Aquarium Life Support Maintenance Engineer I
The Aquarium Life Support Maintenance Engineer I will be part of a dynamic team that is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s 800,000-gallon aquatic life support systems. This position will serve as a work leader and oversee the operation and maintenance of aquarium life support automated controls systems by training and supporting staff on control system operation, construction, maintenance, and programming.
Duties will include
Troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining aquarium life support automated control systems and control system components.
Initiate, manage, and complete controls projects and programming of control systems and components; develop scope of work for projects, design control systems and develop budgets for control systems.
Serve on a rotation for life support and facility operations including weekend duty and is expected to maintain all components of exhibit life support systems by conducting routine and emergency repair.
Communicate with staff across functional areas regarding maintenance for each system to maintain the highest animal care standards by collaborating with water quality, veterinary, and animal care staff to ensure the highest standards of animal care and welfare for all animal exhibits and holding/quarantine systems.
Assist the Senior Curator of Life Support with supervision of the work of life support staff by assigning and scheduling tasks so that work is completed properly and on time.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required to meet operational needs. This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, or other safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee’s supervisor based on position assigned. This is a safety-sensitive position and is subject to mandatory drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination. Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City’s operational status. Successful completion of a pre-employment physical.
Functions & Responsibilities
Other Duties & Responsibilities
The ideal candidate will have the following preferences.
Associates degree or higher in electrical engineering or related field. Specialized training or certification in automation, electronics, or electrical fields. Experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs. Experience interpreting and preparing electrical or electronic plans, diagrams, and schematics. Work experience in mechanical fields or mechanical engineering fields. Experience in project management including maintaining budgets. Experience supervising and managing. Industry-related experience working in a public aquarium, water/wastewater treatment, aquaculture, or similar facility.
Skills & Experience
Education & Experience
MINIMUMS: Requires a High school diploma or GED plus five (5) years of experience in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with such positions as aquarium life support operator/technician/engineer, water treatment plant operator, automation technician or PLC/SCADA technician; or any equivalent combination of related education, experience and training. Must have a current and valid driver’s license.