Life Support Manager-Maintenance
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 at a Master level for the purpose of design,
construction, maintenance, repair, and installation of life support systems, equipment, and materials. The
individual acts in a supervisory role over the Life Support Technicians and outside
consultants/suppliers/contractors hired in a life support systems capacity. The Life Support Manager’s primary
responsibility is oversight of the Toyota Elephant Passage filtration system covering approximately 1.2 million
gallons of water in six different pools. In addition, this position supports the seal/sea lion, polar bear and river
otter filtration and water quality systems, flamingo pond and other bird exhibits.
Essential Functions:
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Adheres to and promotes Denver Zoo’s mission, core values, and strategic initiatives.
Supervises the schedules of all staff within the Life Support Systems (LSS) Shop, including work
prioritization, assigning daily tasks, ensuring employee productivity, conducting employee
performance reviews, implementing disciplinary measures, training, quality control, and approving
time off. Suggests appropriate methods to perform tasks when necessary.
Manages the LSS Shop’s budgets for both capital and operating accounts.
Participates in the design of new and modified life support systems and implements approved
designs.
Purchases life support system-related equipment, tools, chemicals and materials.
Coordinates outside contractors when necessary, including obtaining bids, approving contracts and
purchase agreements, ensuring compliance with the Outside Contractor Code of Conduct, procuring
information for background checks, communicating Prevailing Wage requirements, procuring
permits, reviewing payment applications, generating purchase authorizations, 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, maintains 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 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 LSS components, including media replacement when needed.
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Develops and maintains applicable standard operating procedures (SOP’s).
Establishes a comprehensive preventative maintenance (PM) record system. Without supervision,
maintains PM’s on all systems of responsibility.
Coordinates or self-performs necessary repairs of small pumps, bearing motors, and impeller
assembles.
Trains fellow Life Support technicians and other designated zoo staff in standard LSS maintenance,
service, and records keeping as directed.
Performs plumbing, installation and repair on LSS.
Performs pump servicing and lubricating with the assistance of the Pump Tech.
Performs filtration operation including back washing, media replacement, ozone adjustment,
compressor servicing and adjustments.
Coordinates or self-performs PM work on all components of ozone and UV 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 completed work.
Demonstrates a commitment to Denver Zoo’s Safety & Sustainability Policies by adhering to all
environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.
Additional Responsibilities:
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Working occasional nights, weekends, and holidays, or placed on emergency on call capacity may be
required.
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:
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High School diploma or equivalent; Associate Degree is preferred.
Basic business management skills.
Must possess Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO) Level 2 Proficiency or be able to obtain
within first year of employment. Also must possess 5 years of experience with life support systems.
Experience at AZA institutions is preferred.
Must possess a CPO certification and OCPO/CWP certification or be able to obtain these within the first
year of employment.
Two years’ experience in the mechanical repair, plumbing, electrical systems of aquatic filtration
pumps and filters.
Knowledge of automated life support system operation and diagnostics.
Experience with automated control systems, component calibration and maintenance.
Experience with centrifugal pump equipment fractional to 60 HP, sand filters, carbon filters, drum
filters, UV sterilizers, ozone systems, chlorine, bromine, denitrification systems, water chemistry,
VFD’s, chillers, and heat exchangers are highly desirable. Knowledge of biology and zoology are a plus.
Skilled in PVC plumbing and design as it relates to Life support systems.
Intermediate computer skills including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Experience operating computer programming for automated controls is required.
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Knowledge of ozone generators, dryers, and ambient ozone alarm systems is required.
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.
Experience with Hazcom and OSHA guidelines
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.
Clear driving record.
Licensure and Certification:
 Possession of a valid Colorado Class “R” Driver’s License within three months of hiring.
This is a regular full-time position with excellent benefits including complete medical/dental/vision coverage, 403(b)
retirement plan and a generous vacation package.
Please apply through our website at www.denverzoo.org
Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Closing Date: October 31, 2015