State of North Carolina logo

Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator

State of North Carolina
Full-time
On-site
Randolph County, North Carolina, United States
$39,671 - $47,110 USD yearly

Description of Work



***SIGN-ON BONUS BEING OFFERED***
A sign-on bonus of $1,000 is being offered for eligible candidates.  
See eligibility at https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy
*Payout contingent on funding availability*


Application Process
Please watch our video here that walks you through each step of the application process.

Click here to learn about employee perks and benefits

Click here to see the Total Compensation Calculator


This position is located at: 

4401 Zoo Parkway

Asheboro, NC 27205


Primary Purpose of Position:
 The North Carolina Zoo is looking for a dynamic, team and detail-oriented individual to join the Aquatics Team. This team is responsible for monitoring the water quality of animal areas and maintaining existing life support equipment. This position will work closely with most animal sections in order to maintain optimal aquatic life support systems.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Monitors quality of aquatic life support systems on a daily basis.
  • Provides preventative maintenance and repairs for life support systems.
  • Maintains working knowledge of water chiller systems, filtration systems, ozone systems, and water chemistry.
  • Maintains safe and effective chemical laboratory activity.

Position / Physical Requirements:
  • Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider.
  • Must be able to regularly work weekends, holidays, and after normal work shifts. 
  • Required to have a valid driver license or obtain within 60 days of employment to drive a state vehicle.
  • Position is considered "Essential/Mandatory Staff" and required to work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
  • Participation in the North Carolina Zoo’s occupational health program, receiving vaccinations.
  • Must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with Zoo staff and the public.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., have good physical agility, strength, vision, and hearing, and the ability to perform strenuous physical work in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments with or without an accommodation.
  • Must have demonstrated experience using computers and MS Office.
  • Must have the ability to troubleshoot complex water treatment and filtration systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Management Prefers:

  • Demonstrated experience working in a water quality laboratory setting.
  • Experience with aquarium water chillers, heat exchangers, UV and ozone systems, reverse osmosis, fractionators, plumbing application, pumps, motors and/or filtration equipment
  • Demonstrated experience with water chemistry analysis techniques.
  • Demonstrated experience as a Water Quality Technician including sample gathering and testing, quality control, data interpretation, data entry as well as aid in troubleshooting and correction of parameters.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details. 

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma 
and
two (2) years of progressive experience in the assigned trade areas;
or
an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Qualification May require current certification by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Type I, II, III or Universal technician as required by Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations Part 82, Subpart F.

Supplemental and Contact Information

Division Description:

The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and guests. The North Carolina Zoo mission is to protect wildlife and wild places and inspire people to join in conserving the natural world. This mission encompasses both domestic and international efforts, focusing on wildlife conservation, habitat preservation, and promoting environmental stewardship.

Agency Description:

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence.

We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.
 

Application Process
Please watch our video here that walks you through each step of the application process.

Be sure to complete the application in full. Resumes may be uploaded with your application but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit.  "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will NOT be accepted. 
 
Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. 

Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.

If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.
 
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.  
 

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application.  If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.govto learn more.

Veteran’s and National Guard Preference

Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application.

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. 

Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.
 
Employment Eligibility It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment.   We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

Sign On Bonus Eligibility

To be eligible for a sign-on bonus, the candidate must not have worked as a probationary, permanent, or time-limited employee in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including without limitation the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system, subject to the State Human Resources Act.
 

NEOGOV Technical Assistance

If you are having technical issues logging into your account or applying for a position, please review the Get Help/FAQ's information on the website. If you are still experiencing technical issues with your application, please call the NEOGOV Help Line at 855-524-5627.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division of Human Resources

Kim West

4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205
Phone:  336-879-7311

employment@dncr.nc.gov