Senior Environmental Quality Technician

Position Summary:
The Senior Environmental Quality Technician plays a critical role in monitoring and maintaining optimal environmental conditions across terrestrial and aquatic habitats to ensure the health and well-being of the animal collection. This position supports both daily operations and long-term habitat planning, ensuring that environmental parameters—including water and air quality, temperature, humidity, and substrate—are consistently maintained to meet species-specific standards. Working closely with curators, veterinarians, and other animal care professionals, this role also provides guidance and supervision to Animal Keepers to uphold best practices in environmental and habitat management.

Key Responsibilities
Environmental Monitoring & Maintenance:

• Monitor water quality parameters (e.g., pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) for aquatic habitats.
• Ensure proper temperature, humidity, substrate, and air quality in terrestrial exhibits.
• Implement and audit adherence to protocols for maintaining species-appropriate environmental conditions.
• Identify and resolve environmental imbalances in collaboration with Lead Keepers, Technicians, and Managers.

Leadership & Supervision:

• Support the Curators in leading the Animal Keeper team to maintain habitat cleanliness, safety, and protocol compliance.
• Train and mentor staff in environmental monitoring and care techniques.
• Manage maintenance schedules to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and internal SOPs.

Collaboration & Reporting:

• Coordinate with Senior Keepers, Technicians, veterinary staff, curators, and the national husbandry team to optimize environmental quality and support breeding and wellness.
• Partner with Facilities and the Senior LSS Technician to manage HVAC, filtration, and life support systems.
• Prepare reports and communicate findings on environmental data and habitat status to upper management.
• Contribute to long-term planning for habitat renovations, upgrades, and new exhibit development.

Animal Welfare & Conservation:

• Ensure environmental conditions meet high standards of animal welfare and align with internal SOPs.
• Monitor how environmental factors affect animal behavior, health, and reproduction, and make adjustments as needed.

Compliance & Safety:

• Maintain compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., USDA, Fish & Wildlife, DNR).
• Keep accurate and organized records of habitat and environmental data to support inspections and audits.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in animal care, with at least 2 years focused on terrestrial and aquatic habitat management.
• Proficient in water quality analysis, filtration systems, and life support equipment.
• In-depth understanding of environmental needs of diverse species.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including team training and scheduling.
• Familiarity with AZA standards and other applicable regulations.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and comfort working in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in water quality or environmental monitoring.
• Experience in habitat design and life support system operation.
• Knowledge of conservation biology and sustainable practices within zoological settings.

Working Conditions:

• Requires physical activity including standing, walking, lifting, and handling equipment.
• Work may occur in outdoor environments and varied weather conditions.
• Availability for occasional weekends, holidays, or after-hours emergencies or special events.