exposed to
chemicals and zoonosis. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
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