Wonders of Wildlife //
Springfield Missouri //

The Assistant Manager of Life Support Systems provides technical and managerial support for the entire Life Support Systems team at the Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium. This position will apply advanced knowledge in the operation and maintenance of filtration systems, ozone generation, and automation systems. As a department leader, this position will also support the hiring, training, coaching, and performance feedback for LSS technicians.

Functions & Responsibilities

Essential Functions

Diagnoses and schedules repairs to Life Support Systems including water filters, ozone generation and treatment, chlorine dosing equipment, UV sterilization, protein fractionators and associated computer controls.

Works with LSS Manager, Facilities Manager, and Life Sciences, Water Quality and Veterinary departments to maintain an environment conducive to the health and well-being of all animals within the WOW Collection.

Ensures adequate amounts of prepared freshwater and saltwater is available for all animal enclosures.

Responsible for creating, updating, and maintaining the LSS preventative maintenance program, including monitoring all filtration systems and water parameters

Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs pumps, filters, valves, and actuators.

Responsible for providing adequate means to fulfill repair maintenance for the Life Support Systems by maintaining adequate spare parts and special tool inventories.

Works closely with the Life Support Systems Manager and Facilities Manager to perform standard operating procedures and operation sequences for LSS systems, plumbing and piping.

Creates and maintains operational data logs on all water systems.

Diagnose and schedule repair to pumps, filters, valves, and actuators.

Responsible for creating and managing daily and weekly schedules for all LSS employees.

Responsible for enforcing company and department policy, including yearly reviews, positive and negative discussion forms, and formal corrective action.

Responsible for vetting new resumes for posted Life Support positions as well as interviewing qualified applicants.

Required to maintain a departmental purchase card and adhere to the department budget.

Mentors and trains less experienced staff in all aspects of the Life Support Systems.

Assists staff and visitors as needed in a pleasant, professional and courteous manner.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills & Experience

Knowledge & Skills

Requires experience with large-scale aquatic life support and filtration systems preferably in a zoo or aquarium. Must have a good understanding of mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration as it applies to aquarium systems. Requires knowledge of automated controls, pneumatics, electro-mechanical and electro-optical devices and methods. Experience with RCK control systems preferred. Thorough knowledge of freshwater and saltwater chemistries. Basic plumbing, mechanical, and electrical skills. Basic swimming ability.

Requires a high degree of concentration and attention to detail – the ability to focus on multiple tasks simultaneously.

Requires walking/standing approximately 60% of the time; sitting approximately 20% of the time; lifting up to 80 lbs – approximately 10% of the time; stooping, forward bending and crouching approximately 10% of the time.

Requires capability of performing essential job functions in an aquarium museum environment with climate control and good lighting. It also requires some work outside in various environmental conditions.

Requires the ability to operate telephones, facsimile machines, computers, and other general office equipment to record written information and maintain files.

Requires the ability to communicate verbally with employees, volunteers, guests, and technical professionals in person and via telephone.

Requires the ability to operate office equipment, including computers, and read written instructions and other documentation. Requires ability to read blueprints, schematic drawings and diagrams, P&ID’s.

Any combination of experience, education, skills, certification(s), etc. will be taken into consideration

Must be able to work in an environment with exposure to sunlight, various animals, weather, loud sounds, low lighting, close quarters, high/low temperatures, etc.

Education & Experience

Open Water SCUBA diving certification required

AALSO Life Support Operator Level II certification required

AALSO Life Support Operator Level III certification preferred

Valid Missouri driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days

Must adhere to all company/department safety standards and policies.

Must be open to working weekends/weekdays/nights when necessary/critical to support the business.

Must be able to cover shifts at affiliate Conservation Attraction properties.

Must have an approved driving record and operate a company vehicle if required/applicable.

Job Requirements
Salary & Benefits