Aquarium Life Support Technician I

Aquarium Life Support Technician I

Virginia Aquarium //
Virginia Beach, VA //
Posted on: March 23, 2021 //

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a public-private partnership between the City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit. The city owns and maintains the Aquarium’s buildings and provides administrative support while the foundation procures and maintains the collection of animals and exhibits. The foundation is also responsible for fundraising efforts and various scientific research, education, and conservation programs.

Aquarium Life Support Technician I
The Aquarium Life Support Technician 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 provide for the needs of all animal and aquarium life support systems in assigned areas by doing regular daily inspections, maintaining water quality through monitoring and operation of individual life support systems and performing preventative maintenance tasks on life support and related equipment as directed by senior staff. Duties will include the operation and maintenance of pumps, filters, fractionators, compressors, ozone generators, valve and piping systems, electronic control systems, and laboratory equipment. This position will be expected to 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.

Functions & Responsibilities
Skills & Experience

Knowledge & Skills

The ideal candidate will have the following preferences.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or an Associates of Applied Science degree in Aquarium Science. Industry related certification or license, such as Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO), waterworks operator , wastewater operator, water distribution operator, National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), or similar. Experience operating life support systems in a public aquarium, aquaculture facility, water production/distribution systems, or wastewater systems. Experience repairing/installing life support system components or similarly complex machinery. Experience working in construction or life support design. Water quality experience. Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility.

Education & Experience

MINIMUMS: Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to two (2) years of experience in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with positions such as aquarium life support operator/technician, water treatment plant operator, aquaculturist, aquarist, exhibits technician, or maintenance worker in a similar facility. Must have, or obtain, a current and valid Virginia or North Carolina drivers license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV drivers license eligibility requirements. 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 employees supervisor based on position assigned. This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to mandatory drug testing and annual exams. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination. Alpha I Status: 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.

Job Requirements
Salary & Benefits
Salary: Pay range for this classification: G. 15 $32,656.00 - $47,840.00